Join the next cohort of accomplished STEM teachers as they take on deep inquiry, informal learning connections, and career-based learning opportunities alongside engineers, researchers, and museum specialists. Be a part of a community of teacher leaders who wish to expand upon their practice, engage in reimagined engineering challenges, and return to the classroom feeling energized and empowered.

This program is designed for K-12 teachers in the National Capital Region who seek to infuse science, technology, engineering, and math into their lessons and explore interdisciplinary project design. Participants in this program will receive a $1,000 stipend and educational resources for their classroom.

STEM Teacher Leadership academy

An immersive professional development experience for K-12 educators in the National Capital Region.

The 2024 STEM Teacher Leadership Academy application has closed.

Following review, all candidates will be notified by March 1, 2024.

If you have any questions about the program or your application, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

  • Licensed, practicing K-12 educators in the National Capital Region teaching one or more of the STEM content areas (science, technology, engineering, and/or math).

  • Educators must be available to take part in the full week of programming and have reliable transportation to the National Air and Space Museum in Downtown Washington, D.C.

  • Educators who have developed interdisciplinary STEM projects in the past or are interested in developing such projects in the future.

What should you expect?

During this immersive week, educators will take part in hands-on workshops and gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts from a variety of subject matter experts. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to explore informal learning practices within the National Air and Space Museum and learn from museum educators on-site.

Our mission is to provide a space for authentic learning, creative problem-solving, and cooperative planning for K-12 teachers who are looking to expand upon their skillset and provide opportunities for student-driven inquiry in the classroom.

Click here for a sample daily schedule!

DATES:

Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2, 2024

TIMES:

Most days will begin at 9 AM and end by 4 PM.

LOCATION:

The National Air and Space Museum

600 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, D.C. 20560

FAQs

How much does it cost to participate?

There is no cost for teachers to participate. The only costs you need to consider are related to transportation and lunch. Every participant will receive a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the program.

Is transportation included?

Applicants are expected to provide their own transportation to our sites during this week of programming. If you have questions or concerns about transportation or accessibility, please contact us.

Do I need to commit to the full week?

Yes, it is expected that participants will attend all five days of programming.

Will participants receive recertification points?

Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program with 40 hours of points for recertification.

Are you looking for a particular grade level/content area for applicants?

Our goal is to build as diverse as a cohort as possible, which includes STEM practitioners working with a wide range of students. We will primarily consider applications from K-12 STEM teachers in the National Capital Region.

What counts as the “National Capital Region”?

You can use this handy National Capital Region Map as a guide. We will consider applicants who teach within this zone.

How will I know if I have been accepted?

Applicants will be notified by March 1, 2024 if they have been selected to participate. We will notify all applicants via email of their application status.

How many participants will be accepted in 2024?

We will accept up to 20 teacher participants in the STEM Teacher Leadership Academy in Summer 2024.

Have questions about the STEM Teacher Leadership Academy? Please fill out the form below. Thank you for your interest!

The STEM Teacher Leadership Academy is created in partnership between the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the National Reconnaissance Office.