Empowering K–12 STEM educators as leaders in science education, AERIS (Advancing Educators for Research in Innovative Science) connects participants with breakthrough research in AI, quantum, biotech, and space technology—directly from AFOSR’s science portfolios. Through immersive learning experiences and collaboration with top researchers, educators will deepen their expertise, expand their professional impact, and become catalysts for innovation in their schools and communities.

AERIS Institute

Teacher Leaders at the Forefront of Scientific Discovery


Join our cohort of STEM education leaders focused on translating cutting-edge science into high-impact professional development. Anchored in the basic science mission of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), the AERIS Institute connects educators with top researchers advancing the future of artificial intelligence, quantum science, biotechnology, human performance, and complex systems—the very technologies shaping our national security and global future.

Through this year-long institute, you will:

  • Deepen your understanding of breakthrough scientific discoveries

  • Engage with real-world defense research and AFOSR-supported scientists

  • Design and deliver a powerful NGSS-aligned workshop ready for district professional development and national conferences

  • Build learning connections with educators at the National Air and Space Museum

  • Utilize resources in the ACCESS Lending Library - an incredible collection of classroom tools that is 100% free to use!

All selected participants will receive a $1000 stipend and 60 CEUs for fully participating in the AERIS Institute.

Applications for the 2025-2026 AERIS Institute will open in August 2025.

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FAQs

Who is eligible to participate?

The AERIS Institute is open to K–12 STEM educators working in the National Capital Region (NCR). You can see a map of the NCR here!

When and where will the workshops be held?

All AERIS Institute sessions will take place on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Specific dates for the four main sessions (October 2025, December 2025, February 2026, April 2026) will be announced soon.

What are the time commitments?

Participants will attend four in-person sessions over the academic year, plus a final celebration in June 2026. Additionally, there will be monthly virtual check-ins and optional one-to-one mentoring sessions with the AFOSR STEM Team.

What will I receive for participating?

Educators who fully participate in all sessions and complete the final deliverable will receive a $1,000 stipend as recognition of their time and commitment. They will also receive 60 CEUs for their workshop development and professional learning.

tell me more about this deliverable.

Each participant will design and develop a professional development workshop focused on one of the Critical Technology Areas. These workshops should be NGSS-aligned and intended for presentation at conferences or district PD sessions.

Can we use ed tech resources in our workshops?

Absolutely! All participants will have access to AFOSR’s ACCESS Lending Library Program, which offers STEM resources for K-12 classrooms. We strongly encourage using these resources to enrich the PD you create during our time together.

Schedule: 2025 - 2026

October 2025

Artificial Intelligence Unplugged: Tools, Ethics, and Applications for Educators

To kick things off, participants will dive into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning, exploring how these technologies are transforming defense systems, research, and our everyday life. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that demystify how AI works and learn about AFOSR-funded breakthroughs that power autonomy, decision-making, and data analysis.

This session will also introduce the leadership goals of the institute, including how teachers can effectively communicate complex science and spark innovation in their classrooms and schools. Participants will begin developing their workshop focus aligned with AI or other emerging technologies.

December 2025

Leading with Quantum: Bringing Advanced Physics to Life for K-12 Classrooms

This session unlocks the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and its rapidly growing impact on computing, sensing, and secure communications. Teachers will interact with AFOSR-supported quantum researchers and experiment with models and simulations that bring quantum concepts to life. Discussions will focus on how to teach abstract ideas through NGSS-aligned inquiry and how quantum research is influencing future defense capabilities.

We will continue shaping our professional development workshops, ensuring strong scientific grounding and classroom relevance.

february 2026

Breakthrough Biotech: Engineering Life and Unlocking Potential

Focusing on biotechnology, neuroscience, and human-machine integration, this session explores how AFOSR research is unlocking new ways to support human performance, adaptability, and biological innovation. From wearable sensors to synthetic biology, teachers will gain firsthand experience with emerging technologies and their ethical implications.

This session also emphasizes instructional leadership—how to build inclusive, high-impact PD experiences for diverse educator audiences. Participants will refine the content and interactivity of their workshops and prepare to pilot key elements.

April 2026

Complex Systems – Materials, Modeling, and the Science of the Unseen

In our final learning session, we’ll explore the interconnected systems that power emerging defense technologies, from advanced materials and hypersonics to energy resilience and space weather. Through case studies and team-based challenges, we will show how AFOSR's basic research supports breakthroughs across domains.

The session includes peer review and rapid feedback on participants' workshop plans, focusing on NGSS alignment, teacher usability, and leadership in professional learning communities.

Final Showcase: June 2026

Leading with Science – Workshop Celebration and Presentation

The AERIS Institute concludes with a celebration of learning, leadership, and impact. Each participant (or team) will present a polished version of their professional development workshop, designed to bring breakthrough science into classrooms and educator communities. With feedback from peers, researchers, and district leaders, this event marks the launch of a new cadre of teacher-leaders equipped to share the power of cutting-edge science through education.

Final Deliverable: An NGSS-aligned professional development workshop that introduces learners to one of AFOSR’s critical technology areas, ready to be presented in your district and conferences. You can build this workshop individually or as a team within this institute.

If you're passionate about science, innovation, and growing as a teacher leader, the AERIS Institute will elevate your practice—and amplify your impact.