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Industries of the Future Research Experience for Preservice Teachers in STEM

What’s new

Please download the trifold flyer for recruiting preservice teachers into the summer research experience program.

  1. Applications are now open to accept the second cohort of 12 preservice teachers from the teachHOUSTON program from May 13 to June 21, 2024. The priority deadline is February 23, 2024 and final deadline is March 31, 2024. Each preservice teacher will receive $5,100 stipend and a free 3D printer after six weeks of summer program.
  2. The first cohort of 8 preservice teachers have participated in UH lab research from June 12 to July 21, 2023. Please visit our Facebook and LinkedIn for pictures in our activities. 

Introduction

As a collaboration between the Technology Division at the Cullen College of Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering (CCOE) and the teachHouston program at the College of Natural Science and Mathematics (NSM), UH has received from National Science Foundation (NSF) a Research Experience for Preservice Teachers (RE-PST) in a STEM Setting grant serving high school preservice STEM teachers in teachHOUSTON program with a focus on Industries of the Future research topics: 

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2220683

We will host RE-PST site summer program in 2023-2025 for 3 years with the research experience in the summers. Research topics hosted by the TD and CCOE will include:

Activities include workshops, curriculum development, seminars, and field trips to local industry. The research experience will be incorporated into high school curriculum that meets Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standard, and aligns with NGSS as well. Co-PI Dr. Paige Evans and Ms. Ramona Mateer will lead the guidance effort in transforming Industries of the Future knowledge into high school curriculum. The program will be assessed by Dr. T. Greer. The program result will be disseminated through multiple partners, including local ISDs and UTeach Association. 

Participants

Ten (10) preservice teachers will be chosen from the teachHouston program to participate in the summer RE-PST program. Each receives a $800/week stipend for participation in the six-week summer program and $1,000 upon completion of the implementation and evaluation activities during the following academic year. For each year, the top 3 course modules will be selected to receive $500, $300, and $200 bonuses, respectively. Every participant will receive and assemble a free 3D printer for use at the future high school.

Preservice teachers will be responsible for their own lodging, parking, meal and travel expenses.

How to Apply?

The following materials must be submitted for consideration before the application deadline:

  • Application form
  • Recommendation form (reference form)
  • A resume
  • A two-page essay that addresses the following topics:
    • Why do you want to participate in this program?
    • What do you hope to gain?
    • What research area(s) are you most interested in (AI, Biotech, Communication, Quantum, Manufacturing) and why?
    • How would you expect this experience to contribute to your future teaching career?

Sponsor

National Science Foundation