The Montshire STEM Teacher-Leader Certificate Program is designed to create and support a network of classroom teachers who have the tools, knowledge, and passion to become leaders for STEM education in their schools.
Montshire STEM Teacher-Leader Certificate Program
Work side-by-side with fellow educators
Strengthen expertise in K-6 and K-8 STEM learning
Develop the skills to support science education in your classrooms
Be a changing force in your classroom
Be a Force for Change in Your Classroom and School
Over the course of the program, teachers will participate in over 40 hours of professional development that will include hands-on workshops, seminars on science education, and conversations with scientists and engineers at the Montshire or local organizations.
Sessions give teachers access to the museum’s resources, including staff and community expertise, curriculum resources and exhibit areas.
The Montshire’s education team will serve as the core faculty for this program. Each Montshire staff member will offer their depth and diversity of expertise in STEM education. The program also includes visits to or from research scientists and engineers from such places as Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Medical School, Thayer Engineering School and the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab.
Over the course of the school year, participating teachers will:
- Receive extensive professional development in STEM education
- Work side-by-side with other passionate educators from across the region
- Be coached and mentored by experts in STEM education
- Develop the skills and theoretical science understanding to support inquiry-based science education in your classroom.
- Infuse a culture of science learning in your school community
A $500 stipend will be provided to each participating teacher.
Applications will be reviewed beginning September 15, and accepted applicants will be notified by September 30.
| Program Components | Details |
| Kick-Off institute: October 13 |
An introduction to inquiry-based science, engineering and experimental design through the lens of NGSS, as well as an opportunity to set and share goals for the year. |
| Group Collaboration: Curriculum Workshopping: November 17 |
Participating teachers and museum educators work in small groups, based on curriculum needs and interests, to further their own instructional practice. |
| Three Workshop Sessions: December 15 February 16 April 13 |
Full-day workshops, each focuses on a specific science content area and related science practices. Each workshop includes the following components: a. Inquiry-Based Professional Development Workshop b. Lesson Share and Reflection, facilitated by a participating teacher c. Cohort Field Trip or Visit, where teachers meet with field-based experts and scientists |
| “Teach the Teachers” Workshop January 19 March 16 May 18 |
Each Teacher Leader will create a professional development workshop for colleagues at their school. This development process is facilitated through video conferences throughout the school year to discuss, plan and structure these experiences with Montshire Educators, as well as fellow Teacher Leaders. |
Be a Leader in STEM Education
This program is ideal for teachers who:
- Want to strengthen their expertise in STEM learning
- Are eager to improve science education practices in their own classroom
- Have at least two years of classroom experience
- Are current and emerging science leaders in their schools.
Additional application and program requirements:
- Letter of support from the applicant’s Principal acknowledging release time needs (5 professional development days) and that the teacher is an appropriate candidate for the program.
- Each participant will be required to lead a STEM education professional development experience for their colleagues. This can occur during an in-service day, faculty meeting period, or at a regional or state-wide teacher conference within 1 year of completing the program.
A maximum of 10 teachers will be accepted into the program.
TO APPLY:
STEP 1: Complete and submit the application.
STEP 2: Download, complete, and submit the letter of support from your school principal