RET for Educators
Quick Facts
- Dates: June 17 – July 31, 2026
- Stipend: $900/week ($5,400 total)
- Travel Allowance: Provided for both in- and out-of-state participants
- Food Allowance: $100 for on-campus food expenses only
- Housing: Available if needed
- Mini-Grant: Classroom supplies provided
- Professional Development: Weekly PD Fridays focused on classroom connections
- Coaching: Year-round mentoring and bi-weekly Zoom check-ins
- Location: On-campus labs at Iowa State University
Qualifications
- Who: K–12 science, math, or engineering/technology teachers, or instructional leaders who work directly with teachers.
- Commitment: Available for the full program dates (June 17 – July 31, 2026).
- Experience: One or more years of classroom teaching preferred.
Major Activities
- Conduct research in a faculty-led lab (approx. 35 hrs/week for six weeks).
- Participate in weekly lab meetings and dedicated professional learning days.
- Build lasting partnerships with Iowa State researchers and graduate students.
- Develop a written reflection of your summer experience to be shared in our program deliverable booklet.
- Receive year-round mentoring through bi-weekly Zoom check-ins and optional school visits.
Deadline: Apply by March 20, 2026. Notifications sent around March 31, 2026.
Past RET Projects
Our past RET teachers are at the heart of what makes this program special. Their journeys—from the lab bench to the classroom—show how curiosity can grow into confidence, connection, and real-world learning for students across Iowa and beyond.
Or contact:
Maureen Griffin
Office of Biotechnology
1210 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3260
- 515-371-1258
- maureeng@iastate.edu