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RET for Educators

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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

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.
  • Design a classroom-ready lesson or unit with support from master teachers.
  • Receive year-round mentoring through bi-weekly Zoom check-ins and optional school visits.

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.
  • Deadline: Apply by March 1, 2026. Notifications sent around March 21, 2026.
RET Teacher Application

Research Projects

Each summer, the Office of Biotechnology works with faculty from across campus to create hands-on research opportunities for teachers in areas like engineering, technology, mathematics, life sciences, and chemistry. When applying, teachers are encouraged to share the types of projects that would most inspire their students. Take a look at past participant research projects to see what’s possible.

PAST PROJECTS

Past RET Participants

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.

2025 RET Participants
2024 RET Participants
2023 RET Participants

Program Highlights

Teacher stipend of $900/week for six weeks of research experience.

Travel allowance includes a $600 mileage allowance for in-state participants and $1,000 travel allowance for out-of-state participants. 

Housing is provided on campus if the teacher has more than a 100-mile roundtrip commute.

Food allowance includes a $100.00 debit card provided to use on campus for food expenses only.

Classroom supplies allowance to incorporate research experience into classroom and curriculum. Typically, $500.00/teacher.

Opportunities to tour Iowa State University facilities and learn about ongoing research projects right in our backyard.

License Renewal Credit available. Cost for credit paid by the teacher.

All programs take place at or near the Iowa State University campus. Some meetings take place via zoom or other online platforms.

Opportunities may exist for post-program learning and involvement throughout the school year.

Teachers are expected to attend two paid virtual learning days scheduled for Saturdays in November and February.

Want to know more?

To learn more about Biotechnology Outreach Education Center at Iowa State contact us today!

Or contact:

Maureen Griffin

Office of Biotechnology
1210 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3260