Join a Research Team & Teacher Cohort
Program dates:
- 2026 Summer Research: June 29–August 7, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at WPI
- Academic Year 2026–27: Up to 4 follow-up PD sessions (dates TBD)
- Spring 2027 Showcase Presentation: Poster + lesson plan presentation
Application Process
You will need to:
- Create an ETAP account (if you do not already have one).
- Review the ETAP application questions.
- Upload a current resume.
- Rank your choice of research projects (review the 2026 Research Projects before completing the application).
- Upload a letter of support and commitment (template) from school leadership.
2026 Timeline
- Applications due: February 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm
- Notifications: Mid-March
- Meeting of RET Teacher cohort (2026–27): April 11, 2027 with previous RET cohorts at Spring STEM Education Showcase ’26
- Summer Research Program: June 29 – August 7, 2026
Expectations
Summer 2026
- Participate in six full weeks of in-person research (June 29–August 7) including weekly PD workshops
- Create a poster of the research experience for the end-of-summer poster symposium
- Develop a draft lesson plan based on research + PD sessions
Academic Year 2026–27
- Implement, share, modify, and submit the RET-inspired lesson plan
- Participate in cohort activities and attend up to four PD sessions (TBD)
- Present the poster and lesson plan at the STEM Education Showcase (Spring 2027)
Stipends, PDPs & Support
In-Service Educators
- $10,250 total
- $8,750 summer
- $1,500 academic-year PD
- $1,000 classroom/project-support materials
- $250 for conference or travel support
- 45 PDPs awarded at end of the academic year
Pre-Service Teachers
- $9,000 total
- $7,500 summer
- $1,500 academic-year PD
- Optional $2,000 additional for 1.5-week research extension
- $500 classroom/project-support materials
- $250 conference/travel support
Contact
Questions? Contact Kathy Chen at kcchen@wpi.edu.
