About
Eligibility
Program Descriptions
Financial Info
Key Dates
How To Apply

Department of Energy Academies Creating 
Teacher Scientists

cap About DOE ACTS

Where STEM educators are immersed in the world of science at
Department of Energy National Laboratories

The Department of Energy Academies Creating Teacher Scientists (DOE ACTS) program fully engages educators as valued members of the scientific community and helps them progress as leaders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

This three-year program provides STEM educators (Grades 5-12) with sustained, intensive professional development (PD) that is experientially based and effectively utilizes the unmatched wealth of mentoring talent at the DOE National Laboratories. Through this program, educators will integrate the teaching of STEM disciplines with the practice of science, establish long-term relationships with their mentor scientists and teaching colleagues, and transfer their experiences in scientific research to the classroom. 

Teachers are expected to commit to spending between 4 and 8 weeks at one of the National Laboratories for three consecutive summers. 

Expectations

Every participant is required to:

  • Complete the required time commitment for the three year program at a DOE National laboratory (4-8 weeks per year).
  • Complete required deliverables specified by the program which may include: an electronic portfolio, research papers, poster presentations, pre-surveys, pre-tests, post-surveys, and post-tests.
  • Attend all scheduled events including lectures, tours and group activities while at the lab.
  • Document follow-up leadership activities.

Participants should expect to spend more than 40 hours per week and more than 8 hours per day in activities and/or research related to their programs while at the lab.

Benefits

  • Increase your content knowledge in and among STEM disciplines.
  • Excite your students about learning and appreciating STEM disciplines.
  • Develop professional contacts in the research and teaching communities as resources for your enrichment and personal growth.
  • Leadership potential.
  • $800/week stipend.
  • Travel and housing expenses.
  • Opportunity to apply for mini-grant and professional development funds.

Past Participants Have:

  • Involved their students in authentic research.
  • Received educational awards.
  • Presented their research findings at conferences or to national agencies.
  • Developed coursework for their buildings and districts.