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TABLE OF CONTENTS |
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1. Eligibility |
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2. Applications |
5. Sponsor |
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3. Selection |
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1. ELIGIBILITY
I am a K-12 administrator. Am I eligible to apply?
The DOE ACTS program is a professional development program for classroom teachers. Although
some labs may require or encourage support and/or partial participation from
school administrators, the administrators themselves are not eligible to apply
for the DOE ACTS program.
I am planning
to enter a graduate school program in two years. Am I eligible to apply?
Teachers applying to the DOE ACTS program are asked to commit
to the program for three years and must remain classroom teachers in
order to continue to be eligible for the program. If a teacher leaves the classroom and enters
graduate school as a full time student, they are no longer eligible
to participate in the DOE ACTS program.
I am a foreign
national with a full time high school science teaching position in
the
No. Only
Is it possible for me to send in an application now and
remain on file for consideration next year?
Your application is reviewed for entering the DOE ACTS program the following summer. Teachers
who are accepted into the program will participate in lab programs for the
next three summers and do not need to reapply for the following summers after
they are initially accepted into the program. Teachers
who are not accepted into the program must complete a new application if they
wish to reapply.
You should plan to have all parts of your application reach us by the deadline. The
people at the labs who review your application will not be able to see your
application until your completed application has at least two recommendations
associated with it.
No. You must use the electronic process. Part of your application includes
a page with a website address unique to your application that you should print
and give to the people you would like to submit a recommendation on your behalf.
Each person writing a reference for you will complete the online recommendation
form and submit it electronically. This is the only way to ensure that your
recommendations are properly linked with your application.
Am I required to submit a resume or curriculum vita?
No. Your application
is submitted completely online. If
a lab requires any additional information, they will request it from
you directly and tell you how to provide that information to the lab.
How do I select a laboratory program?
The program website contains information on currently participating laboratories
and the DOE ACTS programs available at those labs. Please read these program descriptions
carefully to ensure that you meet the program eligibility requirements.
Try to match the content standards of the
lab’s program with your own interests in improving your understanding in these
content areas.
Will you let me know if you are missing parts of my application?
It is your responsibility to check your "Status Page" to ensure that
your application is complete.
3. SELECTION
How does the selection process work?
What are my chances of getting selected?
Many appointments will be made for several different lab programs. There is
no way of knowing how many applications will be received for any given cycle,
nor what the quality of those applications will be. However, one thing is certain:
If you don't apply, you certainly won't get selected!
When and how will I find out if I've been selected?
You will receive an e-mail from DOE notifying you of your selection. Your status
page will indicate you have been selected. The DOE facility administering your
appointment will follow up with an appointment letter and other documents explaining
the details of your appointment. Please check your status page frequently, as you will only have 2 weeks in which to accept
an offer once it has been made.
If I decline an offer from one program, will I still be
considered for a second program?
No ... if you decline an offer you will not be considered
for any additional programs.
If I don't get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again
next year automatically or do I have to reapply?
You must reapply.
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What if I can only participate for a portion of the appointment
period due to other commitments?
Participation requires a full time commitment for the duration of the appointment
period. You should plan to be at the facility full time and avoid obligations
that will interrupt your appointment.
Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
No. The programs are designed to have teachers working as a cohort group during
their time at the lab. Dates for each program are specified as part of the
program descriptions on the website.
Do I get any vacation during the appointment period?
The program does not include vacation or sick leave. You are not expected to
be present on days that your facility is closed due to a holiday.
How often do I receive a stipend payment and where does
it come from?
You will receive your stipend check according to a pre-arranged schedule from
the DOE facility administering your appointment. It varies from lab to
lab. Once you are accepted into the DOE ACTS program, you will be given a pay
schedule.
What is my tax liability for the stipend I am paid as a participant in this
program?
All stipends paid to you are reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Some
facilities do not withhold taxes from these payments; participants at these
facilities should give consideration to paying estimated income taxes in order
to avoid late payment penalties.
What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive?
You will be reimbursed for inbound and outbound travel between your home or
school and the appointment site, if the distance is more than 50 miles one
way. Reimbursements are made according to the standard travel policy of the
DOE facility administering your appointment.
Where will I live?
It depends on the DOE facility. Some sites have housing already arranged; at
others you need to arrange it yourself (these sites generally provide information
to help you.). The program generally provides either a housing allowance or
pre-arranged housing. Housing allowances are taxable. In some cases, your housing
situation may result in costs to you over and above the housing allowance.
In some cases, students who live within 50 miles of the host site are not eligible
for housing or housing allowances.
Can I receive graduate credit for participation in the DOE ACTS programs?
You will need to check with your graduate school to see if your research experience
qualifies for graduate credit. DOE and the laboratory that administers your
appointment will provide you with the appropriate documentation. The
DOE does not pay for tuition costs associated with graduate credit.
By participating in this program, do I become an employee of the administrator,
the host laboratory, or DOE?
No. You will be considered a program participant and will not enter into an
employer/employee relationship with the administrator, the host laboratory,
or DOE.
Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation at the end of my
appointment?
Different lab programs have different required deliverables. These deliverables and how to submit them
will be explained to you prior to your arrival at the lab.
Whom should I contact if I have problems which I have been
unable to resolve on-line?
sc.helpwithapplication@science.doe.gov
(202) 586-9742
5. SPONSOR
What is the source of funding for this program?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science provides the funding
for this program.
Why is the DOE involved in education?
Since its formation in 1977, DOE has supported education
programs that help ensure an adequate supply of scientists, engineers,
and technicians for energy-related research, production activities,
and the transfer of technology.
Who administers this program for the Department of Energy?
Frequently
Asked Questions