We typically receive twice as many applications as we have spots available in our courses, which are designed for science teachers in grades 3 through 8. We weigh a number of different factors when selecting teachers, with priority given to teachers in schools with a high percentage of low-income students and limited resources. Additionally, we consider the responses to prompts within the application where we look for motivated but underprepared science teachers and a desire to implement inquiry-based teaching methods.  

We accept applications in late summer for our academic year courses and in the spring for our summer courses. Applications are available here. To find out when we begin accepting applications, sign up for our Educator e-Newsletter at the bottom of this page, or check the website periodically.

For our academic year courses, we highly recommend you apply with a partner teacher from your school. Having a partner teacher ensures shared resources and a network of support at your school, and we give preference to partner pairs from the same school. Your partner teacher can teach another grade (self contained or specialized) or school subject, such as math or special ed. Each teacher must fill out their own application. In limited circumstances (such as at smaller schools), your partner teacher may come from another school, but you must send us an email explaining your specific situation.

We do not require partner teachers in our summer courses.

Museum courses are offered at no cost to teachers who are selected to participate.

Academic year courses meet six weekdays over the school year. Summer courses meet on five consecutive days and then one follow-up session in the fall. Course days begin around 7:30 a.m. and continue until 3:45 p.m. with materials distribution afterward. Because there is a waiting list, you will be removed from the course if you miss more than one session. There are expectations of teachers for engagement between course days through an online portfolio that promotes reflective practice and growth. The Museum reimburses your school for the cost of a substitute teacher for sessions held on school days.

For teachers

• Participation in six free workshop sessions in which MSI's teacher educators teach and model science content and pedagogical techniques for use in the classroom.
• Access to Canvas (a Learning Management System) with NGSS related lesson plans, background information, student worksheets and additional resources to support classroom teaching.
• Support in learning strategies to promote student achievement and foster a positive attitude toward science and science-related STEM careers.
• Free bins of materials including equipment and supplies for the classroom valued at approximately $1,000 are given free to each teacher.
• Clock hours are given for Illinois and Indiana teachers after each workshop session.
• Reimbursement to the schools for all substitutes needed while attending the workshop sessions.
• Two field trip buses given to each classroom teacher for visiting MSI with their students.
• Free parking, breakfast and lunch on each of the workshop session days.

For administrators

• Participation in six free workshop sessions in which MSI's teacher educators teach and model science content and pedagogical techniques for use in 3-8th grade classrooms.
• Support in learning strategies to promote student achievement and foster a positive attitude toward science and science-related STEM careers.
• Free bins of materials including equipment and supplies for the classroom valued at approximately $1,000 are given free to each teacher.
• Reimbursement to the schools for all substitutes needed while attending the workshop sessions.
• Two field trip buses given to each classroom teacher for visiting MSI with their students.

Museum courses are offered at no cost to teachers who are selected to participate. We give priority to schools in high-needs communities. MSI also reimburses schools for the cost of a substitute teacher for sessions held on school days.

MSI offers academic year and summer professional growth sessions at no cost to teachers selected to participate. We prioritize schools in high-needs communities, and courses are designed for teachers in grades 3-8 with limited experience teaching science. Teachers receive lesson plans and materials for classroom activities.

Courses are designed in accordance with state and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as well as standards for effective teacher professional growth. Teachers engage in sessions designed to improve their science instruction, enhance science content knowledge, provide them with inquiry-based curriculum materials/lesson plans, and develop additional classroom instructional strategies. Participating teachers will be better equipped to promote student achievement and foster a positive attitude toward STEM.

A recent study by an international expert on K-12 science and math curriculum at Michigan State University found that MSI's teacher courses significantly improve what teachers and their students know about science. The impact was immediate. Researchers determined with a high degree of confidence that these improvements were due to the teacher's participation in MSI courses.