Teacher Opportunities
Opportunity for grade 9-12 STEM teachers: Free Teacher PD
Grades 9-12 STEM teachers are invited to apply for the Iterative Design to Engage All (IDEA) Learners Fellows Program*, a one-year teacher professional development program focused on incorporating PFAS into science instruction. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that pollute NC’s water and air and can harm human health. This opportunity is especially relevant to earth/environmental science and chemistry teachers. We encourage applications from those who teach in communities impacted by PFAS contamination.
Professional development activities include a required 3-day summer institute to be held Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday June 26, 2025, at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Join a team of STEM educators and environmental scientists/biomedical researchers to pilot lessons that feature real-world data from NC communities.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, teachers will pilot and provide feedback on teacher-designed lessons that incorporate real-world data and science and engineering practices to showcase the interdisciplinary nature of research addressing PFAS contamination in NC.
Click here to learn more and to access the online application. Application deadline is Sunday, March 2, 2025
Opportunity for Middle & High School Teachers: Do Nanotechnology Research
Apply Today for the Summer Research Experience for Teachers
Receive a stipend of $8,000 and travel and supply money!
Learn about new innovations in nanoscale science and engineering, develop new lessons, and make friends with new colleagues.
2025 NC Renewable Energy Challenge
Are you or your students interested in renewable energy or engineering?
Put together a student team to design, build and compete in wind or ocean current energy divisions in the North Carolina Renewable Energy Challenge on March 22, 2025! Your students will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in the renewable energy field and take part in competitions and instant challenges. Sign up for our informational webinar on January 16 at 4:00 PM. 2025 NC Renewable Energy Challenge | Coastal Studies Institute
Elementary, Middle and High school divisions will compete in this day-long event at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. Winning teams will receive prizes and an opportunity to compete at the national KidWind competition.
Funding is available to assist in offsetting device building costs.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR HERE.
This event is hosted by the Coastal Studies Institute in partnership with the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program, KidWind and Jennette‘s Pier.