National Science Foundation (NSF) Research In STEM Settings (RESS) is a multi-year teacher development initiative designed to strengthen STEM instruction and improve teacher retention in rural East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Targeting 6th–8th grade STEM educators, the program combines hands-on summer research with curriculum design and year-round coaching.

Over three years, 30 teachers (10 per year) will participate in intensive, six-week research experiences in artificial intellegence and cybersecurity, working alongside experts from the LSU Applied Cybersecurity Lab. Educators will develop NGSS-aligned, inquiry-based lesson plans using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework and present their work at annual symposia.

Through place-based research projects, such as forensics analysis, teachers gain real-world scientific experience and translate it into meaningful classroom instruction. The program promotes STEM literacy, student engagement, and career readiness in high-need schools while supporting national workforce development goals.

PEACE in STEM builds long-term impact by fostering a network of STEM teacher leaders and providing open-access instructional resources for educators across the state and beyond.

1. Be a current 6th–8th grade science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) teacher in a public school in East Baton Rouge Parish.

2. Have at least one year of full-time classroom teaching experience and plan to remain in the classroom for the upcoming academic year.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to inquiry-based STEM instruction and student-centered learning approaches.

4. Exhibit interest in integrating environmental science and/or cybersecurity into their curriculum.

5. Show readiness to engage in professional research experiences, collaborate with mentors, and reflect on instructional practices.

6. Articulate potential for program impact—both for their students and their school community.

7. Demonstrate leadership potential and a willingness to share lessons learned with peers or present at conferences.

8. Be available to participate in all program activities, including the summer intensive, virtual PD, classroom implementation, and capstone presentations.

Applicants will submit:

• An online application form

• A current resume or CV

• A letter of interest (500–700 words)

• A letter of support from current principal

Before completing the application form, applicants should have all required documents listed above prepared, since they will be submitting those documents within the application.

*Any public middle school STEM teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish. STEM teachers include Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Computer Science (coding, robotics, etc.)

*No prior experience in research, cybersecurity or AI is needed.

More than $9,000 will be invested in each selected participant.  This investment includes:

• $5,500 stipend

• Funding to attend and present at a STEM education conference

• Macbook Pro (software included)

• Academic resources and classroom supplies 

• Opportunity to travel to DC