Program Participation

1. Is attendance mandatory for the entire duration of the program?
   The program is an intensive, six-week commitment at Florida International University's Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences. We require attendance every day (except holidays) during the program. The results, however, are well worth the effort, as teachers will come away with a much greater appreciation for advanced research, how to integrate their results into the classroom, and a variety of new tools that will help make them successful in their classroom during the academic year.
2. What does the typical day look like during the program?
   A typical day begins at 8:00 AM and runs through 4:30 PM, with classes in research methodology, Python programming, HTML, etc., in the mornings, followed by independent research time in the afternoons where teachers will be working on their selected research project. Teachers will be interacting with our faculty and graduate students on a daily basis to conduct cutting-edge research. Friday afternoons teachers meet to discuss the results of their weekly research efforts together with all of our participating faculty, graduating students and mentors.
3. What is the final expected product/deliverable from this program?
   Required deliverables are:

   Selection of a research topic, research into that topic
   PowerPoint presentations of the research efforts
   Scientific poster of the research
   Draft peer-reviewed journal article for one of the scientific journals
   Presentation of the research at our end of program
   A lesson plan that incorporates the research into their specific classroom teaching program
4. Will I receive professional educational credits for participating in this program?
   Yes, the program has been authorized by Miami-Dade County schools to serve as professional educational credits.
5. How is the research group match decided?
   Pairing of an RET participant depends on the participant’s qualifications, research project, and information provided in the application.
6. Is the starting date flexible?
   No. In rare occasions, it might be possible to adjust.
7. Does the program refund travel expenses?
   No. You will only be paid $6,300 for 6 weeks for doing some cutting-edge research (paid in either 2 or 3 installments during the program).
8. Can I take another summer professional development while in the RET program?
   No. The program is an intensive, full-time, six-week commitment at Florida International University's Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences.

Application Submission

1. I submitted my application, did you receive it?
   Once you submit your application, you should receive a copy of your application. This can serve as confirmation that we have received it. We do not send additional confirmation of your application due to the large number of applications we receive.
2. Do I have to be a US citizen or US permanent resident?
   Yes, it is a program requirement.
3. Is there an application fee?
   No, there is no fee necessary to apply.
4. How many references do I need? What should my references talk about?
   You will need two (2) reference letters. We prefer the letters to address how this experience will benefit your classroom, students and the school’s STEM mission.
5. Will I receive confirmation when you receive all the reference letters?
   No. We do not confirm when we receive all the references due to the large number of applicants.
6. When do teachers find out if they have been accepted into the RET program?
   We work on a rolling admission basis, and could be accepting teachers as early as the application deadline (specified in the Schedule tab). We expect to notify all applicants no later than the week before the program begins.
7. What are the selection criteria?
   Applications are reviewed by the program coordinators and faculty members involved in the program. Reviews are based on applicants’ expected contributions to the research project, class curriculum, and goals and interests of the schools. Preference is given to high school teachers who are teaching STEM courses related to the program.
8. How do I apply for this program?
   The link can be found in the Application Form tab on this website.
9. I was a previous participant in the program, can I reapply?
   You must provide evidence of delivering the lesson plan in your classroom the following the year, and the outcomes. In your application, you must also explain how attending the program again will further the goals of your schools in this area.

Please feel free to send us any additional questions to nsfret@gmail.com.