Montshire STEM Teacher-Leader Program

Be a Force for Change in Your Classroom and School

Applications Are Now Open for 2026-27 school year!
Application Due by September 22.

Over the course of the Teacher Leader program, K-8 educators participate in over 30 hours of professional development that includes hands-on workshops, seminars on science education, support from Montshire educators and peer teachers, and conversations with scientists and engineers at the Montshire and local organizations.

Participants receive access to museum resources, including staff and community expertise, curriculum resources, and a 1-year individual museum membership.

Participating teachers will also:

  • Receive extensive professional development in STEM education
  • Collaborate with other passionate educators from across New Hampshire and Vermont
  • Develop skills and theoretical science understanding to support inquiry-based science education
  • Infuse a culture of excitement for science learning in your school community

A Teacher looks through a compound microscope during a lab visit

A teacher investigates a humanoid skull

The Montshire’s education team will serve as the core faculty for this program. Each Montshire staff member will offer their depth and diversity of expertise in STEM education.

Within a year of completing the program, participants are expected to share their experience in the Teacher Leader program by leading a STEM education professional development experience for their colleagues. This can occur during an in-service day, faculty meeting period, or at a regional or state-wide teacher conference.

A stipend will be provided to each participating teacher to support food and any additional expenses for classroom use. Participants will be reimbursed separately for their travel.

Dates for the 2026-27 School Year

This program is ideal for you if:

  • You want to strengthen your expertise in STEM education
  • You have at least two years of classroom experience
  • You want to develop working relationships with other passionate educators

To apply:

  1. Complete the application HERE
  2. Have your school principal complete the “Letter of Support”, which lets them know that you would be missing 5 days of class, and would provide you an opportunity to share a workshop for your colleagues. Send a scanned copy of the letter to adam.blankenbicker@montshire.org with the Subject line reading: Teacher Leader Letter of Support: [include your name here]

Please reach out to Adam Blankenbicker, Director of Education, if you have any questions. adam.blankenbicker@montshire.org

"Place-based education combined with scientific inspiration and connection with other educators... jackpot!"