ORCID
Mark Felts: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2783-0082
Darcy Tessman: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4023-5918
Emily Simpson: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2445-8177
Abstract
This focus group study examined the participant motivation for and potential impact of the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program on rural STEM educators. Due to geographic isolation and low wages in rural areas, STEM teachers often engage in summer work, which provides practical, real-world applications of STEM principles and enhances instructional methods during the school year. By fostering university partnerships and providing summer research opportunities, RET aligns with the National Rural Research Agenda’s (NREA) priorities of enhancing community relationships and bolstering teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention. Findings indicate that participation in RET boosts teachers’ curricular skills, professional networks, and motivation for STEM instruction, addressing key challenges identified by the NREA to support and retain qualified STEM educators in rural schools.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Felts, M. T.,
Tessman, D.,
Simpson, E.,
&
Nanny, M.
(2026).
Evaluating a Research Experience for Teachers: Benefits and Challenges for Summer STEM Professional Development.
The Rural Educator, 47(2), 56-67.
https://doi.org/10.55533/2643-9662.1548
Included in
Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
