Research Experiences for Teachers (NSF-RET)

Join our Summer 2025 program

The RET Site: Teachers As Researchers in Computing Classrooms (TARCC) is an NSF-funded program designed to enhance computer science (CS) literacy among high school students by providing K-12 STEM educators with hands-on research experiences. Over three years, 30 educators from eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin will collaborate with university faculty on interdisciplinary projects in Artificial Intelligence (AI), High-Performance Computing (HPC), machine learning, and cybersecurity. The program equips teachers with innovative pedagogical approaches, empowering them to modernize CS education and inspire students to pursue STEM careers.

In the summer of 2025, TARCC will host 10 high school and middle school STEM teachers for an intensive seven-week research experience. Participants will work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects, exploring how computational thinking can transform high school computing education. Through professional development, collaborative research, and reflective teaching practices, these educators will gain practical skills to integrate modern CS topics into their classrooms, helping to close the gaps in computing education across the region.

Apply to the RET Program RET Projects

Experience STEM at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout and UW-River Falls

To inspire a diverse group of teachers in diverse STEM activities, the RET program will include the following additional events:

  • Workshops related to high-performance computing, computational science, ethics and responsible conduct of research, and laboratory safety.
  • Seminars in topics such as STEM research, scientific writing, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
  • Guest speaker presentations and field trips.
  • Social events.

Program Highlights:

  • Participants in this RET program will receive a stipend ($10,000).
  • All field trips will be arranged for the teacher participants.
  • Travel cost will be covered for potential conference presentations of research outcomes.

Program Includes:

  • 4 weeks of CS research experience: June 9 – July 3
  • 1 week of program break
  • 3 weeks of curriculum development and educational research: July 14 – August 1

More about UW-Eau Claire More about UW-Stout More about UW-River Falls