Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

MRSEC Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

Research Experience for Teachers (RET) is a program that allows teachers to actively participate in current research with one of our faculty’s research groups and design standards-based classroom activities from these experiences. Each RET participant will work under the direction of a specific principal investigator (PI) with post doctoral/graduate students from the PI's group. Throughout the summer and into the subsequent academic year(s), teachers will work with the Teacher Research Coordinator (TRC), who will coordinate the activities of the teachers during the summer and oversee the completion of a standards based curriculum element. Teachers will be encouraged to participate for two consecutive summers* in order to continue research and refine curriculum elements.

*Successful completion of the first year experience and participation in academic year meetings/activities required.

Download a transcript of the MRSEC RET program video (pdf)

For example projects, view previous participants and projects and RET Publications.

Download the full RET Participant 2 year Timeline

SUMMER RESEARCH EXPO

RET and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) participants share their summer work with one another, our faculty, and students in the form of a poster session. Participants are informed on best practices for creating posters and presenting at this type of event. Learn more about the Summer Research Expo.

RET STUDENT POSTER SESSION

RET participants have the opportunity to bring their students to our campus in the spring for a student poster session where students share their work on a project completed in class with one another and students from other schools. Students also are given opportunities for lab tours, demonstration shows, general campus tours, admissions presentations, Q&A sessions with our faculty and students, etc.

HOW TO APPLY:

2024 Summer Program
Program dates: July 1 - August 9 (flexible)

The application for the 2024 program is open. All materials are due by March 1. The application will remain open until the program is filled. A complete application consists of an online application form with the following materials:

• Research Proposal
  
  
• Letters of recommendation: (1 required, 2 accepted)
  
  
• Resume/CV
  
  

Go to the RET Online Application Form.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Education and Outreach Director Phil Engen with questions about the RET program and application.
Email: engen@umn.edu

Funded by the National Science Foundation through the University of Minnesota MRSEC under Award Number DMR-2011401