STEM Professional Development for Elementary Teachers
What is the Science Teacher Academy?
The Science Teacher Academy (STA) addresses the gap in professional development opportunities available for elementary school teachers to more effectively and confidently teach science. The STA partners with teachers, administrators, schools of education, museums, and other informal science organizations to greatly expand the science taught in Maine schools and better prepare those teachers in science teaching. 
Who Can Participate?
The STA is open to any elementary teacher in the state of Maine, including special education teachers, ed techs, or specials teachers, who has an interest in strengthening their confidence teaching science and integrating science into other subject areas in the curriculum.
In special cases, we have also have allowed student teachers to participate in the STA. If you are student teaching and interested, please contact Kim Stewart at kstewart@mainediscoverymuseum.org for more information.
How Are We Different?
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Elementary focus
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Cohort-based model
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Flexibility with semester-long or year-long participation options
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Hands-on, place-based science learning, connected to career opportunities in Maine
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Alumni community of practice
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Teacher stipends and substitute stipends for schools
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Travel stipends available​
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What Topics Are Covered?
Session themes include topics such as how to foster inquiry in elementary classrooms, pedagogies of play, space systems, forces & interactions, weather and climate, aquaculture, and ecosystems. Sessions are connected to the Next Generation Science Standards as well as the Maine Learning Results for science. Additionally, emphasis will be given to interdisciplinary activities and incorporating science into ELA, math, and specials such as art.
Apply for the next STA cohort today!
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Teachers in the cohort will receive a year of free science/STEM professional development tailored specifically to elementary classrooms, will join a network of teachers passionate about increasing high-quality science engagement, and will receive a $250 stipend at the end of the semester for implementing at least one STA activity in their classroom and reflecting on the experience.
All teachers who complete the program will be able to bring their class for a FREE field trip to MDM!​
Each teacher's school will also receive a $100 substitute teacher stipend for each of the in-person sessions during the school year. We want this program to be accessible to all teachers, so travel stipends may also be available for teachers traveling from a distance. ​
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What is the commitment?
Spring 2026 schedule:
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February 6
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March 27 (Maine Science Festival session)
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April 10
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May 22
In addition to full participation in sessions, teachers will be expected to complete short evaluation surveys and to apply learning from the program in their classroom sand reflect on the experience for the closing session.
"This Academy is one of the most exciting, groundbreaking educational initiatives I have encountered in years. It represents an unprecedented opportunity for Maine educators at all levels to share and be trained in the best and most timely innovations on an ongoing basis. That the Academy would be run by the Museum means that it can take best advantage of the Museum's established network and, as an autonomous nexus, the Academy can work independently of any particular educational institution's approach or budget. The Museum is the right institution to lead this effort.”
James H. Page, Ph.D.
Chancellor Emeritus, The University of Maine System
For more information
Contact Kim Stewart,
Director of Community Engagement
kstewart@mainediscoverymuseum.org
Ph: (207) 810-3460