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Educator in Residence Program
NIA offers best-in-class, leading edge pre-service and in-service teacher’s workshops/activities, and K-12 STEM education programs for the formal and informal learning environment. These efforts, developed and led by NIA’s award winning Educators in Residence (EIR), deliver a pioneering approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pedagogy.
Based on the Principles of 21st Century e-Teaching and 21
st Century Skills (as identified by the Partnership for 21
st Century Skills), our EIRs train teachers across the country on how to effectively apply and integrate instructional technology and STEM content into the classroom within core academic subjects. NIA’s Educators draw heavily from NASA eClips™ content and other NASA and NIA unique national standards aligned resources.
Interested in participating in the Educator in Residence (EIR) Progam?
NIA is currently accepting applications for this dynamic opportunity that connects educators with National STEM initiatives. Time frames for EIR agreements are at a minimum of one year (with an option to renew) or can be multi-year, and provide no interuptions to teaching service record. Typically, the school district makes the first year investment and cost shares may be considered for subsequent years, funding permitting. Third party finacial support can be accepted. For more information about NIA's prestigious EIR program, or to apply, please contact Shelley Spears, Director of Educational Outreach at NIA at
shelley.spears@nianet.org or 757-325-6732.
Eligibility:
Please note: the EIR program is different from an educational consulting role.
- active teaching certificate; K-12 (applicants must demostrate STEM-literacy and should have a strong background in Science, Technology, or Mathematics);
- current employee in good standing at a US-based school district or US territory;
- recommendation and approval from school district administration, including support to field test STEM educational initiatives and resources within the school district;
- strong communication, presentation and critical thinking skills;
- experience in curriculum development;
- ability to field test new STEM educational initiatives within their home school district;
- willingness to facilitate professional development workshops, seminars, and courses at a variety of locations, including home school district;
- willingness to conduct educational outreach in both formal and informal settings; and
- local, regional, and or national awards in teaching are strongly desired.
Benefits to the School District:
The return of investment for participation in NIA's EIR Program is invaluable. EIRs are part of the collaborative learning network focusing on leading-edge best practices and resources in STEM education. EIRs maintain close relationships with their home districts and serve as active liaisons between the national STEM education community and their school system. Impacting change and improving student achievement is at the core of NIA's EIR program.
Benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Intensive professional development opportunities for a high performing and STEM-literate educator, who provide critical assistance to home school districts on strategic imperatives related to STEM;
- Direct access to leading national STEM iniatives, leaders and strategies;
- EIRs will bring back best practices, training, and standards-based resources;
- Access for the school district to expert STEM practicioners and leading STEM pioneers, which provide real-world connections to standards-based instruction; and
- Awareness and coordination of career pathways in STEM fields for students.