Professional Development

Dow, Smithsonian Partner on Teacher Scholar Program

• By Leila Meyer
• 06/18/15

The Dow Chemical Company and the Smithsonian Science Education Center have partnered to create The Dow Smithsonian Teacher Scholar Program, which is designed to help teachers develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

The program is part of the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers (SSEATS), a series of annual week-long professional development academies for teachers held by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. This year, SSEATS will offer three six-day programs developed in partnership with Dow. Thirty-two science teachers from around the country will attend the program in Washington, D.C. during June and July.

The Dow Smithsonian Teacher Scholar Program includes:

• Biodiversity Academy from June 14 to 19, 2015;
• Energy's Innovations and Implications Academy from July 12 to 17, 2015; and
• Earth's History and Global Change Academy from July 26 to 31, 2015.

Teachers attending the program will have the opportunity "to learn directly from scientists, and go behind the scenes at Smithsonian Museums and Research Centers," said Amy D'Amico, director of professional services at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, in a prepared statement. Following the program, they will receive continued support from other teacher-participants in their area and the Dow STEM Ambassador program. According to information from Dow, "STEM Ambassadors support teachers and inspire students by providing real life examples to make challenging concepts easier to understand, while incorporating a strong focus on sharing exciting opportunities available through pursuing STEM careers."

Further information about The Dow Smithsonian Teacher Scholar Program can be found on the Smithsonian Science Education Center's site.