National biotechnology Teacher-Leader program

Chicago, IL

April 30-May 4, 2010

The Institute's National Biotechnology Teacher-Leader Program is building a cadre of thousands that form a network of dedicated advisors, or "Teacher-Leaders," committed to teaching biotechnology to students and serve as a resource for other teachers. Through professional development, resources and other support materials, the Teacher-Leader Program provides teachers with the skills, strategies and knowledge to spread awareness of biotechnology to their students and educate their peers to do the same. Teacher-Leaders are expected to conduct professional development sessions for other teachers at the local, state or national level based on information obtained during Institute sessions.

Educators from around the world participate in the Teacher-Leader Program through the annual Biotechnology Institute's Conference on Biotechnology Education, which precedes the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention. The program includes hands-on professional development sessions linked to education and skills standards, teaching strategies, and tours of leading biotechnology sites in the area.

The program also includes an international one-day share-a-thon, Best Practices Day, and continues with a discussion about relevant issues and how to best address the needs within biotechnology education. Participants also receive full admission to attend the BIO convention.

Included in this five-day program is:

Best Practices Day: Sessions that highlight state-of-the-art curriculum, labs, and programs in biotechnology
Networking with colleagues, industry leaders, and professionals in the field of biotechnology education
Training how to provide professional development to their colleagues
Full convention access to the Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention.
Panels on leading issues of biotechnology presented by renowned scientists
Hands-on sessions to incorporate biotechnology and bioethics into the curriculum and standards
Field trips to local biotechnology companies
Recognition and certification as a Teacher-Leader in biotechnology education
Opportunity to contend for the biotech educator award in subsequent year
All materials, books, and supplies
5 Nights lodging, local transportation and meals
Attendance at the Teacher-Leader Opening Dinner and the Biotechnology Education Banquet
$250 certificate from Life Technologies for supplies and equipment
One year of individual membership to the Biotechnology Institute
Each Teacher-Leader who completes an outreach session will receive a $200 stipend following the program.

Tuition: $5,000

Sponsorship
Many teachers are sponsored by their school districts, organizations or corporations in their communities. The corporate rate of sponsorship is $10,000 per teacher and the government, non-profit and school district rate is $5,500 per teacher. Sponsorship includes all of the above plus airfare (reimbursable to $350). Contact Tom Keller at 703-248-8681, ext. 1773 or via email, tkeller@biotechinstitute.org for sponsorship guidance and group discounts.

Who May Apply?
Middle or high school and two or four-year college faculty actively engaged in teaching students in life science and biotechnology classrooms.

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Secure a sponsor to cover your expenses

Step 2: Complete the application form

Step 3: Update your resume

Step 4: Contact your supervisor to discuss how the training will be implemented into your classroom teaching and provide this information in a cover letter

Step 5: Obtain a letter of recommendation from your department chair/supervisor

Step 6: Obtain your principal’s or dean’s commitment to provide time and/or a substitute teacher for you while you do the outreach workshop

Step 7: Develop an outreach session planfor the session you will conduct at the local, state, or national level

The Institute also conducts professional development sessions throughout the year and around the United States at major education conferences, including regional and national meetings of the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT.)

Learn more about the National Biotechnology Teacher-Leader Program from a Teacher-Leader