Overview

The Battelle Teacher Academy is a year-long, hybrid professional learning experience designed forK–12 educators to strengthen STEM instruction and connect classroom learning to real-world workforce opportunities. ​Through immersive learning, collaboration, and job embedded application, teachers build confidence and capacity to implement problem-based learning, design thinking, and industry-connected instruction that aligns academic content with high-demand career pathways.​ Participants engage in a supportive cohort model that blends in-person institutes, virtual communities of practice, and authentic industry exposure, enabling educators to translate workforce needs into meaningful classroom experiences for students.

​​What's Included:

• Pre-work: Issued 3-4 weeks prior to the kickoff. (4-5 hours of asynchronous work)
• Summer Kickoff : Summer in-person kickoff institute (3 days) - July 7-9, 2026 - Charleston, SC
• Community of Practice (Virtual, Afterschool): August 19, September 9, October 14, 2026; January 13, March 10, 2027
  
• Full-Day Virtual Conferences: November 5, 2026; February 1, 2027​
• Spring Culminating Event - Spring in-person culminating session (1 day) April 9, 2027 - Charleston, SC

What Participants Will Learn:​

• ​​Build a strong STEM culture and identity in the classroom​
• Embed design thinking into everyday instruction
• Implement authentic, problem-based learning experiences​

• ​Facilitate place-based learning connected to local workforce needs​
• Identify and engage community and industry partners aligned to Maritime Industrial Base needs
• ​Manage partnerships to maximize instructional impact

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Apply for The Battelle Teacher Academy

Who Should Apply:
The program is designed for:​

• ​Full-time K–12 classroom teachers in any subject area​​
• Educators new to STEM as well as experienced teachers expanding STEM practices
• Teachers interested in connecting instruction to workforce and industry contexts​
• Participants must teach in South Carolina​​
• Partner applications from the same school or district are encouraged but not required​​

Graduate & Professional Learning Credit:​

• Optional graduate credit available through Ashland University (Ohio)​
• Professional development contact-hour certificates available for all participants​

Thanks to the Maritime Industrial Base support, the $2,000 program fee is waived.

Application Deadlines:

• Priority deadline: March 14, 2026
• Applications close: April 2026
• Notifications: May 2026 
• Rolling acceptances through Spring 2026

APPLY BEFORE MARCH 14

Bring STEM workforce skills and competencies to your students 

Apply Now