Teacher Academy

A year-long cohort that builds teacher confidence and abilities utilizing problem-based learning to teach manufacturing concepts that connect core content to America’s Maritime Industrial Base.

Application Form

Backed in part by the U.S. Navy to grow the Maritime Industrial Base across the country.

Alumni
Schools
Students Impacted

How the Battelle Teacher Academy helps grow STEM and the future workforce

STEM instruction is evolving fast. Teacher Academy cuts through the noise by giving you hands-on strategies, coaching, and industry connections you can use immediately—all inside a supportive, national cohort.

A man speaking with others sitting at a table
  • Build career-connected learning pathways
  • Embed design thinking in daily lessons
  • Leverage authentic, problem-based learning units
  • Strengthen community & industry partnerships

Current full-time K-12 teachers in any subject area—from AP physics to art—are eligible. We particularly encourage applications from teachers in California and South Carolina, where demand for high-quality STEM professional learning currently outpaces supply.

A woman standing and speaking to others seated in a room

Core Learning Strands

  • Career-Connected Learning
  • Design Thinking
  • Industry Problem-Based Learning
  • Industry Partnerships

Industry Externship

Every participant completes a 1–2 day externship with a local STEM employer. Immerse yourself in real-world processes, gather authentic design challenges, and map new career pathways for your students.

  • Learn how to translate industry operations into classroom learning
  • Identify local STEM and skilled‑trades career pathways for your students
Two colleagues sitting at a table smiling and talking while holding a sheet of paper
  • Students gathered around a table in a classroom
  • A group of kids working together while standing around a table
  • A yellow industrial machine
  • Students on a visit to an industrial plant

Program at a Glance (2025-2026 Cohort)

Acceptances will be issued on a rolling basis up to May 1, 2026.

Speaker in front of a classroom

Summer 2026

In-person kickoff workshop (3 days, location varies by state)

Summer–Winter

Virtual community of practice sessions

Nov 5 & Feb 1

Full-day virtual conferences (all states)

Spring 2027

Capstone showcase (in-person, location varies by state)

July 6–10, 2026

In-person kickoff workshop (3 days) · San Diego, CA

Summer–Winter

Virtual community of practice sessions

Nov 5 & Feb 1

Full-day virtual conference

Spring 2027

Wrap-up event (in-person) · Dates TBD

June 15-17, 2026

In-person kickoff workshop (3 days) · Warren, MI

Aug 4, Sep 8, Oct 6, Jan 12

Community of Practice sessions (virtual) · 3:30–5:00 PM

Nov 5 & Feb 1

Full-day virtual conference

Apr 2, 2027

Wrap-up event (in-person) · Location TBD

June 15-17, 2026

In-person kickoff workshop (3 days) · Columbus, OH

Aug 4, Sep 8, Oct 6, Jan 12

Community of Practice sessions (virtual) · 3:30–5:00 PM

Nov 5 & Feb 1

Full-day virtual conference

Apr 2, 2027

Wrap-up event (in-person) · Columbus, OH

July 7-9, 2026

In-person kickoff workshop (3 days) · Charleston, SC

Aug 19, Sep 9, Oct 14, Jan 13, Mar 10

Community of Practice sessions (virtual)

Nov 5 & Feb 1

Full-day virtual conference

Apr 9, 2027

Wrap-up event (in-person) · Location, TBD

Cost & Support

Thanks to our national STEM workforce partners—including the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base—the $2,000 program fee is waived for all 2026-2027 participants.

Eligibility

  • Teach at a school in the state where you apply (CA, MI, OH, SC)
  • Provide full time direct instruction to K–12 students
  • Principal commitment form required upon acceptance
  • Partner applications from the same school/district encouraged but not required

Commitments

  • Attend all meetings (virtual and in‑person)
  • Complete all program tasks and activities
  • Implement strategies with students during the program year
  • Complete commitment form and appropriate paperwork

Ready to Transform Your Classroom?

Submit your application by April 15, 2026 to join the next Teacher Academy cohort.

Application Form

Case Studies

  • Navy Maritime Industrial Base Partnership

    Free professional development that gives K-12 teachers real STEM industry connections, including a 1-2 day externship with a local employer.
    View Case Study Details

The Battelle Teacher Academy has been one of the most innovative and impactful professional learning experiences of my career. It has helped me connect classroom learning to real-world industry through local industry partnerships, hands-on, experiential learning, building the skills and mindset to drive innovation. The real-world problems-based learning engaged all students from those planning on entering the workforce after high school to those pursuing higher education.

Peggy Meyers

Hancock Middle High School

Our National Partners

Battelle Teacher Academy Report (PDF)

Evaluation and knowledge gains as documented for Maritime Industrial Base, the client for the Teacher Academy.

Learn More

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