This article reports on the results of an exploratory phenomenological study of six Nebraska high school physics teachers and their perceived impact of participating in a collaborative scientific research program that provided training in experimental procedures and advanced, extracurricular physics topics, all building on fundamental high school…

This study addresses current dilemmas surrounding features of effective teacher professional development (PD). Using a theoretical framework that conceptualizes the complexity of teacher learning, this study investigates the interconnections among teachers' professional backgrounds, purposes for developing professionally, teaching contexts,…

This paper investigates the impact of a two-year professional development program on teacher self-efficacy for inquiry-based instruction. The program utilizes scientist-teacher partnerships to develop content knowledge, inquiry-based instruction, and leadership skills for in-service STEM teachers. Participating teachers are administered a survey…

The Iowa Chautauqua Program was developed in 1983 with support from National Science Foundation (NSF) which awarded the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) a major grant to study an inexpensive in-service model for stimulating reform in K-12 science classrooms. Iowa was one of the six Chautauqua sites which were modeled after a program…

The Reaching for Excellence in Middle and High School Science Teaching and Learning Partnership Project at East Tennessee State University has a long history in the development of teacher leaders. This article describes the professional development model, the challenges addressed, and the impact on both teacher and student learning. (Contains 3…

This article offers a detailed description and discussion of Project TIES, a professional development program that allows K-8 teachers to make the transition from a traditional classroom to one where technology is embedded and becomes an integral part of teaching and learning. Project TIES (Technology Integration Enhancing Science), a four-year…