Apply Now For Arizona Science Center's Science Teacher Residency Program (STaR)
STaR is an innovative, hands-on program that is led by expert facilitators and content specialists focused on addressing common misconceptions about STEM subjects that are often taught in the classroom. STaR starts with four days of instruction at Arizona Science Center and one day of asynchronous learning. The program gives participants the tools to take these same lessons back to their schools and classrooms.
Participating teachers also receive ongoing coaching and mentoring opportunities. At the end of the program, they will walk away with all the materials needed to create lesson plans to effectively teach what they've learned.
Why Apply? STaR Perks Include:
- $450 Participant stipend
- Up to $500 worth of supplies for the classroom to implement the content
- Traveling? We'll cover the hotel!
- Lunch included daily
- Ongoing mentoring and coaching
Upcoming Modules
STaR Early Childhood Life Science
June 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student misconceptions about life science. Explore foundational concepts such as living vs. non-living things, animal and plant life cycles, and investigate habitats and ecosystems.
*Focused on grades K-2
Deadline to apply is May 30, 2025
STaR Earth Science
July 8, 9, 10, 11, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
During this module, participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research-based learning activities that challenge common student* misconceptions in earth science. Participants will explore changes to Earth's surface, provide evidence of past plate motions and design solutions to predict and minimize the effects of natural hazards.
*Focused on grades 4, 7 & 8
Application closes on June 6, 2025.
STaR Physical Science
October 24, 25, and November 7, 8, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Participants will engage in four days of hands-on, research based learning activities and one day of asynchronous learning that challenges common student* misconceptions about Physical Science. Explore forces such as pushes and pulls, how gravitational force is universal, how balanced and unbalanced forces affect objects, and so much more!
*Focused on grades 4-7
Application closes on September 26, 2025.
Criteria To Apply
Your school must meet one of the following:
- Qualify for Title 1Funding,
- Have a large population of Native American and/or Latino students, or
- Be located in rural Arizona and consistently experience high teacher turnover.
Must teach science standards.
Application Requirements
A Letter of Understanding must be submitted to participate.
Agreement outlines:
- Implement to the best of their ability the lessons modeled during STaR.
- Attend all 32 hours of in-person training and complete all assigned homework.
- Provide feedback to Arizona Science Center to help improve programming.
Learn More About The STaR Program!
Arizona Science Center's STaR program is generously supported by Helios Education Foundation.
About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to achieve a postsecondary education. The Foundation’s work is driven by four fundamental beliefs in Community, Investment, Equity, and Partnership. Helios invests in programs and initiatives across the full education continuum – from early grade success through postsecondary education. In Arizona, where Latino students comprise the largest percentage of the K-12 public school population, the Foundation is implementing its Arizona Latino Student Success initiative focused on preparing all students - especially students in high poverty, underserved Latino communities - for success. Through Helios’ Florida Regional Student Success Initiative, the Foundation is helping underserved, minority, first-generation students from the state's large population centers in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa achieve a postsecondary education. Since 2006, the Foundation has invested more than $200 million in education programs and initiatives in both states. To learn more about Helios, visit www.helios.org.
Additional support for STaR is generously provided by:
APS | Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust | Freeport-McMoRan Foundation | Verizon
Questions?
Email us at str@azscience.org.