STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps—Application Process

Thank you for your interest in joining the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps, a program that recognizes elementary educators as essential to building students' STEM foundations during their most formative years. The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps brings together outstanding K-5 educators across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia who demonstrate excellence in STEM teaching. Selected teachers will join a four-year professional learning community designed to:

• Build Networks – Connect with fellow educators, researchers, and organizations across three states who share your commitment to elementary STEM education.
• Enhance Leadership – Gain advanced knowledge in current science and engineering research, develop instructional leadership skills, and learn strategies for bringing cutting-edge STEM content into your classroom in developmentally appropriate ways.
• Serve All Students – Strengthen your capacity to create STEM learning experiences that ensure all students develop the proficiency and confidence they need to succeed in STEM.

As a STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps member, you will receive an annual stipend, professional development opportunities, materials and resources, and support to become a recognized leader in K-5 STEM education within your school, district, and beyond.

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation's STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program and led by Pennsylvania State University, The College of New Jersey, and West Virginia University.

Please follow these steps carefully to complete your STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps application:
 

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

• Download the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps Application Word document from the website
• Save the document to your computer
• Complete all sections of the application form
• Review your responses for accuracy and completeness

Step 2: Obtain Letters of Recommendation

You will need three (3) letters of recommendation from the following individuals:

Letters 1 and 2: Two professional colleagues (such as current or former principals, instructional coaches, teacher colleagues, university faculty, or professional development providers) who can address:

• Your contributions to K-5 STEM teaching
• How you will benefit and contribute to the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps

Letter 3: Your current district Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or authorized school administrator, who should:

• State that you would be allowed to fulfill the obligations of the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps
• Describe how your involvement would benefit the district/school

Letter Requirements:

• Each letter must be on official letterhead
• Each letter must include an original signature (electronic signatures are acceptable)
• All three letters must be from different individuals

Compiling Your Letters:

• Collect all three signed letters (as PDF files)
• Combine them into a single PDF document with Letter 1 first, Letter 2 second, and Letter 3 third
• Save the combined file as: LastName_FirstName_Letters.pdf

Step 3: Complete your application on the STEM Pioneers Website 

• Complete all required registration fields
• Upload your letters of recommendation: LastName_FirstName_Letters.pdf
• Review all information before submitting
• Click "Submit Application"
• You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted

All materials must be submitted by 8:00AM on February 16, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Start the Application