Science Coach Academy

Science Coach Academy
June 22-25, 2026

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Science Coach Academy
Where Research Teachers Go to Learn

Science Coach Academy is an annual, immersive professional development experience designed for middle and high school research teachers. Each summer, you’ll deepen your science content knowledge, sharpen your mentoring skills, and leave with practical tools to guide students through year-long research projects and competitions.

Registration for 2026 closes June 1

  • Dates: June 22–25, 2026
  • Location: University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kansas
  • Cost: $800 – Meals and housing are included in the conference price.
Register for Science Coach Academy 2026

Science Coach Academy Sessions

  • Field Research Techniques 
  • Listening to Wetlands: FrogWatch Training for Community Science and Classroom Connections
  • Aquatic Research: Water Project Design
  • Monarch Butterfly-Based Research Projects 
  • Engineering Tomorrow: Inspiring Future Innovators 
  • Insects for Student Research across Disciplinary Interests
  • School as a Sustainability Lab
  • Algae Projects
  • Presentation Design
  • Tips for Better Graphs and Stats in Science Fair Projects
  • Introduction to Psychological Research
  • Introduction to Aquatic Ecotoxicology
  • Culturing Curiosity: Microbiology for the Classroom
  • Introduction to cross-species interaction via Medicago sativa (host) and Sinorhizobium meliloti (symbiont)
  • Choosing a Model Organism: A Framework for High School Science Research
  • Using DataClassroom
    Building Buy-In: How to Start and Promote a Research Program

Science Coach Academy Presenters

  • Kristen Baum, Director of Monarch Watch
  • Teresa Boman, Professor of Biology and Environmental Health, Missouri Southern State University 
  • Ana Chicas-Mosier, Director of Researcher and Trainee Engagement, University of Kansas Office of Research
  • Mary Kilmer,  Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Health, Missouri Southern State 
  • Maggie McCoy, Climate Change Education Coordinator, Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Jessica Mohlman, Director of Environmental Education & Wildlife Ecologist, National Great Rivers Research & Education Center 
  • Stephanie Phillips, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Saint Mary 
  • Aaron Reedy, CEO, DataClassroom  
  • Victoria Rhodes, Associate Professor of Biology, Missouri Southern State University
  • Jessica Ross, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Saint Mary 
  • Ann Viegut, Program Coordinator, Engineering Tomorrow 
  • Samantha Crossman, Research Technician I – Sankari Lab, Stowers Institute
  • Madison Mitchell, Predoctoral Researcher – Sankari Lab, Stowers Institute
  • Alejandra Alonso Quintana, Ph.D Student – Sankari Lab, Stowers Institute
  • Ritvee Talele, Ph.D. Student – Sankari Lab, Stowers Institute 
  • Sean Nash, Biology & Research Teacher, Basehor-Linwood High School
  • Ben Martin, Field Biology Teacher and Ecological Manager, Little Creek Nature Area / Ferguson-Florissant School District
  • Ryne Emerick, Biology and Research Teacher, Lebanon High School 
  • Karisa Boyer, Science Teacher and Department Co-chair, Joplin High School

Science Coach Academy Details

What You’ll Learn

  • Emerging science & engineering topics relevant to student research
  • Hands-on demonstrations and experiments you can bring back to your classroom
  • Strategies for mentoring students through long-term research projects and competitions

Benefits of Attending

  • Connect with fellow research teachers and build a lasting professional community
  • Access free science research materials and equipment through the on-site supply store
  • Recharge and collaborate through fun indoor and outdoor team-building activities

Conference Schedule:

  • Kick-off – June 22, 4–8pm
  • Hands-on Sessions – June 23–24, 8am – 5pm
  • Networking & Skillbuilding Sessions – June 25, 8am – 12pm

Want More Information?

Not ready to register yet? Explore additional details about Science Coach Academy to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Download the 2026 Science Coach Academy Flyer Download the 2025 Science Coach Academy Program

Questions? Contact Caylie@ScienceCoach.org

Exhibitor Opportunities

There are several exhibitor and sponsorship options for organizations and companies interested in interacting with this key educator audience.

Basic Booth – $500

  • 10 ft x 10 ft booth space in main room with heavy traffic flow
  • 6 ft table with two chairs
  • Dinner, lunch, and snacks
  • Logo on signage
  • 2in x 2in ad in the event printed program
  • Brief intro about your company/organization to the entire group of teachers

Dinner & Awards Ceremony Sponsor – $1,000

Sponsor will have the opportunity to deliver 5-minute remarks during the main group meal. Their logo will be prominently displayed on signage flanking the stage. Note: The Awards Dinner is on June 24; however, a sponsor can choose either the evening of June 23 or 24.

Academy Sponsor – $2,000

This unique offering includes sponsorship of the entire conference, including a range of team-building activities designed to foster camaraderie and community among teachers. Sponsor will receive a full-page ad in the event printed program, and their logo will be featured on the official Academy t-shirt. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to make a brief presentation to the entire group of teachers. Lodging is also included in this sponsorship.

*** Both Dinner and Academy Sponsors Receive All Basic Booth Benefits *** 

Workshop/Session Sponsor

There are limited opportunities for a company/organization to deliver a full presentation, session, or workshop to attendees. Email Jennifer@ScienceCoach.org to learn more.

Exhibitor Days/Times

  • Setup – June 23, 7:30 – 11 am
  • Exhibit Hall Hours – June 23, 11 am – 8 pm; June 24, 7:30 – 9 am
  • Tear Down – June 24, 9 am
Exhibitor Registration Download the SCA Exhibitor & Sponsorship Flyer