Science Coach Program

Igniting STEM Research and discovery in 6th-12th grade classrooms!

Science Coach is a flexible program that can work in any school setting – public, private, and homeschools in cities, suburbs or rural areas. It can be implemented as a standalone class, incorporated into another class, or conducted as an afterschool activity. Teachers can join a team as an individual or with a committed team of colleagues.

Download the Science Coach Program Flyer Apply to be Science Coach for the 2026-2027 School Year
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Theresa Cordonier
Science Coach Teacher

Jill Ott
CEO Science Coach

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We provide teachers with:

  • Comprehensive research methodology curriculum – a playbook on HOW to teach advanced authentic research
  • Research supplies, materials, and basic equipment
  • Specialized equipment loan program
  • Access to professional labs and/or assistance in securing lab access for students
  • Insurance coverage for local lab use
  • Connections with scientists and subject matter experts to serve as mentors for students
  • Graduate-level credit opportunity for teachers
  • 1-1 mentoring relationship with and science competition support from an experienced research teacher
  • A community of research teachers from across the country, eager to support, share expertise, and collaborate with each other!
  • Guidance and assistance for students whose projects have either intellectual property potential or commercial viability
  • Year-long professional development and specialty training
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Ben Martin
Science Coach Teacher

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Tiska Rodgers
Science Coach Teacher

How We Do It

Teachers receive funding to coach students through a year-long research project:

  • Up to $3,000 annual stipend paid throughout the school year as milestones are achieved
  • $2,750 in professional development and training, in the form of monthly webinars and the annual Science Coach Academy
  • $800 in classroom research supplies and materials; purchasing and shipping handled by Science Coach.
  • $450 for student recruitment and retention efforts

NOTE: There is no cost to the teacher. Funding is provided either through the school/district via STEM initiative funds such as Perkins, Title I, Title V or ESSA, grants or private donations. Science Coach works with teachers to identify and secure funding.

The goal of Science Coach is to ensure teachers are trained, supported, resourced, and energized to inspire future innovators!

How it Works

Science Coach takes the traditional sports team approach and applies it to the STEM arena. The program leverages the expertise of a Head Coach who has participated in the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). They share their knowledge and experiences with five Teacher Coaches and support them as they coach 6th-12th-grade students to conduct advanced, original science research projects.

A team can be formed anywhere there are five teachers who have at least three years’ experience teaching science. Ideally, the teachers are in the same or neighboring school districts.

Just as with sports coaches, Science Coaches are paid a stipend for coaching students, receive funds for student project supplies, necessary data collection equipment, lab access, and can also receive college credit. The Head Coach receives a stipend as a mentor who is responsible for each of the five teacher coaches, as well as their own students’ research projects.

Like a sports team, the Science Coach program has a schedule, complete with a busy season and an “off-season.”

Science Coach Annual Calendar

  • Before June

    Application, Evaluation, and Acceptance to Science Coach
    Secure Funding in Partnership with Science Coach

  • June

    Complete Agreement – Welcome to Science Coach!
    Teachers attend Science Coach Academy
    Coaching Teams Assigned

  • August

    Teacher Coach Orientation
    Begin Monthly (Aug.-May) Professional Development Meetings
    Students Begin to Identify Project Ideas

  • October

    Students Complete Project Onboarding

  • October – January 

    Students Conduct Research for Projects 

  • February

    Students Finalize and Upload Research Plans

  • February – May

    Students Compete in at Least One Juried Competition Outside their Own School

  • April

    Teachers and Students Attend Science Coach Symposium

  • May

    Qualifying Students (and Their Teachers) Attend the International Science & Engineering Fair 

Interested in learning more about the Science Coach Program?

Contact Us