Educator Resources and Opportunities
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Educator Resources
Educator Resources
Oak Ridge National Laboratory supports educators through STEM resources, professional learning opportunities, and direct connections to real-world scientific research. Our programs help teachers bring hands-on STEM learning into the classroom while connecting students to careers in science and technology.
Whether you’re looking for classroom support, professional development, or STEM resources, ORNL offers opportunities that strengthen instruction, increase student engagement, and support meaningful STEM learning across grade levels.
Professional Learning for Educators
Summer Teacher Institute
A multi-week summer externship that allows STEM educators to work alongside ORNL researchers, participate in hands-on learning experiences, and explore real-world STEM applications.
Applications for Summer 2026 are now closed.
Appalachian STEM Academy
Appalachian STEM Academy is an all-expenses-paid residential program that provides students and teachers from the Appalachian region with hands-on STEM research experiences at ORNL.
In addition to research, participants explore teamwork, college pathways, and STEM career opportunities while engaging with ORNL scientists and engineers.
Professional Development Days
ORNL offers professional development opportunities that connect educators with cutting-edge research and practical classroom applications. Upcoming workshops and educator events will be posted here.
Bring STEM Into Your Classroom
Scientist in the Classroom
Connect students with ORNL scientists and engineers through interactive, standards-aligned experiences that make STEM concepts engaging and accessible. Virtual and in-person classroom visits are available.
STEM Outreach Events
ORNL supports STEM nights, career fairs, and school-wide programs that connect students and families with hands-on science experiences and STEM career exploration.
Special STEM Weeks
ORNL scientists visit schools during Hour of Code in December and Engineers Week in February to lead hands-on STEM activities and introduce students to STEM careers.
Interest forms for 2026 are currently closed.
Classroom Resources
Educator Newsletter
Stay connected with ORNL Education through our monthly newsletter featuring STEM programs, educator opportunities, classroom-ready resources, and upcoming events.