Research, Reports, and Field Insights
Using evidence to strengthen STEM teaching and educator development
The National Center for STEM Education produces and shares research, reports, and field-based insights that help universities, schools, policymakers, and partners make better decisions about STEM educator development. Our work focuses on the systems that recruit, prepare, support, and retain STEM teachers, as well as the classroom practices and partnerships that help students engage deeply in STEM learning.
Partner with us
The Center welcomes collaboration with researchers, universities, school systems, policymakers, funders, and organizations working to strengthen STEM education.
What we study
Our research and reporting are organized around questions that matter to the future of STEM education:
- How can universities recruit and prepare more STEM teachers?
- What models help future teachers enter classrooms well-prepared and stay in the profession?
- How can schools and universities work together to strengthen clinical preparation, induction, and retention?
- What supports help teachers implement innovative STEM instruction?
- What data can help programs, institutions, and policymakers make stronger decisions about STEM teacher preparation and workforce development?
- How can evidence from local programs and national networks inform broader change?
These questions guide our reports, convenings, data analysis, and partnerships with researchers and practitioners across the field.
AI Integration in STEM Teacher Preparation
As AI reshapes STEM learning, teaching, and the future workforce, the Center is developing research and reporting on how teacher preparation programs can responsibly integrate AI into STEM educator development. This work focuses on how STEM and STEM education faculty can learn to evaluate AI tools, design meaningful learning experiences, support student understanding, and use emerging technologies in ways that strengthen instruction rather than replace teacher judgment.
STEM Teacher Residencies
The Center has produced reports examining secondary STEM teacher residencies, including the conditions, challenges, and design considerations that affect candidate access, program quality, and implementation. These reports are intended to inform higher education leaders, K–12 partners, policymakers, and funders working to strengthen residency pathways.
Investing in STEM Teacher Preparation
The Center has examined the long-term value of investing in university-based STEM teacher preparation, including statewide UTeach implementation work in Alabama. This work helps state leaders, institutions, and funders understand how investments in teacher preparation can contribute to teacher supply, student opportunity, and broader economic impact.
Computer Science Teacher Preparation Pathways
The Center has produced reports on strengthening computer science teacher preparation pathways, with attention to the urgent need for qualified CS teachers and the systems required to expand access to high-quality computer science learning for students.