PolarTREC Program Requirements

PolarTREC is a professional development program for educators, which strives to build ongoing, collaborative relationships between educators and polar researchers. The PolarTREC program is designed to match teachers and researchers based on similar scientific interests and outreach goals, facilitate the growth of this relationship, and provide support for the relationship to become independently sustainable.

One component of successful relationships is collaboration and understanding of each partner; we strive to have teachers and researchers working together as much as possible before, during, and after the polar field experience. Therefore, teachers and researchers selected for PolarTREC are expected to participate in a number of specific program requirements throughout the experience.

Program Requirements

The 2011 Program Requirements Document briefly outlines the requirements for both teachers and researchers. The document also includes additional recommendations for a successful research experience. Both the program requirements and recommendations come from best practices for teacher professional development, years of program management experience, and advice from past teachers and researchers on how to make the experience successful.

Program Requirements Timeline

The 2011-2012 PolarTREC Program Requirements Timeline shows how many of the program requirements are arranged throughout the year. PolarTREC is much more than just field research, as the supporting activities and program requirements before and after the teacher research experience make this a comprehensive professional development opportunity.

Click the timeline image to enlarge.

Program Evaluation

ARCUS uses the PolarTREC program requirements in a number of ways, including tracking participation in the program, evaluating the impacts of the program, and collecting data on program participants. Information is used to report to the National Science Foundation, apply for further funding, provide data and information to researchers, publish papers and articles, and much more.

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, teachers and researchers will be recognized with a certificate of PolarTREC Participation and Program Completion. In addition, teachers will be rewarded one day of substitute reimbursement for a day of a professional development activity of their choice.

There are no formal requirements for educators, scientists, students, and others who wish to participate virtually through the Internet. Learn about the other ways to participate in PolarTREC.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these requirements, please contact the PolarTREC Project Managers at info [at] polartrec [dot] com or 907-474-1600.