Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your interest in Mount Sinai’s Summer Research Program for Science Teachers. The Summer Research Program was founded in 1990 by Dr. Samuel C. Silverstein and has traditionally been housed at Columbia University. In 2023, the program expanded to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and is currently accepting applications for the summer of 2026.

The program provides hands-on laboratory and professional development training for experienced (2-3+ years of teaching middle or high school) science teachers of all areas of the life and physical sciences (e.g., biology, AP biology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, health, chemistry, computer science, earth science, physics, AP chemistry, AP physics, etc.). Participants of the program spend 7 weeks per summer, for two consecutive summers, interning in a scientific laboratory at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Participants gain hands-on research experience, mentored by Mount Sinai faculty members, and the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the research enterprise by attending lab meetings, department seminars, and internal conferences.

Additionally, the program includes professional development exercises led by scientists across several NYC academic institutions on topics of broad general interest (biomedical research discoveries, youth mental health, technology in the classroom, data driven instruction, construction and classroom use of virtual and physical models, field trips, etc.). In the Program’s final week, Fellows present the results of their research in poster and short talk formats.

Compensation includes $4,500 per summer, with an additional $1,000 stipend for classroom supplies. The program is scheduled to run July 6th – August 21st, 2026.

The program and its impact on teachers and their students is described in detail in the Mount Sinai Today Report, “How Did These New York City Teachers Spend Their Summer? In Mount Sinai Labs, Improving Their Science and Teaching Skills” and the Science Magazine report “Teachers’ Participation in Research Programs Improves Their Students’ Achievement in Science”. Additional information about the program is available on the Program’s website. We strongly recommend you review these resources prior to submitting an application.

The program seeks dynamic, energetic, creative, articulate and communicative teachers who have demonstrated leadership and initiative in their schools, and a desire to stimulate their students’ enthusiasm for science and for learning. We are particularly interested in how you envision using your Summer Research Program laboratory and professional development experiences to improve your teaching and the education of your students.

To apply, please submit the online application and supporting documents by Sunday, April 5th, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed by members of the Program’s Advisory Committee. Favorably reviewed applicants will be invited for interviews soon thereafter. Interviews will be on weekdays between the hours of 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and will last approximately half hour. Interviewed applicants will be notified of their status within two weeks of their interview with the Program’s Advisory Committee. Applicants who are favorably reviewed will be invited to schedule an interview with a Mount Sinai scientist who has agreed to host a teacher in his/her laboratory in the summers of 2026 and 2027.

Assignment to a laboratory requires agreement of both the teacher and the head of the laboratory. Program acceptance is conditional upon completing Mount Sinai’s required onboarding paperwork.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please address all questions to Denise Croote at denise.croote@mssm.edu.

Yours sincerely,

Carol Gregorio, Denise Croote, Veronica Szarejko

Summer Research Program for Science Teachers Advisory Committee

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMMENTS: SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026.

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FELLOWSHIPS: Mount Sinai’s Summer Research Program will provide two Fellowships in 2026 to experienced New York City middle and/or high school science teachers. Applicants wishing to participate in this program must commit to work in a Mount Sinai research laboratory for 7 weeks in EACH of TWO consecutive summers (2026 & 2027). The proposed fellowship stipend will be $4,500 per summer.

ELIGIBILITY: 

• Science teachers currently employed in any public, charter, private, or parochial middle, intermediate, junior, or senior high school in the New York City. Priority will be given to New York City public school teachers.
• The applicant must be committed to continue teaching science in a New York City middle or high school for at least 2026-2027 & 2027-2028.
• The applicant must hold a Teaching Certification or License, or be actively enrolled in a New York City Teaching Fellows Program.
• Applicants must be either U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens. Proof of status may be requested.

REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION with your contact information, school information, teaching history, and motivation for participating in the program.
2. CURRENT CURRICULUM VITAE/RESUME. Your c.v./resume with your education, teaching and related professional experiences, memberships in professional organizations, awards, and notable achievements.
3. A COPY of your State or local Science Teacher Certification or License OR proof of enrollment in a New York City Teaching Fellows Program.
4. TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from professional colleagues who are well acquainted with you and your work.

The application, CV, and copy of teaching license can be submitted via this online application. Letters of recommendation can be emailed to Denise Croote at denise.croote@mssm.edu.

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the Program's receipt of your completed application.

Current Employment

Please list Names of courses, Number of classes, Grade level, Lab included, and Number of students in each class you are currently teaching. Once you have listed your courses, please input NA into the remaining boxes.

Short Response Questions (250 word max)

If offered a Fellowship in the Summer Research Program for Science Teachers I agree to participate in the program for 7 weeks in the summers of 2026 and 2027. I plan to teach science in a New York City school during academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28.