Technical Education Research Centers

Founded in 1965, Technical Education Research Centers (TERC) was established by Arthur Nelson and several colleagues as a research and development laboratory to drive innovation and improve technical education and STEM teaching and learning practices. With this award, TERC continues to build on the successful pilot of the Summer Institute for Teaching and Learning (SILT), a professional development program for teachers focused on climate and equity. Funds support recruitment for and development of a one-week program in the summers of 2023 and 2024 as well as maintain a robust national community of practice. 

Technical Education Research Centers (TERC) is an independent research-based nonprofit organization, dedicated to inspiring and engaging learners through stimulating research, materials and tool development, and professional development. It is a recognized national leader in the design of teacher professional development programs and STEM curricula for grades K-16. TERC works at the frontiers of theory and practice to develop a deeper understanding of learning and teaching; enhance instruction through teacher professional development; develop applications of new technologies in education; create curricula and other products; and support reform in both institutional and informal settings. With this award, TERC pilots a summer institute for high school teachers on climate and equity and facilitates a virtual network for participants. Long-term goals include developing a cadre of teacher leaders with a rich understanding of best practices and establishing a research program that advances understanding of issues related to teaching and learning about climate equity.

In support of efforts to improve classroom instruction through the use of digital technologies.

To support the joint science and math project with the Soviet Academy of Sciences.

To plan, research, and develop a U.S.-U.S.S.R. project to enrich science education in each country through the use of international telecommunications, interactive technology, and active-learning experiments as well as cooperative activities involving students and teachers.