Before beginning your online application, please review the requirements and timelines below. We recommend preparing your essays and documents in advance to ensure a smooth submission process.
Eligibility Check
The PSU-PIS 2.0 program supports two distinct tracks. Ensure you meet the criteria for your specific track:
- In-Service Teachers: Must be a full-time teacher at an accredited middle or high school in Oregon or Washington with 3+ years of science teaching experience.
- Pre-Service Teachers: Must be enrolled in PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education or Added Secondary Endorsement Programs with a STEM specialization and a 3.0+ GPA in STEM coursework.
Commuting: All applicants must be able to commute to PSU’s downtown campus for the summer sessions.
Prepare Your Essays
The application includes three core essays for all applicants, plus one track-specific prompt. Character limits include spaces.
| Essay Topic | Description | Max Characters |
|---|
| Motivation & Fit | Why are you interested in PSU-PIS, and how does it align with your teaching goals? | 1,500 |
| Research Interests | Rank your top two (2) choices from the Research Opportunities tab and explain your #1 choice. | 1,500 |
| Equity & Impact | How will you ensure students, especially those in under-resourced contexts, benefit from your participation? | 1,500 |
| School Context | (In-Service Only) Describe your school community and STEM learning constraints/opportunities . | 900 |
| Teaching Philosophy | (Pre-Service Only) Describe your goals as a prospective science teacher. | 900 |
Required Documents (PDF Uploads)
You will be required to upload the following materials within the Google Form.
In-Service Track:
- Cover Page: Including your contact information and research rankings.
- Professional Résumé: Two-page maximum.
- Research Impact Statement: A description of how research experience will enhance your teaching.
- Teaching Artifact: A sample teaching artifact (e.g., lesson plan or assessment).
Pre-Service Track:
- Application Cover Sheet: Including research rankings.
- Professional Résumé: One-page maximum.
- Unofficial PSU Transcript: Showing STEM coursework and GPA.
- Teaching Philosophy Statement: Approximately 300 words.
Note on Recommendations:
- In-Service Track: A letter of administrative support will be requested directly from your principal or department chair via email.
- Pre-Service Track: A letter of recommendation from your reference (someone familiar with your strengths as an educator) will be requested via email.
Important Dates & Selection Process
- April 1: Applications due
- Review Process: Applications are scored based on motivation, research interest, equity impact, and materials quality.
- Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview.
- Verification: Enrollment or employment status will be verified before final offers are extended.
Ready to Apply?
Please ensure you have your PDFs and essay responses ready. The form does not allow you to save progress and return later.