Language
English
Publication Date
7-31-2025
Journal
Journal of Biochemical Technology
DOI
10.7171/3fc1f5fe.92716cb3
PMID
41111556
PMCID
PMC12530734
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
5-19-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Advanced technologies have transformed diagnostics and therapeutics, improving disease management. Secondary school educators play a vital role in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and inspiring students in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) innovations. Comprehensive teacher training enhances education delivery and ensures long-term advancements in science education, empowering future generations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We launched the Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) pilot program to train secondary school teachers. This 3-week program immerses teachers in Advanced Technology Core facilities, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, such as protein array technology, next-generation sequencing, and flow cytometry. It also offers collaborative opportunities with scientists, exposure to primary scientific literature, and support in developing STEMM-based lesson plans.
RESULTS: Over 3 years, the pilot program trained 10 teachers, establishing a framework that secured a 5-year NIH Research Education Program (R25) Science Education Partnership Award to support 12-16 teachers annually. BRITE post-program surveys revealed that participants gained increased confidence and a deeper understanding of integrating STEMM concepts into their classrooms. By the end of summer, each teacher developed a lesson outline based on their experience. By the end of their first year after the training, 43% of the teachers had successfully created specialized teaching units for their classes. These findings highlight the program's success in enhancing teacher development.
DISCUSSION: This program is a practical, scalable, and sustainable model for advancing STEMM education, adaptable for other institutions aiming to create similar teacher-focused programs. We believe this approach can extend to other fields beyond biomedical science.
Keywords
Humans, Pilot Projects, Biotechnology, School Teachers, Schools, Teacher Training, Research
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Shi, Zhongcheng; Harris, Katherine A; Newell, Alana D; et al., "Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) Pilot Program: Advancing Technology Research Education for Secondary School Teachers" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications. 3955.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/3955