Frequently Asked Questions

2025 RET Program Dates: June 30 – August 8.  

When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is April 15, 2023.

Do I have to be a US citizen or US permanent resident?
Yes, BU RET participants are funded by the National Science Foundation and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Are student teachers or senior college education majors eligible?
No, only current certified teachers at public high schools and community college faculty members are eligible.

Does this program provide housing?
No, this program is for teachers who live and work in Boston and surrounding communities.  Participants are expected to commute to BU each day of the six-week program.

Is there an application fee?
No, there is no fee to apply for the RET program

When do teachers find out if they’ve been accepted into the RET program?
We work on a rolling admissions basis and could begin accepting teachers as early as March. We expect to notify all applicants no later than April 15.

What are the selection criteria? What is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed by the program administrators and faculty members involved in the RET program. Teachers will be selected based on their interest in research, teaching experience, alignment with our program’s focus areas, and potential to incorporate research experiences into their classroom curriculum.

How is a research group match decided?
The placement of RET participants in research groups is based on interests and experience. Physics teachers are likely to be placed in mechanical engineering or optics labs; biology teachers will work in biomedical engineering labs; and chemistry teachers might work in labs focused on materials science.

Is the starting date flexible?
Only in rare circumstances, it may be possible to adjust the starting date.

What are the working hours?
The program will run from Monday through Friday from approximately 9am-5pm.  We do accommodate summer teaching schedules for community college faculty participants.

Should I bring a car to campus?
Parking passes are provided for participants who opt to drive to BU. MBTA passes are provided for teachers who opt to take public transportation.

Can I take a summer course while in the RET program?
No. The RET program requires a full-time commitment that does not allow time for additional summer course work.

If you have further questions, please contact us with our contact form or call us at 617-353-1910 (Brenda Hugot).