top of page

Join the ASTER Community

Bringing science educator and

 STEM research communities together

IMG_1289.jpeg
IMG_1519.jpeg
IMG_9079.jpeg
IMG_8817.jpeg

About ASTER

ASTER is a community-focused organization committed to empowering educators to engage with and in scientific research communities. Our mission is to understand and support the learning needs of educators and scientists who share a common interest in advancing science teacher participation in science research experiences. 

We are currently in phase 1 of our organizational development plan (2026). Please join us in growing the organization!

                                                                  ~ Amanda Morrison, PhD

                                                                     Founder, ASTER

Our Initiatives and Services

Educator Voices Initiative (Coming Soon)

We want to hear what science educators think and how they feel about participating in science-focused Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs! Results will be shared on our website.

 

Here are two ways to contribute:

Option A: Participate in our Educator Voices Survey to share your perceptions of RET programs.

Option B: Participate in RET Reflections to share your experience as a former RET program participant.

RET Support 

WEBINARS

Introduction to RET Programs for Educators

Participate in one of our monthly virtual information

sessions exploring:

  • What an RET program is

  • How to find an opportunity that fits your needs

  • When and how to apply

Dates: September 10, October 5, November 9, December 9

Time: 7:00pm Eastern

Duration: 30 minutes

Scientist Voices Initiative (Coming Soon)

We want to hear what scientists think and how they feel about participating in science-focused Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs. Results will be be shared on our website.

 

Option A:Participate in our Research Mentor Voices Survey to share your experience as a research mentor in a RET program.

Option B: Participate in our Building A Sustainable RET Program Survey to share your thoughts regarding the facilitation and implementation of RET programs through your institution/organization.

​​

Volunteer Opportunities (Coming Soon)

Volunteer as an RET Mentor to help guide incoming and current RET participants seeking support. Mentors must be K-12 educators that have already completed at least one RET program.

RET MENTORING (Coming Soon)

 

Sign up to be paired with and receive one-on-one RET mentoring by educators who have already participated

in a RET program.  

Upcoming Events

  • RET Participation Oral Session
    RET Participation Oral Session
    July 26-31, 2026
    Salt Palace Convention Center
    July 26-31, 2026
    Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
    "Secondary science teachers' participation in research experience for teachers programs: an exploration of intersectional social identity salience"
  • RET Workshop at Ecological Society of America's Annual Conference
    RET Workshop at Ecological Society of America's Annual Conference
    July 26-31, 2026
    July 26-31, 2026
    Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
    "Preparing the STEM Workforce of the Future: How an RET Network can advance and sustain K-12 teachers to prepare students for next generation STEM careers."

Connect, Grow, and Thrive

bottom of page