Hello
I created ASTER in 2026 in response to years of science educators expressing a desire to engage in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) focused on providing educators support throughout all stages of Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs. The mission of ASTER is to build and maintain a community of support for both educators and scientists that works to sustain RET learning opportunities and foster continued engagement between education and science communities beyond the RET program.
~ Amanda Morrison, PhD
My Story
My passion for engaging science educators and students in scientific research began in 2004 while teaching about raptor migration in south Texas. Since then, I have designed and facilitated science-research focused education programs for science educators and their students through non-profits, universities, and the Long-term Ecological Research Network. Over the past decade I have presented about RET programs and supported RET participants in sharing their experiences at national science and education conferences. I have also advised emerging and existing RET program developers on program design and mentorship of teachers as learners in research contexts. Recently, I conducted two research studies focused on RET participation of teachers with underrepresented identities in science for my doctoral dissertation. Please join me in building this vital community of educators and scientists dedicated to sustaining science research learning opportunities that advance equity and participation in science for teachers and their students.
Contact
Feel free to contact me re: all things RET!
Amanda Morrison, PhD
(970)227-5950