Teacher Academies

Building SPEED materials are disseminated through Teacher Academies, which are hosted by a college or university and held near race tracks. Up to 40 teachers (in math/physics or physical science teams) will be selected to attend each academy through a formal application and selection process.

Teacher academies are held in two parts. The first part, which is held at the host university and the local track, familiarizes teachers with the materials and their underlying research and pedagogical foundations. Teachers will plan how Building SPEED materials fit in their lesson plans and relate to local, state and national standards.

The second part will be held around a race weekend. Teachers will revist the materials and discuss their use, and the impact of the materials on student attitudes toward science and math and science and math careers. Teachers will attend a race, tour the garage and see how the principles they've been teaching are applied in a real-life, high stakes situation. Teachers will also participate in a public science event to share the science of motorsports with the racegoing public. A draft agenda is available.

Teachers may participate for up to two years, with the second year providing an opportunity for teachers to learn additional content related to motorsports and to mentor first-year teachers.

Planned Academies

Participation

Teachers will be nominated by their school districts and attend in teams of 2-4 teachers, with a mix of math and physics or physical science teachers. Applicants will be evaluated according to selection criteria that emphasize reaching a diverse group of students and the potential impact on the students, the teachers and the school.