ConocoPhillips
Applied Mathematics Program

About AMP!

The ConocoPhillips Applied Mathematics Program (AMP!) aims to create a cadre of exceptional teacher leaders who will enhance teaching and learning in the Greater Houston metropolitan area and improve students’ success in mathematics and science. The program is offered for 5^th Grade Science & Mathematics; 6^th Grade Science & Mathematics; 7^th Grade Science & Mathematics; 8^th Grade Science & Mathematics; and Algebra I & Biology teachers.

AMP! is designed to have Science & Mathematics teachers attend as a grade level team to represent their school; teachers may also apply individually. The program uses inquiry-based teaching strategies to provide innovative and unique professional development. Teachers learn how to integrate other subject areas into their own instruction in order to develop an authentic STEM environment on campus. AMP! includes hands-on and laboratory activities, guided discussions, and guest lectures.

AMP! Benefits

Through the year-long professional development program, AMP! highlights connected lessons between mathematics and science, constructivist pedagogy, sustained coaching, and standards-aligned lessons. R-STEM aims to:

1. Increase mathematics and science content, as well as pedagogical knowledge of 5^th–9^th grade teachers by selecting mathematics and science teachers (single or in pairs), and support their further enrichment through intensive professional development.
2. Increase student engagement and achievement in STEM with a focus on inquiry in mathematics by making connections between inquiry science and applied mathematics through engaging, creative, and rigorous learning experiences for students.
3. Create a supportive and rewarding environment to sustain teachers in high-needs schools by establishing professional learning communities, support team learning and team building, and provide mentoring, coaching, and training to successfully implement the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

I really liked the integration of math and science in the lessons presented. It gave a much deeper real-world meaning to the content.

2025-2026 AMP! Program*

Participation in AMP! includes attending the AMP! Kick-off event, summer institute, and school year sessions. Program dates and other program expectations are listed below.

Apply here

The application deadline is May 1, 2025. All forms are due by this date.

AMP! Information

AMP! Program Dates

AMP! Participants are required to attend the following:

• AMP! Kick-off at Minute Maid Park [date TBD] (A single ticket to the Astros baseball game, food and beverages, and charter bus transportation will be provided for each AMP! participant).
• A week-long AMP! Summer Institute from July 7-11, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• AMP! 5th–9th includes 4 Saturdays and 4 Wednesday (virtually) evening classes during the 2025-2026 academic year. A tentative list of dates for each program will be available soon.

Wednesday evening classes are held virtually from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday classes are in-person from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

AMP! Applications

Applicants will be notified of their status no later than June 1, 2025; priority will be given to teacher-pairs from the same campus. ​Space is very limited and subject to funding availability, therefore, completing the application process does NOT guarantee placement in the program.

Previous AMP! participants will be placed on a wait list. Once the 5^th Grade, 6^th Grade, 7^th Grade, 8^th Grade, and Algebra I/Biology programs reach capacity, all future applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

Applicants will be required to submit a signed Participant Agreement Letter (PPAL) with their application. By signing the form, the applicant agrees to participate during the 2024 Summer Institute and during the 2025-2026 school year. By completing the application, the applicants agree to participate during the 2025 Summer Institute and during the 2025-2026 school year. If applying in pairs, both teachers in a teacher-pair are required to submit an individual application. Teacher-pairs from different campuses will need to submit separate PPALs.

If you are unable to upload the form to your application, you can email them to stem@rice.edu.

Apply here

The application deadline is May 1, 2025. All forms are due by this date.

AMP! Benefits & Expectations

The expectations of AMP! participants include, but are not limited to:

• Attending the AMP! Kickoff;
• Attending and participating in all training sessions (Summer Institute & school year sessions);
• Participating in and completing group projects;
• Timely completion and submission of all pre- and post-tests; and
• Timely completion and submission of all course assignments and homework.

For completing all program requirements, participants will receive:

• Approximately 110 CPE hours worth of sustained and supported professional development;
• $2000 stipend (paid to both teachers in a teacher-pair);
• $500 in classroom materials to teach program curriculum (paid to both teachers in a teacher-pair); and
• TEKS-aligned curriculum that builds a crosswalk between science, mathematics, literacy, and technology.

AMP! Program Flyer

To view and download the AMP! program flyer click here.

AMP! Administration

If you have any questions about AMP!, you can contact the program leads for the grade level of interest.

AMP! 5^th Grade

Isaias Cerda
Associate Director for Science Education & English Language Learners
713-348-3197 | ic19@rice.edu

AMP! 6^th Grade

Jessica Robicheaux
Assistant Director for Educational Leadership and STEM Initiatives
713-348-6274 | jr102@rice.edu

AMP! 7^th Grade

Melissa Mason
Assistant Director of Secondary STEM Education
713-348-7926 | mm221@rice.edu

AMP! 8^th Grade

Mariana Quinn
Associate Director for Science Education
713-348-8266 | mq10@rice.edu

AMP! Algebra I/Biology

Roger Ramirez
Associate Director for Mathematics and Engineering Education
713-348-8218 | rr44@rice.edu

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.}