About AMP!

The Applied Math Program (AMP!) is supported by the generosity of ConocoPhillips and provides this unique professional development free of charge to all math and science teachers. 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 5th Grade Science & Mathematics; 6th Grade Science & Mathematics; 7th Grade Science & Mathematics; 8th Grade Science & Mathematics; and Algebra I & Biology teachers.

AMP! encourages Science & Mathematics teachers to attend as a grade-level pair, but it is not required; teachers may also apply individually. The program uses inquiry-based teaching strategies to offer innovative, unique professional development. Teachers learn to integrate other subject areas into their instruction to develop an authentic STEM environment in their classrooms and on campus. AMP! includes hands-on and laboratory activities, guided discussions, and guest lectures. There is no obligation for teachers or the campus to use our exemplar curriculum.

AMP! begins with a four-day Summer Institute in July and continues into the academic year with 3 additional Saturday sessions and 3 virtual Wednesday evening sessions. AMP! concludes with AMPosium!, a symposium celebrating paired math and science teachers who showcase their growth and positive changes in their classrooms.

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:

• Increase mathematics and science content and pedagogical knowledge among 5th–8th-grade teachers and Algebra 1 & Biology teachers (single or in pairs), and support their further enrichment through intensive professional development.
• Increase student engagement and achievement in STEM by connecting inquiry science and applied mathematics through engaging, creative, and rigorous learning experiences.
• 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).
• AMP! provides each participating teacher with $500 for classroom materials and supplies, plus an additional $2,000 stipend.

2026-2027 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.

The application deadline is May 1, 2026. All forms are due by this date.

AMP! Information

AMP! Program Dates

AMP! Participants are required to attend the following:

• AMP! Back-to-School Kick-off (July 31, 2026) (A single ticket to the Astros baseball game, food and beverages, and charter bus transportation will be provided for each AMP! participant).
• The four day AMP! Summer Institute from July 6-10, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• AMP! 5th–9th continues with 3 Saturdays and 3 Wednesdays (virtually) evening classes during the 2026-2027 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. on the beautiful Rice University campus.

AMP! Applications

Applicants will be notified of their status no later than May 1, 2026. ​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 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th 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 (PAL) with their application. By completing the application and signing the form, the applicant agrees to participate in the 2026 Summer Institute and during the 2026-2027 school year. If applying as a math and science pair, both teachers are required to submit an individual application and a signed PAL.

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

Apply here - Applications open February 2, 2026 at 8:00am CST.

The application deadline is May 1, 2026. All forms are due by this date.

AMP! Benefits & Expectations

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

• Attend the AMP! Back-to-School Kickoff at Daikin Park with an Astros game.
• Attend and participate in all training sessions (Summer Institute & school year sessions);
• 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 91 CPE hours worth of sustained and supported professional development;
• $2000 stipend (paid to each teacher);
• $500 stipend for classroom materials for each teacher; 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

Brandi West
Assistant Director of Secondary STEM Education
713-348-7926 | bw76@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.}