About REMSL
The ConocoPhillips Rice Elementary Model STEM Lab (REMSL) is a year-long professional development program designed for 2nd-5th grade science teachers, instructional coaches, and science lab teachers at elementary campuses throughout the Houston area. REMSL includes two-parts: a summer institute and a series of school year sessions.
The REMSL program aims to improve STEM elementary education by supporting local teachers through a well-established professional development model that focuses on: improving STEM knowledge as aligned with the TEKS; developing mastery in inquiry learning and pedagogy; relaying research-based, best practices in elementary STEM education; and supporting leadership development.
REMSL Benefits
With support from ConocoPhillips, the REMSL program equips teachers with TEKS aligned professional development to help deepen teacher knowledge of STEM content. Teacher participants receive classroom teaching materials to support teaching physical sciences and earth/space and life sciences. Teachers additionally receive a variety of innovative pedagogical techniques and leadership training that supports long-term professional growth. The REMSL program also provides professional literature, stipends, and off-site visits, which includes a visit to Rice University to explore cross-curricular connections in science and mathematics.
Before REMSL I was a math teacher who also taught science... REMSL has given me the knowledge on how to teach the material and present it in a way that is engaging and hands on.
2025-2026 REMSL Program*
Participation in REMSL includes attending the summer institute and school year sessions. Program dates and other program expectations are listed below.
The application deadline is May 1, 2025. All forms are due by this date.
- Summer Institute
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Participants are required to attend the week-long summer institute from July 14-18, 2025.
- School Year Sessions
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Participants can choose evening classes on either Tuesday or Thursday for their 2025-2026 school year training.
REMSL PM
Date and Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.- Tuesday PM classes for the 2025-2026 school year are to be held at Houston Community College West Houston Institute.
- Thursday PM classes for the 2025-2026 school year are to be held at Baker Ripley East End Learning Center.
- Applications
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We may contact qualified candidates before the application closes and offer them a spot. Previous REMSL participants and teachers that do not meet the criteria of the program will be placed on a waitlist. Once the program reaches capacity, future applicants will also be placed on a waitlist.
Applicants will be required to submit a signed Participant Agreement Letter with their application. By signing the form, the applicant's principal agrees to let the applicant participate during the 2025 summer and during the 2025-2026 school year. By completing the application, the applicant agrees to participate during the 2025 summer and during the 2025-2026 school year.
If you are unable to upload the form to your application, you can email the required documents to stem@rice.edu.
- Benefits & Expectations
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The expectations of REMSL participants include, but are not limited to:
- Attending and participating in all training sessions (summer session & school year);
- 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:
- Over 100 hours of sustained and supported professional development;
- $400 stipend upon program completion;
- $600 in STEM materials;
- Individualized campus support; and
- Opportunities for field experiences and attending lectures at Rice University.
- REMSL Catalyst Program
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The REMSL Catalyst Program supports 3rd-5th grade science teachers who have completed the REMSL program. It promotes STEM leadership through instructional Coaching, professional development inquiry-based curriculum design, and the engineering design process.
This TEKS-aligned program aims to develop a new generation of STEM leaders in K-5 education.
- Building a professional learning community for ongoing collaboration
- Strengthening STEM content knowledge and teaching practices
- Empowering teachers as leaders in science education
- Enhancing student engagement through real-world, inquiry-based learning
- Program Flyer
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To view and download the REMSL program flyer click here.
REMSL Administration
If you have any questions about REMSL, you can contact the program lead.
Isaias Cerda
Associate Director for Science Education and English Language Learners
713-348-63197 | ic19@rice.edu
Jessica Robicheaux
Assistant Director for Educational Leadership and STEM Initiatives
713-348-6274 | jr102@rice.edu
*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
Program Sponsor:
Program Partner:
