An experienced business development and management executive in the biotechnology sector, Raj Prabhakar earned bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering and biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Currently, Raj Prabhakar serves as a member of the board of directors of the MIT Club of Washington, D.C., which provides funding for local educators who teach science, technology, engineering, and/or math (STEM) to attend the annual Science and Engineering Program for Teachers (SEPT) at MIT.
The SEPT program takes place every summer and will celebrate its 25th year in 2014. Middle or high school STEM teachers from the Washington metropolitan area who wish to attend SEPT can apply to the MIT Club for sponsorship. Total registration for SEPT is $1,025; the MIT club provides three teachers nominated by its members with $900 toward this fee, plus an additional $200 to cover travel expenses. Registration includes all required materials for program courses, three daily meals, and shared rooming in an MIT dorm.
In classes restricted to no more than 25 to 30 teacher-students, participants receive daily lectures from MIT scientists. MIT faculty also give tours of the institution’s labs and an inside look at the work that takes place there.
Due to rapid technological developments, SEPT has been taught as SEPT 2.0 since 2010. SEPT 2.0 accounts for significant changes in the nature of STEM teaching and research, such as online lectures and computer-simulated research models, to help educators devise curriculum based on leading practices in their fields. Some of the learning experiences available to participants during the week include workshops using computer games, simulations, and Lego DNA, as well as direct engagement with new technologies created at MIT.
After completing the 40-hour SEPT curriculum, participants receive a certificate of completion, eligibility to join the Network of Educators in Science and Technology, and either 40 Professional Development Points from MIT or 4 Continuing Education Units.
The SEPT program takes place every summer and will celebrate its 25th year in 2014. Middle or high school STEM teachers from the Washington metropolitan area who wish to attend SEPT can apply to the MIT Club for sponsorship. Total registration for SEPT is $1,025; the MIT club provides three teachers nominated by its members with $900 toward this fee, plus an additional $200 to cover travel expenses. Registration includes all required materials for program courses, three daily meals, and shared rooming in an MIT dorm.
In classes restricted to no more than 25 to 30 teacher-students, participants receive daily lectures from MIT scientists. MIT faculty also give tours of the institution’s labs and an inside look at the work that takes place there.
Due to rapid technological developments, SEPT has been taught as SEPT 2.0 since 2010. SEPT 2.0 accounts for significant changes in the nature of STEM teaching and research, such as online lectures and computer-simulated research models, to help educators devise curriculum based on leading practices in their fields. Some of the learning experiences available to participants during the week include workshops using computer games, simulations, and Lego DNA, as well as direct engagement with new technologies created at MIT.
After completing the 40-hour SEPT curriculum, participants receive a certificate of completion, eligibility to join the Network of Educators in Science and Technology, and either 40 Professional Development Points from MIT or 4 Continuing Education Units.