Towson University Center for STEM Excellence

Baltimore Excellence in STEM Teaching (BEST) Project

BEST Project Teacher Rebecca Turkin examining pancreas cells during her summer internship at the National Institute on Aging.

Funded by a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Towson University’s Baltimore Excellence in STEM Teaching (BEST) Project aims to improve high school and middle school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. As part of Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence, the BEST Project offers training and mentoring opportunities to in-service STEM teachers as well as educational outreach to their students.

The BEST Project focuses on improving the content knowledge and pedagogical effectiveness of its participating teachers. A 6-week summer research experience at a local university or research institution will be followed by academic year professional development workshops on topics such as implementing inquiry, incorporating technology, and differentiated instruction strategies. Immersion in authentic, hands-on research activities will expose teachers to cutting-edge science and technology and provide them with the credibility and experience to incorporate current content and relevant data into their STEM instruction. Winter and Spring classroom outreach activities will include the translation of content and skills learned during the summer into lessons and activities that engage students, get them excited about STEM subject matter, and emphasize the real-world relevance of STEM research.

The 2013–2014 BEST Project Application deadline is December 19, 2012. Application materials can be found at

• Application Information.

Also, information about BEST Project Teacher-Interns and sponsoring research institutions and mentors can be found at

• for the current 2012–2013 academic year
  • 2012–2013 BEST Project Teacher-Interns.
  • 2012–2013 BEST Project Sponsoring Research Institutions and Mentors.

• for the previous 2011–2012 academic year
  • 2011–2012 BEST Project Teacher-Interns.
  • 2011–2012 BEST Project Sponsoring Research Institutions and Mentors.

If you have questions about the BEST Project or the application process, please contact Julie Damico at jdamico@towson.edu. If you are interested in other professional development and outreach activities provided by Towson University, please explore the links on the web page at

• Community Outreach and STEM Education.