Science Coaches

Eligibility & Requirements

• Anyone in the US (including US territories!) that teaches chemistry concepts in a K–12 classroom is able to participate. This includes:
  • Elementary school science teachers
  • Middle school physical science/earth science teachers
  • High school chemistry teachers (or any class that covers significant chemistry content)
• All teacher applicants must be AACT teacher members.
  • We offer a limited number of complimentary 1-year AACT memberships for teachers based on the level of need of their school and their students. See the application form for more information.
• Teachers and coaches should have at least six meetings throughout the school year. 

See the FAQs for more details

Coach Eligibility

A coach works with a teacher over the course of one school year. The following US-based groups (including US territories!) are eligible to be coaches:

• Chemistry professionals
• Chemistry graduate students
• Chemistry professors
• Retired professionals/professors
• Former or retired chemistry teachers

Please note that current K–12 teachers/administrators and undergraduate students are not eligible to be coaches.

Application Guidelines

You may apply with or without a coach you have already selected. 

Applying with a Coach

We strongly encourage you to apply with a coach. To find a coach, you can reach out to local college professors, local companies that employ chemists, or your ACS local section. We have developed an email template you could use to help you reach out to local coaches.

Teachers and coaches have separate applications. If you find a coach, include their information on your application. Additionally, make sure your coach fills out their application including your contact info.

Applying Without a Coach

If you apply without a coach, we will try to match you with a nearby coach whose application best matches yours.

Application Timeline

Important Dates

• Phase 1: The 2025–2026 application will open in April 2025. Applications received by June 2 will be reviewed and selected partnerships will be notified in July.
• Phase 2: The final application deadline is September 1. If you are not matched in Phase 1, or if you apply after June 1, we will review your application and will notify you of your status by October 1.
• Note: Applicants are not guaranteed program participation.

This program has a two-phase application and program acceptance timeline. Other than being able to start your partnership earlier in the year, there is no difference, whether you are notified in Phase 1 or Phase 2, to program benefits or requirements. All successful teacher applicants, regardless of when they receive notification, will receive their $550 Flinn Scientific gift certificate in December.

To be notified when the 2025–2026 application opens, complete the interest form below:

Science Coaches Interest Form

• We will continue to use the two-phase timeline for applications and program acceptance. (See Application Timeline above.)
• We will continue to offer a limited number of complimentary 1-year AACT memberships for teachers based on the level of need of their school and their students. See the application form for more information.
• All funds will be issued in the form of a $550 Flinn Scientific gift certificate.
  

A Science Coach works with a teacher over the course of one school year. The following US-based groups (including US territories!) are eligible to be coaches:

• Chemistry professionals
• Chemistry graduate students
• Chemistry professors
• Retired professionals/professors
• Former or retired chemistry teachers

Please note that current K–12 teachers/administrators and undergraduate students are not eligible to be coaches.

View Science Coach Information