Below are Frequency Asked Questions about Aggie STELLAR:
Who is eligible to apply for the Aggie STELLAR program?
To be eligible, applicants must :
Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Hold a valid Texas Teacher Certificate in a STEM subject (with no suspension history).
Be full-time teachers for grades 5-8 in a STEM field.
Teach at schools in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or Rio Grande Valley areas.
Have at least 3 years of teaching experience.
Apply with another eligible teacher from their same campus.
What subjects are included in STEM?
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, CTE, Career Readiness, Robotics, etc.
What are the program components of Aggie STELLAR?
The program includes:
A two-week Summer Institute at Texas A&M University.
Monthly regional meetings for professional development.
Enrollment in a STEM graduate certificate program.
An online community for collaboration with other educators.
Do I need a partner to apply?
Yes, applicants must apply with another eligible teacher from the same campus to facilitate program collaboration. Partners do not need to be the same subject or grade, it can be any combination of grades 5-8 in any STEM subject.
What are the dates for applying and participating in the program?
Applications open: October 1, 2024
Application deadline: December 1, 2024
Summer Institute: July 7–11 and July 14–18, 2025
Is travel required for this program?
Yes, participants will attend the Summer Institute in person at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. Monthly meetings will be held locally, with some requiring travel to College Station.
Are there financial benefits to participating?
Yes, teachers will receive a stipend for the Summer Institute and monthly follow up meetings. Aggie STELLAR will reimburse travel expenses. The program will also cover substitute costs for your campus.
Can I apply if I am a high school or elementary teacher?
The program is currently open only to middle school STEM teachers in grades 5-8.
Can I apply if I am a Instructional coach, instructional specialist, or curriculum coordinator?
The program is currently open to teachers who are in the classroom full time.
Do I need my GRE to apply for the Graduate program?
No, you do not need to submit your GRE scores. However, you will need to provide transcripts from all previous colleges attended.
What support will I receive for the graduate certificate coursework?
Aggie STELLAR will reimburse the $89 application fee for the STEM graduate certificate program and will fully cover the tuition and fees for the initial 12 credit hours of graduate coursework.
Can we continue our graduate coursework for a Master’s in STEM Education?
Yes, Aggie STELLAR covers the first 12 credit hours of your graduate coursework, which is one-third of the total required for a Master's degree. After completing these hours and earning your STEM graduate certificate, you may choose to continue toward a Master’s degree, with tuition costs then becoming your responsibility. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to earn the certificate and to remain eligible if you decide to pursue the Master’s program.
How does the online community work?
Participants will join an online community through Google Drive and Canvas to share resources, post updates, and collaborate. Monthly deliverables include lesson plans, outreach ideas, and STEM resources.
How do I apply?
Complete the application on our website, TX.AG/AggieStellar and submit the required materials, including your Texas Teacher Certificate and a recommendation letter from your school administrator.