Expect the unexpected: A look at teacher-researcher partnerships over the long-term

For over ten years, the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) has developed and implemented PolarTREC–Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating (PolarTREC). This unique program has brought K-12 educators and polar researchers together through an innovative teacher research experience model. Utilizing field-based experiences in the polar regions, PolarTREC provide teachers the content knowledge, pedagogical tools, confidence, understanding of science in the broader society, and experiences with scientific inquiry they need to promote authentic scientific research in their classroom. PolarTREC has the potential to transform the nature of STEM education. In this presentation, we will share how the PolarTREC model has led to teachers and researchers developing positive, professional relationships with the potential to grow into long-term partnerships. And, how these partnerships have led to both unexpected and amazing outcomes.