SoTS Educators Circle
No program fees. No platform commission. 100% goes to educator.
About
The bottleneck in teenage research isn't equipment or lab access - it's quality mentorship. This is the first ever directory for independent research educators experienced with teenagers.
These educators guide teenagers through authentic research. They work independently, with their own approaches and pricing - various price points, 1:1 format. What connects them: alignment with our philosophy, a referral from someone in the SoTS network, and verified credentials.
How to Use This Directory
Browse educators below. To view full profiles and contact information, log in with your account and active SoTS membership.
We provide this listing as a resource for families seeking research mentorship. All listed educators have completed identity verification and background screening, but are not vetted for quality of instruction. We encourage you to evaluate fit independently.
Educators
Steve (MS, Rutgers University) is an ecologist with eight years' experience teaching children and young adults in both informal and formal settings. His graduate and current research focuses on tardigrades, an organism that has proven an excellent vehicle through which to teach a wide variety of biological concepts. He is eager to impart upon students the importance of observational data and techniques of biological imaging, and looks forward to contributing to a collaborative and enjoyable research experience for teen scientists!
Interested in joining SoTS Educators Circle?
We welcome educators who:
- Teach authentic research methodology to teenagers
- Share our curiosity-first philosophy
- Come with a referral from someone in the network of Society of Teen Scientists and/or Authentic Research Partners
- Hold a relevant degree
- Offer 1:1 research mentoring (siblings from the same family permitted; other group formats not accepted)
Screening Process:
Screening is handled through our designated providers. You enter your information directly - we never see or store your sensitive data. Cost is typically under $100, paid by educator directly to providers.
Screening includes:
- Identity verification (government ID + photo match)
- Criminal background check (national + county)
- Sex offender registry (national)
- Education verification
What you get:
- Free listing in our directory
- Free access to AI Research Mentor Educator interface - invite students, track multiple students and projects, provide better feedback
Professional Development:
SoTS Educators Circle members gain access to workshops and seminars based on cutting-edge research education methodologies developed by SoTS Lab Directors. These approaches - refined through years of hands-on practice with teenage researchers - represent the forefront of how research skills are taught.
Learn techniques that go beyond traditional mentoring: how to guide authentic inquiry, foster student ownership of projects, and develop research thinking in teenagers.
Educators agree to abide by the provided SoTS Educators Circle Code of Conduct.
To apply: Email team@teenscientists.org with a brief introduction and who referred you.
SoTS Educators Circle is a directory service. Educators listed are not employees or contractors of Society of Teen Scientists or Authentic Research Partners LLC. All listed educators have passed identity verification and background screening. We do not supervise or control listed educators. Families are responsible for their own due diligence. Neither SoTS nor Authentic Research Partners LLC is liable for any interactions, instruction, or outcomes between families and listed educators.