The Teacher Engineering Education Program (TEEP) Certificate at Tufts University is a fully online graduate certificate for practicing K–12 educators who want to integrate engineering design and engineering teaching practices into their classrooms.

The certificate program is currently on hiatus and is not accepting applications. Educators interested in future certificate or course offerings may join the TEEP mailing list for program updates.

Who is this Program For?

The Teacher Engineering Education Program is designed for practicing elementary, middle school, and high school teachers who want to strengthen their ability to teach engineering through hands-on, classroom-relevant learning.

The program may be a strong fit for educators who want to:

Integrate engineering design into K–12 teaching
Connect engineering with science, technology, mathematics, or interdisciplinary learning
Develop classroom activities that engage students in designing, testing, and improving solutions
Study teaching practices that support student thinking, participation, and assessment in engineering
Build engineering education knowledge without requiring a prior engineering background

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Transcripts
One letter of recommendation
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)

Personal Statement
Please give your reasons for deciding to do graduate work in the field you have chosen. We are particularly concerned that you cover these points: What previous experiences and commitments have brought you to consider applying for graduate training? What are your chief objectives in applying now? How do you think this Tufts program will help you in the pursuit of your objectives and vocation?

Supplementary Essay 1
Please describe your teaching philosophy (400-800 words)

Supplementary Essay 2
Please describe an episode of a single student (or group of students) learning that you found particularly powerful (400-800 words)

Apply Request Info

What Will You Study?

TEEP is structured around two tracks: one for elementary educators and one for middle and high school educators. Each track includes two courses focused on teaching and learning in engineering and two engineering content courses aligned with the educator’s grade band.

Teaching and Learning in Engineering Courses

ENE 0130: Teaching and Learning in Engineering I
ENE 0131: Teaching and Learning in Engineering II

These courses address student thinking, open-ended engineering design challenges, access and equity in engineering education, responsive teaching, assessment of engineering competencies, and current policy and research in K–12 engineering education.

Elementary Educator Track

Elementary educators study engineering in society, the engineering design process, introductory programming, simple machines, client-centered design, prototype testing, circuits, and connections between engineering and science.

ENE 0110: Engineering and Science for Elementary School Educators I
ENE 0111: Engineering and Science for Elementary School Educators II

Middle and High School Educator Track

Middle and high school educators study relationships between science and engineering, modeling and testing of design ideas, instrumentation, programming, product design, manufacturing, human factors, computer-aided design, and 3-D printing.

ENE 0150: Engineering and Science for Middle and High School Educators I
ENE 0151: Engineering and Science for Middle and High School Educators II

About the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach

The Teacher Engineering Education Program is provided by the Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO). The center develops research, programs, and resources focused on teaching and learning in engineering, with particular emphasis on supporting educators and expanding engineering experiences in K–12 classrooms. TEEP reflects the center’s focus on hands-on, interactive learning by combining engineering content with pedagogy courses designed for practicing teachers.

Why Study Teacher Engineering Education at Tufts?

Designed for Practicing K–12 Educators

TEEP is developed for elementary, middle school, and high school teachers who want to integrate engineering into their existing classroom practice. The program does not require educators to begin with an engineering background.

Engineering Content and Pedagogy Together

Students study both engineering concepts and methods for teaching engineering. This structure helps educators connect technical content with classroom instruction, student thinking, assessment, and responsive teaching practices.

Grade-Band-Specific Study

Teachers select an elementary or middle/high school track, allowing engineering content coursework to reflect the needs, tools, and classroom contexts most relevant to their students.

Fully Online Learning

TEEP is designed for online participation by working educators. Coursework incorporates interactive learning, peer engagement, and hands-on engineering activities that teachers can connect to their classroom practice.

What Can You Do With a Certificate in Teacher Engineering Education?

The Teacher Engineering Education Program Certificate can support practicing educators who want to expand their instructional approach through engineering education.

Teachers may use this credential to strengthen their preparation for:

Integrating engineering design into K–12 instruction
Developing hands-on engineering classroom activities
Connecting engineering with science, technology, and mathematics learning

Supporting student problem-solving, design thinking, and collaboration
Assessing student learning in engineering activities
Contributing to STEM or engineering education initiatives in their schools or districts

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eligible for the Program?

The program is designed for practicing elementary, middle school, and high school teachers. Prior engineering experience is not required.

How is the Curriculum Organized?

TEEP includes two tracks: one for elementary educators and one for middle and high school educators. Each track includes two courses in teaching and learning in engineering and two engineering content courses aligned with the grade band.

Do We Host Information Sessions?

Educators interested in future TEEP opportunities may join the program mailing list to receive updates about future offerings and events.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.

Faculty

Merredith Portsmore

Research Associate Professor

Center for Engineering Education Outreach

K-12 engineering education, outreach development, learning through teaching

Ethan Danahy

Research Associate Professor

Center for Engineering Education Outreach

design, implementation, and evaluation of different educational technologies