University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering
Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks

TeachQuantum

What is TeachQuantum?

TeachQuantum is a multi-year program that consists of an annual 6-week summer research experience for high school teachers, which immerses them in real-world quantum research environments and prepares them to teach quantum-focused STEM concepts in their classrooms. The selected teachers will develop new quantum-inspired activities to implement in their classrooms, and participate in quarterly meetings throughout the school year to share their outcomes and best practices. 

 Who can participate?
High school STEM teachers in Wisconsin and Chicago's Kenwood, Woodlawn, Hyde Park, and Englewood neighborhoods

When will the program take place?
6 weeks over Summer 2023 (late June – early August, 20 hours per week), and quarterly throughout the school year 

What will participants do?
Engage in a mentored research experience in a quantum lab, develop a quantum-focused classroom activity, and share their experiences with other participants during quarterly meetings

Where will the program take place?
The research labs of faculty members at the University of Chicago and UW–Madison.

How To Apply
Applications are now closed. Please consider applying when Summer 2023 applications open in February 2023!


Contact Us
Please direct any questions you have about the program to

  • Dr. Tian Zhong - Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
  • Laura Rico-Beck - Assistant Dean of Education and Outreach, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
  • Patrick McQuillan - HQAN Education and Workforce Development Coordinator, Chicago Quantum Exchange
  • Mallory Conlon - HQAN Outreach Program Coordinator, University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Physics
2022 TeachQuantum teacher Jamie Lauer works on her experiment in the lab at UW–Madison.
TeachQuantum participant and high school chemistry teacher Jamie Lauer works on her experiment in the Saffman lab at UW–Madison.
teachers observing a quantum science lab
TeachQuantum participant and high school Science Department Chair Adam Davenport observes equipment in Dr. Tian Zhong's quantum science research lab at UChicago.

TeachQuantum is supported by the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN), a partnership between the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

TeachQuantum 2022 Cohort

We are excited to welcome these teachers and teacher mentors to the 2022 TeachQuantum program!

  • Adam Davenport - James H. Bowen High School    Chicago, IL
  • Afsoon Kazerouni - UChicago Charter School    Chicago, IL
  • Jamie Lauer - Hartford Union High School    Hartford, WI
  • Michael Rodgers - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School    Chicago, IL

  • Amy Seter - UChicago Charter School    Chicago, IL
  • Joseph Blake - Kenwood Academy High School    Chicago, IL
  • Will participants receive a stipend?
    • Yes. All participants will receive a $4500 stipend for their summer research and up to $500 to assist in the development of their activity.
  • How many hours per week will I be expected to work during the program?
    • Participants are expected to work 20 hours per week during the 6-week research and curriculum development experience. During the school year, participants will participate in 1-hour virtual meetings every quarter.
  • Will this program be run remotely for Summer 2022?
    • The research and lunch-and-learn components of TeachQuantum will occur in-person during Summer 2022. Other components, including the curriculum development meetings and quarterly meetings, will occur virtually. Accommodations can be made on an as-needed basis.
  • Do I need to be a STEM teacher to participate?
    • Although you do not need to be a STEM teacher to participate, a strong math and science background is required for all selected participants.