At KID, we see the transformational impact of hands-on, experiential learning every day in our onsite learning lab. Our tested programs boost student engagement, build essential skills, and strengthen interest in STEM.
We see teachers as essential partners in carrying these methods into more classrooms, where they can transform learning for far more students than we can reach through our onsite programs alone.
The Impact Team at KID recently assessed the early outcomes from the 2025 session of our most intensive professional development program, Teach for the Future. The educators unanimously rated the training as an outstanding or excellent experience, and shared that it allowed them to explore and refine their skills and build confidence as STEM-capable leaders.
"Since participating in Teach for the Future, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my students. They’ve become more focused, engaged, and excited about learning [. . .] they feel genuinely proud of what they're creating."
Participants reported the greatest increases in their abilities to deliver quality STEM instruction.
The most exciting result, however, was the boost teachers reported in their ability to deliver quality STEM instruction — and the potential this holds to improve learning for the 12,500+ students we estimate these teachers will reach in the coming year.
We were thrilled to see such promising indicators from this program in the numbers and insights we gathered from surveys and interviews with program Fellows.
Beyond the Numbers: Key Findings from Teach for the Future
We need more teachers with the skills and the confidence to make STEM learning relevant, meaningful, and inviting for today’s students. Our assessment found working intensively with teachers provides them with both, which enhances the learning experience for the hundreds of students each teacher will reach in the coming years.
Interviews with teachers found that Teach for the Future had an immediate, positive impact when they brought the tools and techniques they learned back to the classroom. One teacher shared:
"When students are encouraged to design, build, and reflect, they begin to see themselves as capable learners and future creators. These experiences not only support academic growth but also nurture their confidence and curiosity."
Teach for the Future Fellows are leading a change that goes beyond the classroom; they’re part of a movement to reinvigorate education. Beyond the impact teachers saw in their individual classrooms, we heard from Fellows about the ways the training encouraged them to partner with other educators at school to create more interdisciplinary experiences for students.
At KID, we’re learning all the time. This evaluation of Teach for the Future is a foundation for future research to help us maximize the impact of hands-on learning as we iterate with new formats and the content that educators look for most.
We invite you to read the full report here and watch for the application to open for the 2026 fellowship by subscribing to our Educator Newsletter.
Cat Scharon is KID’s Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation.
