Is there a deadline to submit an application?

Who can apply?

RITAS Program applicants must be:

• A Rhode Island resident and U.S. citizen (with a valid passport should research experience be outside U.S. waters)
• Presently employed in Rhode Island as a full time K-12 classroom teacher
• In good health (certain research experiences may require that applicants participate in physically challenging shipboard environments)
  
• Familiar with electronic networks and have an active email address accessible from home
  
• Agreeable to speaking to press and public audiences concerning their involvement in RITAS

What are teachers-at-sea particpants expected to do?

• Meet with host researchers prior to the cruise
  
• Carry out training and shipboard responsibilities as requested by the host researchers. This may include preparing journals and daily cruise logs for posting on the R/V ENDEAVOR website during the cruise
  
• Transfer their research experiences to their classroom
  
• Assist in promoting the RIEP by presenting their experiences to the public, by speaking with reporters, and presenting their experience at school committee meetings, or in any other venue that is deemed appropriate.

What are the cruises like?

• The duration of research experiences will be three days to three weeks, depending on the nature and location of the research.
• Many of the cruises will cover more than one of the disciplines relevant to oceanography (biology, geology, chemistry, physics, archaeological oceanography)
• Specific information concerning the R/V Endeavor’s facilities and emergency contact will be given to each cruise participant