---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 U.S.C. § 9905"
title: "20"
title_heading: "Education"
number: "9905"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/20/9905"
units:
  - "Chapter 79 — Stem-Training Grant Program"
---

# §9905. Definitions


In this chapter:

- (1) **Field-based course—** The term “field-based course” means a course of instruction offered by an [institution of higher education](#2) that includes a requirement that students teach a minimum of 3 lessons or sequences of lessons to elementary or secondary students.
- (2) **Institution of higher education—** The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given that term by [section 1001 of this title](/usc/20/1001.md).
- (3) **Master teacher—** The term “master teacher” means an individual—
  - (A) who has been awarded a master’s or doctoral degree by an [institution of higher education](#2);
  - (B) whose graduate coursework included courses in mathematics, science, computer science, or engineering;
  - (C) who has at least 3 years teaching experience in K–12 settings; and
  - (D) whose teaching has been recognized for exceptional accomplishments in educating students, or is demonstrated to have resulted in improved student achievement.
- (4) **Mentor teacher—** The term “mentor teacher” means an elementary or secondary school classroom teacher who assists with the training of students participating in a [field-based course](#1).
- (5) **Director—** The term “Director” means the Director of the National Science Foundation.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 111–358, title V, § 555, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4025.)