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Alabama Stem Council

STEM Teacher Externship Program

Program Details

Teacher Externship

Have you ever had a student ask, “When will I ever use this?” The Alabama STEM Council’s “STEM Teacher Externship Program” is designed to equip teachers with real-world experiences to help answer that very question.

The STEM Externship program provides an opportunity for educators to work side-by-side with knowledgeable and skilled industry employees who help bring classroom practices to life.  Educators are exposed to real-world, STEM-rich businesses/industries to help them prepare students for careers they may have in the future.

Teachers participating in the STEM Externship Program at Avanti Polar Lipids
The goals of the STEM Teacher Externship Program are to:
  • Give teachers the opportunity to see the latest real-world applications of STEM disciplines in a local business or industry.
  • Create lasting partnerships between businesses and local schools.
  • Show the connection of the Science, Engineering, and Math practices and Career Technology Education standards to the modern workforce.
  • Give students information about career possibilities right here in Alabama.

Other Programs

Teacher Externship Interest Form

The Alabama STEM Council is excited to offer STEM Externship opportunities to both educators and industry partners. Please select the interest form that makes your area.

Program Details

Teacher Externs

The STEM Teacher Externship program is open to high school teachers that instruct STEM classes (Science courses, technology, computer science, engineering, mathematics courses, etc). Career Technology and Education teachers instructing a STEM or STEM-related course may also participate. This includes, but is not limited to, construction, manufacturing, information technology, agri-science, construction, health sciences, etc. 

Teacher Externs:

  • Must commit to completing specific dates on an on-site externship
  • Complete externship reporting, work plans, and group meetings
  • Receive a stipend and Professional Development credits
Teacher Application
Previous Teacher Externship Participants
“I got to work one-on-one with various job holders to ask questions about what they do for their position and see it done!”
D. SmithPGI Steel Extern
“I really enjoyed getting to see industries in our area that I didn't know existed or I didn't know what they did there. As well as learning about opportunities for our students while they are in school that were pathways to jobs and paid education.”
K. ShawUAH Extern
“It was very well organized. Everyone was very open and excited to share what role they play at Hudson Alpha and welcomed us into their space like we were part of the company. I loved being able to visit the different labs and spaces over the course of the three days in order to see all types of different career options for students.”
Alicia McBrayerHudson Alpha Extern
"The worksite host put together an amazing schedule for us. We were able to speak with individuals at Hudson Alpha in a variety of research areas. We participated in hands-on activities in two of the labs and learned a great deal from the individuals we spoke with."
L. Dawn ColeHudson Alpha Extern
"[I loved] Seeing how many careers/ jobs in every industry could benefit from STEM education."
April LivingstonCalhoun County Economic Development Council Extern
"The people we worked with were very kind and knowledgeable. We also got to see a lot of different job options for students, which was awesome."
Matthew ShockeyMercedes-Benz (MBUSI) Extern
"This was a fantastic learning experience and opportunity to make connections with workforce professionals and manufacturing leaders for my students. I am very excited to collaborate and plan for events for my students and bring hands on and interactive learning opportunities to my students."
Jill HarperCalhoun County Economic Development Council Extern
"I appreciated the deep insight shared on the hiring process for positions in engineering and fabrication as well as several other STEM careers. I loved being able to see the workspaces to encourage ideas on ways to reconfigure my class space to resemble some workspaces. Also, learning the skills that will lead to student career preparedness in addition to the networking contacts available to increase opportunities for students."
De'Kayah SmithAlabama Power (Birmingham) & McWane Science Center Extern
"From both locations, the hosts were exceptional. It was amazing to see the different moving parts that keep both business moving. I appreciated knowing the variety of STEM jobs and that most people who started working for Alabama Power or McWane, stick around."
Tandy PetrovAlabama Power (Birmingham) & McWane Science Center
"I learned a lot about how STEM is used at the facility. I learned about some programs that are offered for students."
Bridget King Mercedes Benz
Program Details

Business & Industry Partners

The STEM Teacher Externship Program (STEP) is also looking for business and industry partners to serve as extern worksite hosts during our summer programs. Each year companies are encouraged to sign up as a worksite partner.

Worksite hosts can come from a variety of STEM-related industries, such as manufacturing (traditional or advanced), agriculture, transportation, power/water/gas utilities, colleges/universities, aerospace, healthcare, construction, and much more!

If you or your organization are interested in learning more about serving as a worksite host, please complete this interest form.

Business Worksite Interest Form
The Worksite Externship Host plan and facilitate an experience that includes the following:
  • Plan and host a set day learning experience at your place of business
  • Showcase the STEM-related career opportunities and skills in your industry
  • Become community partners with local teachers and schools
  • Provide an overview of your business or agency, including products, markets, customers, mission & values.
  • Provide a tour of department and operations, along with an explanation of what happens in each area and the importance thereof. Show interdependencies and alignments where possible.
  • Provide hands-on opportunities to reinforce learning when/where applicable.
  • Engagement opportunities for the educators to met with team members at all levels of the organization to understand their roles and their career paths, as these stories may resonate with and inspire students.
  • Present An overview of career pathways, educational requirements, workplace culture, and behavioral expectations
  • Help your teacher extern identify the science, engineering, and/or mathematics practices "at work" in your business.

Questions about the STEM Teacher Externship Program? Please contact us at  externships@alabamastemcouncil.org

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Contact Info

Sheila Holt
Executive Director
sheila.holt@alabamastemcouncil.org

Lawrence Cooper
Program Manager
lawrence.cooper@alabamastemcouncil.org

Suzy Gatewood
Ecosystems and Chief Science Officer Support
suzy.gatewood@alabamastemcouncil.org

Rene McNeal
STEM Ecosystems Coordinator
rene.mcneal@alabamastemcouncil.org

Jeremy Underwood
Communications Manager
jeremy.underwood@alabamastemcouncil.org


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