STEM Teacher Externship Program
Program Details
Teacher Externship
How many times have you heard a student ask, “When will I ever use this?” The Alabama STEM Council’s “STEM Teacher Externship Program” aims to help teachers answer that age-old question.
The STEM Externship program is a 3-5 day experience. During this time, educators work side-by-side with knowledgeable and skilled industry employees who help bring the 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.
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.
2024 Teacher Externship Applications
We are excited about this year’s Externship program. Select the application form that reflects your interest.
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 the 3-5 day on-site externship
- Complete externship reporting, work plans, and group meetings
- Receive a stipend and Professional Development credits
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.
The Worksite Externship Host plan and facilitate an experience that includes the following:
- Plan and host a 3-5 day learning experience at your place of business (June-July)
- 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
