The Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program aims to help teachers answer that age-old question, "When will I ever use this?"
During the summer, STEM educators work side-by-side with knowledgeable and skilled industry employees who help bring the classroom curriculum to life. STEM Teacher Externships provide educators with the exposure to answer questions about real-world application, prepare students for careers they may have in the future and improve educational experiences.
"I feel like the entire externship program is a win for everyone. The host site gets an extra pair of hands and help with projects, the extern gets to have new experiences, the students get to learn from the experiences of the extern and so much more. I have been placed outside of my comfort zone sometimes, stretched beyond what I thought I could do. I really feel that ALL STEM teachers should do this program at least once!!"
-Eric Yerington, Science Teacher at Muscatine CSD, Iowa STEM Teacher Extern – Bayer Crop Science
Goals of the Externship Program
- Create lasting partnerships between workplaces and local schools.
- Connect Teacher Extern experience with STEM content and 21st century skills identified in the Iowa Academic Standards Universal Constructs.
- Give students real-world career information about career possibilities right here in Iowa.
- Give teachers the opportunity to see and use the latest real-world applications of STEM disciplines in a local business or industry.
STEM Teacher Externships are full-time, six-week summer positions in local businesses and agencies for licensed, secondary teachers of mathematics, science and/or technology. STEM Teachers earn a stipend of up to $5,000, as well as three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa’s Continuing Education program.
Hear from the Externs and Hosts
Extern Cain Cushion (Industrial Technology Teacher at Wapsie Valley High School) partnered with workplace host Geater Machining & Manufacturing in Independence.
Extern Lindsay Kasuga (Science Teacher at West Des Moines Valley High School) partnered with workplace host US Army Corps of Engineers, Saylorville Lake near Des Moines.
Extern Tony McCutchan (Science Teacher at Winterset High School) partnered with workplace host Barilla America in Ames.