STEM Teacher Externship Application

STEM Externships
Application Open

STEM Teacher Externship Application

The application window for summer 2025 externships is open. Applications submitted prior to March 1 will be given priority. 

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The goal of an Iowa STEM Teacher Externship is to help teachers better connect the content and skills they teach to the needs of Iowa's STEM workplaces throughout our state.

  • Iowa STEM Teacher Externships are geared toward secondary STEM educators.
  • STEM Teacher Externs are expected to work for 200 - 240 hours for the extern host, typically starting in June and ending in July for 5-6 full-time weeks. STEM Teacher Extern hosts are often flexible in adjusting work schedules to meet the needs of their STEM teacher externs.
  • Iowa STEM Teacher Externs earn a stipend of up to $5,000 and three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa's Continuing Education program paid for by the Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program.

Iowa STEM Teacher Externship matches will be made based on workplace needs and teacher qualifications, skills and interests. Iowa STEM Teacher Externship placements will begin in March and will extend into the spring. It is recommended that you apply before March 1 for the best possibility of finding a placement. 

Note: Submission of an application does not guarantee a summer STEM Teacher Externship placement.

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Completing an Application

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Teacher Frequently Asked Questions

What types of opportunities are available?

Iowa STEM will match you to interested host sites in your region on a case-by-case basis. Matches are based on teacher interests, skills and host needs. From gaining chemistry experience in a lab at a local bioscience company, to canoeing the streams of Iowa taking water quality samples, to analyzing process mapping data for a large Fortune 500 company, each Teacher Extern experience is unique with the goal of taking real-world examples back to your classrooms.

What experience do I need?

You do not need to have previous business/industry experience to participate. On-the-job training will quickly prepare you for the tasks and assignments you will be given. However, your skills and previous experience will be considered when determining extern placement to best benefit both you and the workplace host.

Time commitment

Teacher Externships run approximately from mid-June through July. Typically, a standard 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 40-hour work week for six weeks over the summer is expected. However, a more flexible work schedule may be negotiated between the host and the extern depending on workload and schedules.

Teacher expectations

  • A minimum of 200 hours (25 days) at the externship site with weekly documentation of hours worked.
    Identification of specific content and 21st century skills observed, and how students will see the real-world application of those skills in the classroom.
  • Participate in the online extern community with weekly reflections of externship activities and classroom ideas that be used as a resource for your students.
  • Participation in program evaluation, including pre- and post-experience surveys.

Stipend and Graduate Credits

As a Teacher Extern, you will earn a stipend of $20/hour for up to 240 hours ($4,800), as well as two days of paid professional development. Teachers also earn three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa's Continuing Education program, paid for by the program.
 

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