The CSAM Science Teaching Program offers paid internships that provide students with hands-on experience in science education while building their professional networks. Interns will have the opportunity to teach K-12 students at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, delivering engaging STEM learning activities that inspire young learners. Additionally, interns will support professional development workshops for in-service science teachers through PRISM (Professional Resources in Science and Mathematics), gaining valuable training in science education while learning from experienced educators. These internships enhance student teaching skills and allow them to connect with professional science educators, observe best teaching practices, and gain practical classroom experience that will set them on the path to becoming effective science teachers.
Undergraduate Research in CSAM labs
Students in the CSAM Science Teaching Program will have the opportunity to participate in the CSAM Student Research Program, where they will conduct authentic scientific research in the lab of a faculty mentor. By engaging in hands-on research, students will develop a deep understanding of the scientific process, gaining skills in data collection, analysis, and critical thinking. This experience helps them cultivate a dual identity as both scientists and educators, reinforcing the importance of discovery-based learning. As future science teachers, they will be able to integrate research and inquiry-based approaches into their classrooms, inspiring their own students to think like scientists and explore the natural world through evidence-based learning.
Science Teaching Workshops at the Bristol Myers Squibb Teaching and Learning Center
Students in the CSAM Science Teaching Program will have full access to professional development workshops for in-service teachers at PRISM, allowing them to begin honing their teaching skills while still in college. By attending these workshops alongside experienced educators, pre-service teachers will gain early exposure to best practices in science teaching, classroom management strategies, and innovative instructional methods. This invaluable experience will help them build confidence and refine their teaching approaches before entering their clinical teaching placements. Additionally, these workshops will equip them with lifelong professional skills and networks, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful careers in science education.
Mentorship & Community
Peer Mentors: Role and benefits
Peer mentors in the CSAM Science Teaching Program play a crucial role in guiding and supporting early-stage students, especially first-year students who are still exploring the possibility of becoming science teachers. As experienced students already accepted into the teacher education major, peer mentors provide academic and career advice, share their experiences, and offer encouragement to help newer students navigate their coursework, field experiences, and professional development opportunities. Their responsibilities include things like hosting study sessions, facilitating discussions on teaching practices, and helping mentees engage with program activities. In return, peer mentors gain leadership experience, deepen their own understanding of science teaching, and strengthen their mentoring and communication skills, which are key competencies for effective educators. By creating a supportive and collaborative environment, peer mentors help build a strong community within the program, ensuring that aspiring science teachers feel confident and supported as they develop their career paths.
In-Service Teacher Mentors
In-service science teacher mentors play a vital role in the CSAM Science Teaching Program, providing pre-service students, especially those early in their college careers who are still exploring the idea of becoming science teachers, with real-world insight, guidance, and encouragement. Every few weeks, mentors meet with students, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and practical advice about the profession. These sessions allow students to engage in honest discussions about the challenges and rewards of science teaching, helping them enter the field with eyes wide open and a realistic understanding of what to expect. Mentors serve as positive role models, demonstrating how passion for teaching, creativity, and resilience can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. By providing support, answering questions, and offering firsthand perspectives on the teaching profession, mentors help students discover aspects of teaching that may not be immediately obvious, ensuring they make informed and confident decisions about their future as science educators.
Academic Support
PRAXIS Exam Preparation
The CSAM Science Teaching Program provides comprehensive PRAXIS exam preparation to ensure students are well-equipped to meet certification requirements. Through structured tutoring sessions, study materials, and targeted prep workshops, students receive the support they need to master the content and skills assessed on the exam. Faculty and peer mentors help guide students through key subject areas, test-taking strategies, and practice exams, building their confidence and readiness. By integrating PRAXIS preparation into the program’s academic support structure, we help future science teachers stay on track for certification and enter the classroom fully prepared to succeed.
Course Advising for science education pathways.
The CSAM Science Teaching Program provides students with a coordinated care network of advisors to ensure they receive comprehensive course advising and stay on track for timely graduation and teacher certification. Students will have access to academic and career advising from multiple professionals, including their science academic advisor in the CSAM Student Success Center, their education advisor in the College for Education and Engaged Learning, and additional guidance from the Director of the Science Teaching Program. This team-based advising approach ensures that students take the most efficient sequence of courses, balancing their science coursework, education requirements, and certification milestones. By having a dedicated support system, students can make informed decisions about their academic and professional pathways, minimizing delays and maximizing their readiness to enter the teaching profession.
Scholarships
The CSAM Science Teaching Program offers dedicated scholarships to support students who officially matriculate into the science teaching certification program, typically after several semesters of study. These scholarships provide significant tuition assistance for up to two years of undergraduate study. By providing financial support at a critical stage in their journey, these scholarships allow students to focus on their coursework, field experiences, and professional development with less financial strain. This investment in future science educators ensures that passionate, qualified students can successfully complete their training and enter the teaching profession ready to inspire the next generation of scientists.
