Early Field Experience Opportunities
If you are an undergraduate student at Cal Poly thinking about pursuing a career in teaching, there are several opportunities to work with adolescents now as an undergraduate. These field experiences help you to gain valuable tutoring and teaching experience, and in some cases, even get paid. Read more below about these experiences and financial support provided through the Center for Engineering, Science, and Mathematics Education (CESAME) below:
Try Teaching!
The Try Teaching Resource Fair is takes place the first Thursday of the start of each Fall term on Dexter Lawn! Come learn more about Try Teaching opportunities!
Learn By Doing Lab (LBDL)
LBDL facilitators engage visiting 5th-8th grade students in hands-on science and engineering labs on campus. Course credit only; Offered Winter and Spring
Learn more about LBDL
Teacher Assistants in Mathematics and Science (TeAMS)
TeAMS assistants tutor or assist Math, Science, or AVID teachers in local middle school or high school classrooms. Assistants are paid and receive course credit. Offered Fall, Winter and Spring
Learn more about TeAMS
Mentors in Out-of-School Time (MOST)
Mentors teach STEM-focused modules to students in an after school program at a local school. Mentors are paid and receive course credit. Offered Fall, Winter and Spring
Learn more about MOST
Communicating Ocean Sciences to Informal Audiences (COSIA)
COSIA students develop & deliver ocean science-themed activities to varying audiences both on and off campus. Course credit only; Offered Fall
Learn more about COSIA
SCM 300: Introduction to Math and Science Teaching (Early Field Experience)
Early Field Experiences in Science and Math (4 units, offered spring quarter) Structured observation and participation in K-12 public schools with attention to instructional practices for diverse learners.
Learn more about the SCM 300Other Opportunities
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program
The National Science Foundation/California State University Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program is a comprehensive statewide project dedicated to increasing the number of students from underrepresented groups graduating from the CSU with baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Learn more about LSAMP
STEM Teacher and Researcher Program (STAR)
A paid 9-week summer research internship at national labs for aspiring K-12 STEM teachers. Earn $500/week for 9 weeks, must be have junior standing.
Financial Support
Noyce FIRST Scholarships
The Robert Noyce Scholars program is an NSF-funded program to provide $15,000 scholarships to students who are committed to teaching science or engineering in high need school districts upon the completion of a teacher credential program. Must be a junior or senior STEM major to apply.
Learn more about Noyce
STEM Teach Scholarships
Financial reimbursements for CBEST and CSET exams, certificate of clearance, and fingerprinting for students interested in pursuing a career in teaching science and/or mathematics.
Learn more about STEM Teach Scholarships