Over the past 25 years, more and more emphasis in education has been put on science, technology, engineering, and math. Better known as STEM, the importance of an education encompassing these components cannot be overstated. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the employment rates in STEM occupations have grown faster in the past decade than in non-STEM occupations (24.4% versus 4.0%, respectively).
If our students are to enter the workforce fully equipped to succeed, STEM must become a part of their general education. What exactly does a STEM teacher do? What are the skills and requirements for becoming a STEM teacher? Why would someone want to be a STEM teacher? And lastly, how can you become a STEM teacher today?
What Does a STEM Teacher Do?
A STEM teacher has various roles that depend on their setting and age level of students they are serving. In elementary, a STEM teacher often teaches a specialist class that students attend a few days a week. They provide a general overview, or little sample, of various science, technology, engineering and math lessons. In the higher education settings, STEM classes may be scheduled more constantly. The STEM teacher may also teach subjects related to chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, and robotics.
STEM classes and STEM teachers may differ in many ways. Educators may focus their STEM resources on facilitating problem-solving, spatial reasoning, creative thinking intertwined with their reading and math curriculum. As children enter middle and high school, they may participate in specialized topics that dive deeper into the physical sciences and technology development.
Taking it even further, some children attend STEM-specific elementary schools. These schools place a greater focus on the application of science, technology, engineering, and math. In schools such as these you often find intentionally designed learning experiences in applied math, coding, engineering basics, lessons on movement and mechanics, or even robotics. Students learn and understand concepts and processes as each subject is combined with their STEM education. So, what is required for a teacher to teach STEM?
STEM Teacher Requirements: Skills and Education
In order to become a STEM teacher, you need to obtain the same requirements as all educators and often an additional STEM certification. This means that you need a bachelor’s degree, you need to complete student teaching, and you need to pass the national teachers certification exam.
Some schools will recognize just these requirements as adequate, while other schools, especially STEM-specific schools, will require a STEM certification. In middle- and high-school STEM subjects, you will likely need not only a bachelor’s degree in education but also a concentration in the STEM subject you are hoping to teach (such as a major in science). So why should you consider a STEM teacher position?
Why Should You Consider A STEM Teacher Position?
There are many reasons to become a STEM teacher. For starters STEM allows you to combine your passion for teaching with your love for a particular field. STEM teachers get to drive innovation through the ever-important science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. They stretch the boundaries of traditional teaching methods through data-driven learning approaches encompassing technology and teaching collaboration.
STEM classes are often hands-on, engaging, and ever evolving. Students become researchers, scientists, programmers, and engineers. The work that STEM teachers do is the foundation of our students’ future working worlds, and this work will shape not only their world but the world of the generations to come. Feeling inspired? How do you become a STEM teacher?
How to Become an STEM Teacher
If you have all the requirements to teach in a STEM setting, then let the job search begin! The need for STEM teachers is ever-rising. Of all the magnet schools in the U.S, there are over 700 that focus specifically on STEM. Not to mention that many schools are adapting a STEM curriculum that either the classroom teacher or a specialist teacher is delivering. How do you go about finding these jobs?
Most job search engines allow you to filter for specific interests. This includes looking directly on desirable districts websites and selecting “STEM” positions. You can also set various job search engines to email you a notification when a job matching your criteria becomes available. Springtime is a popular time to discover openings, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t land a position before summer. There is often movement in education until the very first day of school, and even throughout the year.
In the past decade, positions in STEM have been rapidly growing. STEM is a necessary component of our students’ general education so that they can enter the workforce fully equipped to succeed. STEM offers teachers variety, engages students, and enriches their own understanding and perspectives. It is a rewarding field and sure to be a positive and fulfilling career choice.
Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.
