Local business and organization partners have found great benefit from hosting a STEM Teacher Extern during the summer. The STEM Teacher Externship includes a full-time, six-week temporary summer position in a local business or organization for a teacher having an expertise in mathematics, science and/or technology.
The great productivity and talent from Externs has brought dramatic new perspectives that have enhanced the bottom line of host organizations. Teachers also benefit from the experience by incorporating what they had learned during the summer into the classroom.
Take these steps to ensure the best outcome as a Teacher Extern Host:
1.) Gather your team
Your team will be helping the Extern complete projects and solve problems. Letting your team members know that an Extern will be joining you is important to an overall successful experience. Externs and hosts often find the most benefit from the experience when Externs are viewed as a contributing team member.
2.) Identify roles for your team members
The Externship Program needs a point person at the work site, as well as the person that will most likely be working with the Extern on a daily basis. It is also important to identify secondary members of your team the Extern can turn to for smaller projects in order to build a complete picture of how your organization works.
3.) Identify projects and/or needs
It can be difficult to know the projects or needs in advance of summer. Longstanding “to do” lists that have been shelved are often the seeds that grow other opportunities during the summer. Multiple projects, varying in breadth, depth and time should be considered in order to accommodate for variable circumstances and to ensure maximum productivity for the Extern.
Each Teacher Externship experience is different and matched to the interest of the Host and the Teacher Extern. For examples of jobs Externs have held in the past, visit:
Click on the button below to complete a
Workplace Host Interest Form:
