MST Program Details: K–12 Classroom Experiences
If you have a STEM-related degree or are a professional who wants to become a teacher, but you have not yet had any experience in the K–12 classroom, the MST program provides a variety of opportunities for you to get into the classroom before you graduate.
Course and Thesis Work
- Interactions with K-12 teachers and administrators – MST program seminars provide opportunities to hear from and engage with experienced educators and administrators in an informal setting.
- Observations as part of your coursework – MST program seminars provide opportunities to conduct observations in nearby middle or high schools, which can be a good first peek into the classroom.
- Collaboration with teachers through research – MST students have the opportunity to partner with PK-12 classroom teachers when designing and carrying out education research for their thesis.
15-Week Student Teaching Practicum
All students seeking teacher certification will need to complete a semester of student teaching (15 weeks). Students usually complete their student teaching assignment during their second spring semester of the program. During this program you will be partnered with a mentor teacher who teaches the grade level and subject area for which you are interested in attaining certification. Usually students begin this program by observing the class and learning from your mentor teacher. Over time your role will become more active as you eventually take the lead in instructing the majority, if not all, of your mentor teacher’s classes. Student teaching is a great way to gain classroom teaching experience with the support and guidance of an experienced classroom teacher.
While student teaching you will also be taking a seminar course that is paired with your student teaching experience (SMT 591). During this class you will reflect on your teaching experiences and develop your teaching portfolio. This class meets in the evenings, approximately six times throughout the course of the semester.