College of the Sciences
STEM Teaching Program
Bachelor of Arts | Major
STEM Teaching Program
Join a community that empowers you to become a reflective practitioner who continuously evolves and makes a difference in the field of education.
Our program gives future educators the content, knowledge, and teaching skills to succeed in the classroom and beyond. You’ll study and practice a variety of approaches and research methodologies to prepare you for the classroom. This program is tailored to STEM students: STEM content and pedagogy are integrated throughout and applied in real K-12 classrooms. By completing a science or mathematics content major and the STEM Teaching Program major, you will graduate with your degree and teaching certification.
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Teach STEM
Discovery Hall 301
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What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Teach STEM Website
Introductory Courses
- STP 201 - Inquiry Approaches to Teaching
- AND STP 202 - Inquiry Based Lesson Design
- OR STP 300 - Inquiry Approaches to Teaching and Lesson Design
- STP 303 - Knowing and Learning
Courses Requiring Full Admission to Teacher Certification
- STP 304 - Classroom Interactions 1
- STP 405 - Classroom Interactions 2
- STP 406 - Project-Based Instruction
- STP 307A - Functions and Modeling for STEM Teaching
- OR STP 307B - Functions and Modeling for Secondary Mathematics
- OR STP 307C - Computer Science for STEM Teaching
- STP 308 - Perspectives on Science, Mathematics and STEM Education
- STP 309 - Research Methods
- STP 450 - Planning Inquiry-Based STEM Education
Final Quarter
- EFC 480 - Student Teaching
- STP 465 - Instructing and Assessing Inquiry-Based STEM Education
Number One
CWU has the only nationally syndicated STEM teaching program in Washington State. Take advantage of this program knowing that your skills are in demand.
Double Major
You’ll become an expert in what you teach by selecting your required second major to specialize in. Choices include biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, physics, math, and more.
Experiential Learning
Our curriculum integrates the STEM content from your coursework into practice through field experiences embedded in every quarter of the program. You’ll also spend an entire quarter student teaching with a teacher mentor during your second year.
Job Opportunities
Due to the high demand for science and mathematics teachers across the country, over 90% of CWU’s Teach STEM graduates find jobs immediately after graduation.
Apply
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
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Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Satisfaction
Science teachers report having higher overall job satisfaction compared to other STEM professionals. Sourced from getthefactsout.org
Salaries
Grade 7-12 science and math teachers get paid more than most college teaching faculty. At year 15, the middle 50% of teacher salaries ranges between $68,000 and $114,000, nationally. Sourced from getthefactsout.org
Scholarships
Check out the Bob and Barbara Wright Scholarship and the Elliott Family Scholarship, specifically established for students training to be STEM teachers.
Why Study Teach STEM at Central?
- Gain hands-on experience through practicums in middle or high school classrooms, observing and assisting lead teachers, followed by student teaching, where you take the lead on teaching duties
- Throughout the STEM Teaching program, you’ll study pedagogy, create and implement lesson plans, and have the opportunity to support local schools through internships and projects like science and robotics clubs
- CWU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel supported both academically and socially
- Our small class sizes allow for more personalized attention from faculty, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment
Successful Fields
Biology teacher (grades 5-12)
Chemistry teacher (grades 5-12)
Earth and Space Science (grades 5-12)
Secondary Mathematics (grades 5-12)
Physics (grades 5-12)
Middle-Level Math (grades 4-9)
Middle-Level Science (grades 4-19)
Computer science (grades 4-9)
Commitment to a Sustainable World
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating and many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
Sustainability courses include:
- SCED 101 Integrated Life Science
- SCED 102 Integrated Earth and Space Science
- SCED 103 Integrated Physical Science
- SCED 305 The Story of Science
- SCED 320 Genetics and Cell Biology Concepts
- SCED 330 Marine Science for Teachers
- SCED 354 Science, Society and the Teaching Community
- STP 405 Classroom Interactions 2
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.