Share your passion for science by participating in a paid, one-week science teaching experience in a local high school. The program's primary goal is to introduce individuals to the field of education and teaching, with opportunities to examine and evaluate a career as a high school science teacher in a diverse school.
The STEPup program runs from January 7-12, 2024. Participants will stay at the hotel located in the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus for the entire week.
Participant Benefits
- $600 stipend
- Complimentary hotel room and meals
- One week of training on teaching methods from NIU Secondary Science Educator Licensure faculty
- Opportunities to observe lab-based science classes at a local high school
- Mentoring from current science teachers
- Experience designing and teaching a hands-on science lesson to high school students
Eligibility
- Current student at a community college or four-year college
- Minimum 18 years old
Community college students interested in exploring science teaching as a career are highly encouraged to apply.
Application deadline – November 1, 2023.
Apply Today
2024 Tentative Schedule
Participants spend the week learning science content and how to teach that content to high
school students, as well as applying those skills in an actual teaching experience within three
high school classrooms. For more information, see the tentative schedule below or contact Paul Fix.
Date |
Time |
Activity |
Jan. 7 |
Noon-2 p.m. |
Move-in to NIU |
3:30-5:30 p.m. |
Program overview |
5:30-6:45 p.m. |
Dinner and keynote address |
Jan. 8 |
7 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Observe at local school |
3-5:30 p.m. |
Deep dive into science topic |
6 p.m. |
Dinner and discussion/activity |
Jan. 9 |
7 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Observe at local school |
3:30-5:30 p.m. |
Basic science methodology/Work on teaching plans |
6 p.m. |
Dinner and discussion/activity |
Jan. 10 |
7 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Observe at local school |
3:30-5:30 p.m. |
Work on teaching plans/poster presentation |
6 p.m. |
Dinner and discussion/activity |
Jan. 11 |
7 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Teach lesson at local school |
3:30-5:30 p.m. |
Finalize presentation |
6 p.m. |
Dinner and discussion/activity |
Jan. 12 |
9-10 a.m. |
Presentations |
10-11 a.m. |
Reflection |
11 a.m.-noon |
Program wrap-up |
Noon |
Lunch |