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Science education at the Jack Hunt STEM CenterSTEM Teacher Externships

Looking to bring real-world STEM experiences into your elementary school classroom? The Jack Hunt STEM Center at Austin Peay State University offers an innovative STEM Teacher Externship Program that pairs local educators with community employers for an immersive professional development experience.

During the 2-day externship, teachers gain hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering and math careers by shadowing professionals on the job. Past program participants have explored architectural design firms, energy providers, manufacturing plants and more.

Externship Benefits:

  • Earn 3 graduate-level credits from Austin Peay State University
  • Receive a stipend from the partner employer to cover substitute teacher costs and buy materials to supplement future classroom instruction
  • Gain knowledge and confidence to implement STEM lessons
  • Introduce students to local careers and spark interest in STEM fields
  • Help meet the growing workforce demand for STEM skills

By connecting classroom learning to real-world applications, the STEM externship program provides K-12 teachers with the experience and tools to ignite students' passion for STEM subjects.

Participants will return to their schools equipped to create engaging project-based lessons that show students how STEM skills can lead to rewarding careers right here in Clarksville and Middle Tennessee. 

Interested teachers can apply for the Fall 2024 cohort by emailing Dr. Donna Short at shortd@apsu.edu. Learn how you can bring STEM to life for your students through this innovative externship opportunity.

The externship program pairs local K-12 teachers with employers for a 2-day job shadowing experience. As a host business, you will provide an educator with hands-on exposure to your real-world STEM operations - showing them what your team does on a daily basis.

Benefits for Host Businesses and Organizations:

  • Introduce teachers and students to your company/organization and industry
  • Spark early interest for your industry's career paths
  • Strengthen talent pipelines by getting teachers and students excited about STEM
  • Promote STEM skills needed for your workforce
  • Make a positive impact on local education

As a host site, you will provide:

  • 2 days of onsite access and shadowing experiences
  • A $550 stipend paid directly to the district for the teacher to use in his or her classroom and to help cover substitute costs
  • Insight into your industry and required skill sets

Equipped with real-world perspective, teachers return to school ready to create engaging STEM lessons and projects to inspire students.

Join us for the Fall 2024 cohort and help cultivate curiosity and passion for STEM careers right here in our community.

Contact Dr. Donna Short at shortd@apsu.edu to learn more about hosting a teacher extern.

2023 Teacher Externship Community Partners


Thanks to the following businesses and organizations for serving as host sites for the Fall 2023 externs:

For more information