How to Become a STEM Teacher or STEAM Teacher

While teacher demand is high overall, no teachers are more desirable for academic institutions of all levels than STEM teachers. STEM teachers are vital, not just for foundational education but also for higher education. As a result, more schools than ever are looking to hire STEM teachers as fast as possible.

If you want to start your career as an educator, you might want to learn how to become a STEM teacher. Let’s look at how to become a STEM teacher in detail.

Article Navigation: STEM and STEAM Explained | How to Become a STEM Teacher | How to Become a STEAM Teacher | Education Requirements for STEM and STEAM Teachers | STEM Jobs at a Glance | Professional Associations and Resources | Criticism of STEM/STEAM Education | FAQs | Get Started!

STEM and STEAM Explained

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In essence, the STEM definition is an educational model that focuses on all of the “hard” scientific topics taught in school.

The purpose of STEM education is to prepare students to become engineers, architects, scientists, doctors, and other critical professionals. Also, STEM subjects are broadly considered foundational and vital compared to artistic subjects, such as music, painting, and writing.

Why? Simply put, STEM subjects are often more useful for higher-paying jobs and building the infrastructure on which modern society relies. STEM professionals work in industries such as:

• The electrical grid
• Constructing buildings
• Building vehicles
• Managing finances and loans

STEM teachers, therefore, are educators that teach primarily or only STEM subjects. They are math teachers, science teachers, biology teachers, engineering teachers, computer science teachers, and more.

Schools from middle school up until college are looking to hire STEM teachers due to increased student and economic demand. Therefore, future educators who want to maximize their career potential might consider becoming STEM teachers instead of other teaching professionals.

Society has already begun several STEM initiatives to reflect this focus, including:

• American Competitiveness Initiative: A federal assistance program that funds and subsidizes STEM educational programs at all levels. This initiative ensures America remains competitive in the worldwide economy.
• The STEM Education Coalition: An alliance of organizations that improves STEM education and its results for teachers and students
• 100Kin10: A network solving major educational problems in America by focusing on STEM education and outcomes

What is STEAM?

STEAM meaning is Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The acronym incorporates the arts into the traditional STEM acronym.

Why? Because educators have long criticized STEM and its focus on the hard sciences and mathematics. The reason is that it eschews a fundamental part of being human. Moreover, avoiding art in general education is associated with worse academic performance.

Some studies indicate that art education encourages better performance on standardized tests. In a broader sense, artistic knowledge is also essential for most jobs in society.

It’s one thing to build a working vehicle, for instance. It’s another thing to construct a car that looks great and sells well to a manufacturer or marketer. STEAM education is growing as an important part of America’s educational future. To this end, some teachers decide to become STEAM educators rather than STEM teachers.

Like STEM, STEAM education incorporates teaching on two or more standards from professional science, technology, engineering, math, and arts organizations. However, these standards are introduced and assessed through and by incorporating each other.

Since STEAM education is newer than STEM, its standards are still fluctuating and developing for national recognition and adoption. It promotes collaboration among disciplines and encourages innovation and design as a multidisciplinary approach.

Some current STEM teachers can also become STEAM, especially by taking a few extra classes.

What is the Difference Between STEM and STEAM?

The core difference between STEM and STEAM is that the latter incorporates the arts into its educational approach. STEM focuses exclusively on science and mathematics topics and subjects. STEAM incorporates the arts, such as music, drawing and painting, and writing.

How to Become a STEM Teacher

Students can become STEM teachers by following a straightforward process.

Step 1 – Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program

To begin, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree must be in education or a STEM topic, such as math, biology, computer science, etc.

Step 2 – Complete STEM-specific Courses

Next, you’ll need to complete various courses in STEM training for teachers during your degree program or after graduation. Course prerequisites vary depending on your state and the academic institution at which you wish to teach.

Step 3 – Get Teaching Experience

Like all other teachers, aspiring STEM teachers must acquire some teaching experience under the supervision of a licensed educator. For example, they shadow a classroom and act as a teacher assistant or substitute teacher before obtaining a license.

Step 4 – Pass National and State Licensure Exams

Then you’ll need to pass the national or state licensure exams to become a STEM teacher. Some states have more rigorous requirements. Generally, they include 1-2 exams with multiple-choice questions. Subsequently, students complete continuing education credits or classes every few years.

Step 5 – Extra Steps

Some educators must complete additional steps in the early or later stages of this process, depending on the state of residence. For example, in Texas, membership with the Texas Education Agency is a requirement. In addition, Texas educators need to complete 40 hours of mandated training.

After taking your state licensure exams, you’ll further need to receive a statement of eligibility from ECAP. Then, pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam. In short, all students should look at their state’s requirements to become STEM teachers.

Benefits of Being a STEM Teacher

STEM teachers have many benefits, including:

• Making a positive difference in the lives of kids and young adults
• Providing professional skills students of all ages need to succeed
• Teaching future professionals the vital skills the economy needs
• Developing new curriculum standards and teaching ideas

In addition, many teachers prefer to teach STEM subjects because of their lack of subjectivity. In some ways, STEM teaching is difficult. However, for some, it can be easier than teaching something subjective like English or the arts.

How to Become a STEAM Teacher

Becoming a STEAM teacher is similar to becoming a STEM teacher in terms of the steps you need to complete.

Step 1 – Get a Bachelor’s Degree

To become a STEAM teacher, you must first acquire a relevant bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s degree must be in education or one of the subjects you plan to teach. Since STEAM incorporates the arts, there are more possible majors worth pursuing to still qualify as an educator.

Step 2 – Complete Requisite Courses

Next, complete any required courses to qualify for teaching in your state. Take some teaching courses to prepare you to be an educator in a professional context.

Step 3 – Gain Experience

Then you need to gain teaching experience under the supervision of a licensed instructor. Again, this will take anywhere from six months to one year.

Step 4 – Pass Exams

As a STEAM teacher, you’ll also need to pass the national or state licensure exams. These are the exams for teaching in general, not STEAM teaching specifically.

Step 5 – Extra Steps

Depending on your state, you may have further steps to complete before becoming a STEAM teacher. Perhaps registering with an organization, completing an additional test, etc. Be sure to review your state’s requirements to know what to do to become an educator.

Education Requirements for STEM and STEAM Teachers

STEM and STEAM teachers generally have the same education requirements as teachers with other focuses.

For example, STEM teachers must have a bachelor’s degree in either education or a STEM topic. But while a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required to become a STEM teacher, it’s not the end-all-be-all, either.

Similarly, STEAM teachers need a bachelor’s degree in education or art, technology, science, etc. Like STEM, STEAM teachers may also grow their careers and pursue positions with the right graduate degrees.

Degree Programs in STEM Education

STEM teachers can further their careers and pursue higher education through graduate degrees. A master’s degree in education, or an online master’s in STEM teaching, can be a major career booster.

STEM education degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels further qualify teachers to educate in competitive environments. Generally, online STEM teaching degrees at the master’s or doctoral level are better for future administrators and curriculum developers.

Degree Programs in STEAM Education

There are several master's degrees in education with a STEAM focus. It may be challenging to find an online master’s in STEAM education. But this may change over the coming years as STEAM-based curriculums become more popular.

Certification Requirements for STEM/STEAM Teachers

There is no specific STEM certification for teachers or licenses they must acquire compared to “standard” teachers. In short, they need:

• National licensure to teach
• State licensure to teach

Some states only require state licensure or vice versa. It all depends on your state of residence. Certification generally requires a test and a certain number of supervised practice hours.

However, STEM education is so important and popular that there are special STEM certifications you can pursue. These include the National Certificate for STEM Teaching from the National Institute for STEM Education.

The Certificate for STEM Teaching marks you as a dedicated STEM educator. In other words, you qualify for competitive positions at private schools, certain universities, and more. Consider acquiring this certification to bolster your chances of finding immediate employment after graduation.

STEM Jobs at a Glance

All STEM or STEAM teachers begin teaching a few classes at a single school. As they gain experience, they apply to more competitive teaching positions in private schools or universities.

Over time, STEM and STEAM teachers gain experience by developing curriculum plans or educational administration ideas. Some STEM teachers indeed become principals or educational administrators. They outline the lesson plans and curriculum standards that other teachers must follow. STEM education jobs are plentiful and all depend on your individual career goals.

Average Salary for STEM/STEAM Teachers

Like all other teachers, STEM and STEAM teachers earn wildly varying salaries. Salary level is contingent on your experience level, the subject you teach, whether you participate in extracurriculars, and other factors.

Generally, STEM teacher salary is more than traditional teacher salary. Your salary is also dependent on the level at which you teach.

According to the BLS, these are the average salaries of different STEM/STEAM teachers according to grade levels or positions of employment:

• Middle school teachers – $61,320 per year
• High school teachers – $61,820 per year
• College professors – $79,640 per year

A STEM teacher’s salary can increase as they gain experience and seniority at the same educational institution. Furthermore, there is better pay at private universities or schools as opposed to public schools.

Projections for STEM/STEAM Teacher Employment

All teachers, including STEM and STEAM teachers, become more critical as time goes on. For example, employment prospects for high school teachers should grow by 8% until 2030. This growth translates to over 77,000 new openings for high school teachers each year.

Similarly, college teacher employment should grow by 12% until 2030, leading to around 140,000 openings yearly. STEM and STEAM teachers should have even better employment prospects since they are so in demand.

STEM Professional Development

STEM or STEAM teachers have many professional growth opportunities and development options.

For example, they can become elementary, middle, and high school principals who earn nearly $100,000 a year. Alternatively, they can become instructional coordinators. These professionals translate the underlying assumptions and ideas about STEM teaching into educational standards.

In contrast, they could become postsecondary education administrators, like college deans. These individuals earn nearly $100,000 a year as well. Overall, a career in STEM or STEAM education provides success initially and in the long term.

Professional Associations and Resources

STEM and STEAM teachers benefit from networking within professional associations. If your plan is STEM teaching or you’re already in this industry, check out the below associations and resources:

• Science Buddies
• Master Tools
• NASA ePND
• STEM Education Resource Center
• California Association for STEAM Education
• STREAM Innovations
• One World

Criticism of STEM/STEAM Education

While STEM and STEAM education has become more prevalent in recent years, this hasn’t occurred without controversy and criticism. Some educators and teaching administrators have pointed out that STEM-focused education ignores a vital part of learning: critical thinking and artistic understanding.

It’s one thing, some critics say, to know how to build an engine. Understanding why you’re building the engine or how to make it work well is another thing. In short, STEM-only education risks being too focused and ignoring vital parts of a well-rounded school curriculum.

That said, STEM education is still hugely popular. It will likely remain a focus for the public and private school systems. This focus is partly because of the advent of STEAM educational curriculums, which seek to address the above criticisms.

To insulate your career against potential criticisms, look into STEAM teaching opportunities instead of STEM. Either way, you’ll be set up for success in your professional career.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, STEM/STEAM teachers face challenges throughout their careers. For example, they tackle learning styles with curriculum development and break down the most challenging and complex topics today.

However, these challenges are also frequent opportunities in disguise. Qualified STEM and STEAM teachers can teach just about anything. Once they have experience, they are well-equipped to work in practically any classroom.

That’s generally because academic grading standards are higher for STEM subjects than for art or social studies subjects. While working as a STEM teacher can be difficult, it is also often rewarding, personally and professionally.

FAQs

Is a teacher a STEM career?

It can be, but only if you teach a STEM topic. STEM subjects are related to science and math, like computer science, geometry, biology, chemistry, etc.

Are STEM teachers in demand?

Yes. STEM teachers are in high demand because STEM education produces the next generation of architects, engineers, scientists, and doctors.

What makes a great STEM teacher?

A great STEM teacher is knowledgeable, patient, and able to break down complex concepts for students. Good STEM teachers also have excellent time management skills.

What do you teach in a STEM class?

In a STEM class, you’ll teach math, science, engineering, biology, and more subjects. You will not usually teach subjects unrelated to these topics, like English, the arts, etc.

Are STEM schools better?

STEM schools may seem “better” regarding raw academic outcomes and graduate potential. However, it ultimately depends on your preferences, what a student wants to learn and do as an adult, etc.

What is STEAM in the classroom?

STEAM incorporates the arts into a STEM, multidisciplinary curriculum. Therefore, students in a STEAM program will also take classes in an arts-related discipline.

Who teaches STEAM?

STEM-certified teachers often teach STEAM. Although, educators can prepare specifically to teach STEAM classes from the beginning of their careers.

Get Started!

Ultimately, becoming a STEM teacher is one of the best moves you can make for your educational career. STEM teachers are in high demand and will likely remain for years. Moreover, you can bolster your educational opportunities as a STEAM teacher, especially if you want to incorporate the arts into your lessons.

Whether you want to become a STEM or STEAM teacher, GetEducated can help. Check out our catalog of online schools today and find the right online STEM degree program for your needs!