As classrooms across California fill up again this fall, thousands of STEM professionals are asking the same question: Could I actually do this? Could I teach? For many, the answer begins before they enroll in a credential program. It begins in a real classroom, working with real students through the EnCorps STEM Teachers Program.

A Back-to-School Story Worth Telling

Dr. Carmen R. Sunico is beginning her first year at Crawford High School, and her third year of teaching overall. She teaches Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology to students in grades 9–12. As she returns for another school year, she describes feeling more confident and more in control of her classroom management than ever before, which lets her enjoy her days that much more.

In her own words:

“I am truly grateful to EnCorps for not only showing me the path to becoming a teacher, but also for providing me with hands-on experience during my internship and creating lifelong connections within the teaching community. I am excited to continue growing as an educator and making a positive impact on my students.“

Dr. Sunico’s story is a familiar one at EnCorps: a STEM professional who wasn’t sure teaching was for her until she tried it.

Why Classroom Experience Matters Before the Career Leap

Switching careers into teaching is a big decision, especially for STEM professionals with established careers in industry. The EnCorps STEM Teachers Program gives participants the opportunity to explore teaching before committing to a credential program or a full-time classroom position. 

Fellows commit approximately two hours a week for 10 weeks, gaining valuable classroom experience alongside an experienced host teacher at a partner school. The experience gradually builds towards Fellows planning and leading a full lesson with the support from their host teacher. same kind of hands-on moment that helped Dr. Sunico grow into the confident educator she is today.

Along the way, Fellows get:

  • One-on-one coaching from a dedicated Program Manager
  • Workshops, online learning modules, and other learning opportunities
  • Guidance on credentialing pathways and scholarship opportunities, including California’s Golden State Teacher Grant
  • A supportive community of STEM professionals exploring and pursuing careers in education

The program is completely free, with no application fees, and currently partners with 100+schools across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and Sacramento.

A Solution for the STEM Teacher Shortage

As schools head back into session, many are still short on qualified STEM teachers. EnCorps helps address that gap by tapping into an often overlooked talent pool: experienced professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math who bring deep subject-matter expertise and can benefit from classroom experience, guidance, and support as they consider whether teaching is right for them.

Whether Fellows go on to earn a credential, like Dr. Sunico, or find other ways to support students and schools, their classroom experience can make a meaningful difference.Ready to Explore Teaching This School Year?

If Dr. Sunico’s journey resonates with you, this school year is a great time to start your own. Apply to the EnCorps STEM Teachers Program and discover what classroom experience could mean for your next chapter.