“They can say, ‘Oh, I see you have this interest. Have you considered this career path?’ It’s just a lot more authentic coming from someone who has actually worked in the industry.”
One challenge that schools face when recruiting STEM professionals to become teachers is the certification process. Many states require teachers to have a teaching certification, which can be a barrier for professionals looking to make a career change.
To address this issue, some schools have partnered with alternative certification programs that allow professionals to become certified teachers while still working in the industry. These programs typically offer online courses and mentorship opportunities to help professionals navigate the transition into teaching.
Overall, the trend of recruiting STEM professionals to become teachers is gaining traction as schools look for innovative ways to address the shortage of educators in these critical fields. By leveraging the expertise of professionals who have worked in the industry, schools can provide students with the real-world knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the jobs of the future.
Switching careers from geology to teaching science was a big move for David Thesenga, but one that he has never regretted. After spending three years as a geologist in a gold mine in Colorado, he realized that his true passion lied in educating others about the work he was doing. Thesenga enjoyed giving impromptu tours to tourists and explaining the ins and outs of the gold mine operation. This led him to pursue a career in teaching.
Upon returning to college, Thesenga initially considered environmental remediation as a potential career path. However, after trying it out, he quickly realized it wasn’t for him. It was during his first student-teaching course that he discovered his love for teaching. Thesenga described the experience as transformative, stating, “From the moment I walked into the classroom, I ended up absolutely loving it. I’ve never really looked backward, never regretted it.”
With a master’s degree in secondary education, Thesenga has taught in various public schools in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Currently, he teaches middle school science at a private school in Colorado, where he continues to inspire and educate young minds.
Reflecting on his early days as a teacher, Thesenga recalls feeling overwhelmed on his first day as a full-time teacher in Pasadena, California. The sheer number of students and the responsibility of educating them seemed daunting at first. However, with time and experience, Thesenga found his footing and developed the confidence needed to excel in the classroom.
Thesenga credits his background in geology for shaping his teaching style and approach. His ability to break down complex scientific concepts into digestible information stems from his experience explaining mining operations to non-experts. Thesenga’s unique perspective and real-world experience add depth and authenticity to his teaching, making the subject matter more engaging and relatable for his students.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with transitioning from a career in industry to teaching, Thesenga emphasizes the importance of ongoing support and mentorship for new teachers. He highlights the value of guidance from experienced educators who can provide insight, advice, and reassurance to those navigating the complexities of the education system.
For Thesenga, the decision to switch careers and pursue teaching has been a rewarding journey filled with growth, learning, and fulfillment. His passion for science and dedication to his students continue to drive his work in the classroom, inspiring the next generation of curious minds.
As a new teacher, the task of putting together a classroom can indeed be overwhelming. From understanding terms like IEP and 504 plans to figuring out how to effectively teach and engage students, the challenges can seem insurmountable. However, with the right support system in place, it is possible to navigate these hurdles and succeed in the classroom.
For Michael Thesenga, a first-year teacher, having a supportive principal and a network of fellow educators to lean on made all the difference. He credits his support crew for helping him navigate the challenges of his new role and encouraging him to keep pushing forward. Without their guidance and encouragement, he may have been tempted to give up and pursue a different career path.
Thesenga’s background in the industry also gives him a unique perspective in the classroom. His experience as a geologist allows him to connect with students on a different level, helping them explore potential career paths and understand the real-world applications of their learning. By sharing his knowledge and industry contacts with his students, Thesenga is able to provide valuable insights and guidance that go beyond the traditional classroom experience.
One of the biggest challenges Thesenga has faced in his journey as a teacher is the disparity in pay compared to his previous career in the STEM field. As a geologist, he enjoyed a six-figure salary with just a bachelor’s degree, whereas as a teacher, it has taken him years of experience and additional degrees to approach a similar salary. Despite the financial sacrifice, Thesenga remains committed to teaching because of his passion for the profession.
In attracting more STEM professionals to the field of education, addressing the issue of pay is crucial. Many professionals in STEM fields are dissuaded from pursuing teaching due to the significant pay gap. By addressing this disparity and highlighting the intrinsic rewards of teaching, we can encourage more STEM professionals to consider a career in education.
Ultimately, while the challenges of being a new teacher can be daunting, with the right support system, passion, and dedication, it is possible to overcome obstacles and thrive in the classroom. Teachers like Michael Thesenga serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with perseverance and a love for teaching, anything is possible.
Cammuso found that teaching math brought her a sense of joy like no other job ever had. She loved being able to help students understand complex concepts and see the lightbulb go off in their heads when they finally understood a problem. She enjoyed working one-on-one with students who were struggling and finding creative ways to help them succeed.
One of the things Cammuso loved most about teaching math was seeing her students grow and improve over the course of the school year. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment when her students were able to master a difficult concept or achieve a high score on a test. She loved being able to make a positive impact on their lives and help them reach their full potential.
Teaching math also allowed Cammuso to use her engineering background in a new and exciting way. She was able to bring real-world examples and applications into the classroom, showing her students how math is used in everyday life and in different industries. She found that her engineering skills helped her explain complex mathematical concepts in a way that was easy for her students to understand.
After 14 years of teaching math, Cammuso decided to retire and spend more time with her family. She looks back on her teaching career with fondness and gratitude, knowing that she made a difference in the lives of her students and helped them succeed in math and beyond.
Overall, Cammuso’s journey from chemical engineering to teaching math was a fulfilling and rewarding experience. She found that teaching brought her a sense of joy and fulfillment that she had never experienced before, and she will always cherish the memories and relationships she formed with her students over the years.
During her time in IT, she developed a passion for coding and software development. However, she always felt the desire to make a more direct impact on people’s lives through education.
After much contemplation, Malanson made the bold decision to transition from IT to teaching. She believed that her background in coding and technology would be valuable in the classroom, especially in a world where digital literacy is becoming increasingly important.
With her experience in the corporate world, Malanson brought a unique perspective to teaching coding to high school students. She understood the practical applications of coding in the real world and was able to convey this to her students in a way that resonated with them.
Malanson’s transition to teaching was not without its challenges. She had to adapt to a new environment, learn new teaching methods, and navigate the intricacies of the education system. However, with determination and a passion for empowering the next generation, Malanson quickly found her footing as a coding teacher.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her new career was seeing her students grasp complex coding concepts and apply them in their projects. Malanson found joy in witnessing the creative solutions her students came up with and the excitement they felt when their code worked successfully.
Through her journey from IT to teaching, Malanson discovered a new sense of fulfillment and purpose. She realized that she could make a significant impact on the lives of young people by equipping them with valuable skills for the future.
Malanson’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and taking risks to pursue a more meaningful career. Her transition from IT to teaching coding serves as an inspiration to others who may be considering a similar leap of faith.
