Teacher externships give K–12 educators the opportunity to spend time inside today’s workplaces—learning directly from industry professionals and bringing real tools, skills, and career connections back to students. These paid experiences help educators make learning more relevant, engaging, and connected to Minnesota’s workforce needs.

Choose the Experience That Fits Your Goals

Option 1 — SCSC & SSC Teacher Externships

Who it’s for: K–12 educators across all content areas teaching in the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, or Winona

Time Commitment

• Spring 2026: 1-hour virtual session
• Summer 2026: 32 hours of industry workplace immersion + 1-day lesson development meeting

What You’ll Do

• Explore an industry connected to what you teach
• Build local industry connections
• Develop a classroom lesson aligned to real careers

Compensation: $1,250 stipend upon completion

Option 2 — Centers of Excellence STEM Extern Cohort — Link to Information

Who it’s for: Educators seeking a deeper STEM-focused experience

Time Commitment

• Two-day virtual professional development
• Two-day onsite professional development
• 40 hours onsite with an industry partner of your choosing
• Two-day curriculum workshop
• One-day spring showcase

What You’ll Do

• Deep dive into local STEM industries
• Collaborate with faculty and Center of Excellence staff
• Learn alongside a cohort of educators

Compensation: $2,000 stipend + mileage upon completion

Option 3 — Microelectronics Mini-Externship — Link to Information

Who it’s for: Educators interested in electronics, manufacturing, and semiconductors

Time Commitment

• Five-day hands-on curriculum training (Metro area)
• Two-day workplace immersion (location flexible)
• Monthly cohort calls

What You’ll Do

• Learn emerging manufacturing and semiconductor concepts
• Connect with Seagate, Polar Semiconductor, and industry partners
• Build a curriculum integration plan

Compensation: $750 stipend upon completion

How Externship Placements Are Matched

Educators submit a single interest form to indicate which externship(s) they are interested in. A review committee will select participants based on available seats.

Educators are encouraged to identify an industry partner on their own when possible. If you need support, placement assistance is available through your local service cooperative.

Seats not filled this summer may roll over to a future term.

Explore Industry Partners with FutureForward

FutureForward is a free platform used by schools and educators across Minnesota to connect with companies committed to career exploration and education partnerships.

→ Explore potential externship providers at futureforward.org

Why Educators Choose Externships

• Connect classroom learning to real careers
• Refresh curriculum with authentic, real-world examples
• Answer the student question: “When will I ever use this?”
• Build confidence teaching career-connected skills
• Strengthen student engagement and career awareness

Ready to Get Started?

Submitting the interest form does not commit you to an externship—it simply helps us understand your interests and follow up with next steps.

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