MSTI

Math Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI)

CSU Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI), responds to the critical need for secondary teachers of mathematics and science by encouraging talented students and professionals to pursue teaching careers. You can learn more about the system wide effort to recruit science and mathematics teachers by visiting the CSU MSTI webpage.

Cougar Mathematics and Science Teacher (CMST) Scholars Program

The CSUSM Cougar Mathematics and Science Teacher (CMST) Scholars program, funded by the CSU Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI), responds to the critical need for secondary teachers of mathematics and science by encouraging talented students and professionals to pursue teaching careers.

Available Awards:

The following awards are available, each funded at levels dependent on available funds:

ALL STUDENTS:

• Math and Science California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) fees
• Math and Science CSET prep course fees

MATH AND SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATES:

• $500 for each School of Education prerequisite course
• $2000 per semester while making satisfactory progress toward your degree (we refer to this as the Pre-Noyce scholarship)

MATH AND SCIENCE CREDENTIAL CANDIDATES:

• $2000 per semester while making satisfactory progress in the credential program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Strong background in mathematics or science (or have a bachelors degree in math/science)
• Planning to teach K-12 mathematics or science
• Note: Noyce Scholars are not eligible for Pre-Noyce or Credential year scholarship 

You must reapply each semester; awards do not automatically renew.

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 Fall 2021 applications will be accepted through July 20, 2021.

Apply to MSTI 

If you have questions about the award, contact Dr. Moses Ochanji at mochanji@csusm.edu 

CSUSM Learning Assistant Program

The LA program supports active learning in math and science courses and provides math and science majors with a structured introduction to teaching. The CSUSM LA program is modeled after the LA program at the University of Colorado.

Learning Assistant Program goals:

• Recruit and prepare talented science and math majors for careers in teaching
• Engage science faculty in the recruitment and preparation of future teachers
• Improve the quality of science education for all undergraduates
• Transform departmental cultures by demonstrating the value of research-based teaching for ourselves and for our students

For more information visit the LA Program Page

 Apply to the Learning Assistant Program

MSTI Teacher Academy

The MSTI Teacher Academy is a residential program, meaning students who participate in the academy will stay at the CSU San Marcos residence halls for the duration of the program. The Teacher Academy is a 4-day education camp experience designed to introduce students to the career of teaching. In addition to career exploration, participants will partake in activities to explore their own identities and make connections to how that might shape their interactions in their future classrooms, participate in guest speaker series, workshops, and complete an academy culmination project to present. More information about the Teacher Academies. 

Please note Teacher Academies have been postponed due to covid.