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Math Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI)
The CSU Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) funds the Cougar Mathematics and Science Teacher (CMST) Scholars Program, the MSTI Teacher Academy, and the Faculty Champions for Teacher Recruitment (FaCTR).
Cougar Mathematics and Science Teacher (CMST) Scholars Program
The CSUSM Cougar Mathematics and Science Teacher (CMST) Scholars program responds to the critical need for secondary teachers of mathematics and science by encouraging talented students and professionals to pursue teaching careers. The program awards students at various stages of their K-12 math and science teaching career pathways each semester. The following awards are available to students depending on where they are at in their teaching career pathway:
- For All Students
- Math and Science California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) fees
- Math and Science CSET prep course fees
- For Math & Science Undergraduates
- $500 for each School of Education prerequisite course
- $3000 per semester while making satisfactory progress toward your degree (we refer to this as the Pre-Noyce scholarship)
- For Math & Science Teacher Credential Program Students
- $3000 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.
Fall 2024 applications will be accepted through October 1st, 2024.
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.
Please note Teacher Academies have been postponed due to covid.
Faculty Champions for Teacher Recruitment (FaCTR)
Program Goal: Recruit 10 new STEM major students for teaching each semester. Recruitment. Retention. Community Building.Program Details
- Make a brief presentation in your class about STEM teaching.
- Nominate and mentor at least one student every semester.
- Nominate a student of promise
- Students of Promise are invited to MSTI/Noyce events, receive reminders about scholarships, invited to follow our Instagram account, and join the Future Educators Association.
- Compensation: $500 per semester
Student of Promise Qualities
- Strong science or math content knowledge.
- Engages in reflective practices (e.g., solves problems in multiple ways, checks solutions, annotates work).
- Demonstrates leadership and collaboration skills (e.g., shares ideas in class, answers peers' questions, actively engages in small group work).
- Has potential to empathize with individuals with different backgrounds than their own.
Mentoring Details
- Set up meeting with your student of promise.
- Highlight student's qualities for teaching.
- Discuss potential pathways to teaching.
Become a CSUSM Faculty Champion for Teacher Recruitment (FaCTR).