document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
email iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Your  Account:
document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
office iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
School of Education

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
  • $3000 per semester while making satisfactory progress toward your degree (we refer to this as the Pre-Noyce scholarship)

MATH AND SCIENCE CREDENTIAL CANDIDATES:

  • $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 2023 applications will be accepted through September 30, 2023, and Spring 2024 applications will be accepted through January 31, 2024.

Apply to MSTI 

If you have questions about the award, contact Dr. Anthony Matranga at amatranga@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. 

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 with this form.
      •  Students of Promise are invited to MSTI/Noyce events, recieve 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:

1. Set up meeting with your student of promise.

2. Highlight student's qualities for teaching.

3. Discuss potential pathways to teaching.

Become a CSUSM Faculty Champion for Teacher Recruitment (FaCTR).

MSTI Contact:

Dr. Moses Ochanji
School of Education
mochanji@csusm.edu 

Instagram Page:
@stemteacherssdc