Teacher Externships
Paid, hands-on industry experiences that help educators connect classroom learning to real careers.
REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION Submit an Interest Form
Bring Real-World Careers Into Your Classroom
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.