STEM Professionals in Schools Program

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Professionals in Schools (formerly Scientists and Mathematicians (and ICT Professionals) in Schools) facilitates ongoing partnerships between teachers and STEM professionals to bring STEM subjects to life in Australian classrooms.

Eligibility criteria

The following eligibility criteria is used by the STEM Professionals in Schools team to assess applications to the program.

STEM Professionals

• Minimum of a bachelor degree in a STEM field; or 
• Evidence of equivalent experience in a STEM field. Evidence may include: a letter of endorsement, supervisor support, Curriculum Vitae, or similar;
• The ability to obtain and/or provide evidence of the relevant Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and National Police Certificate as part of the CSIRO Child Safe procedure

Teachers

• Teachers and principals registered and currently working in Australian primary and secondary schools from Foundation-12, across government and non-government school sectors

What’s expected of you?

A commitment to:

• An ongoing partnership (not a one-off visit)
• Maintain a current Working with Children Check (STEM professionals)*
• Maintain a current National Police Check (STEM professionals)*
• Abide by CSIRO's Child Safe Procedure
• Make contact with each other soon after the partnership is formed
• Work collaboratively with your partner to establish a mutually agreeable plan
• Provide feedback to the program team as requested

* CSIRO will bear the cost of each of these checks

Application process

To get started, apply for STEM Professionals in Schools as a "teacher" or "STEM professional" via the application form. Once submitted, our program officers will assess your eligibility and check your registration is complete. Next our program officers will find a suitable partner based on your preferences and together you and your partner will customise your partnership model.

Periodically, our program officers will check in and offer support to your partnership.

Popular STEM Professionals in Schools partnership models include:

• Presenting hands-on demonstrations
• Mentoring students
• Site visits or field trips
• Running a science fair
• Working on long-term projects
• Discussing careers and 'hot topics' in current research.