AUTeach

AUTeach Co-Directors stylized standing next to AUTeach light-up sign

What is AUTeach?

AUTeach is a program for undergraduate science students in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) designed to address the STEM teacher workforce crisis in Alabama in an innovative way. AUTeach provides the opportunity for COSAM students to explore the profession of science teaching through a hands-on approach. If you are a COSAM science student who enrolls in AUTeach, you can graduate with a double major in your science discipline and education, certified to teach secondary science in Alabama public schools. AUTeach’s unique double-major and classroom teaching experience helps set you apart from your peers by increasing your job opportunities upon graduation, when applying to graduate and professional schools, and in your chosen career in any profession.

Any COSAM student can take the AUTeach exploratory classes – Inquiry Approaches to Science teaching 1 and 2 (CTSE 1000 and CTSE 2000). In these 1 credit hour courses, students who are interested in or curious about teaching learn and implement inquiry-based teaching strategies and participate in field experiences in local schools. Students who complete these courses with a B or better will receive a tuition reimbursement fellowship at the in-state level – that means you can try teaching for no cost if you’re an in-state student.

Why Now?

Alabama is facing a substantial teacher workforce crisis. While science teacher shortages and high turnover rates have been well-documented on a national level, Alabama averages 18% teacher turnover per year, with some districts reporting upwards of 32% attrition. This labor shortage is particularly acute within STEM fields; in some areas of the state’s Black Belt, 80% of the STEM teacher workforce lacks full certification. Students in classrooms led by teachers with inadequate preparation face significant disadvantages. Research consistently shows that these students underachieve academically relative to their peers. Furthermore, without sufficient exposure to well-prepared science teachers, students are less likely to flourish as they study science at the undergraduate level or pursue careers within the STEM job sector.

AUTeach Faculty and Staff

AUTeach Degree Path

UTeach Information

What does AUTeach do for our students?

The AUTeach program is designed to support you in your journey to earn a science degree and simultaneously earn a Secondary Science Education major. Benefits to joining the AUTeach program include:

A tight-knit community of like-minded students in a cohort
Free tutoring and Praxis preparation
Funds for the state teacher background check
A dedicated advisor to help AUteach students navigate their degree plans
Scholarships to defray the costs associated with apprentice teaching and teacher certification
Tuition reimbursement for CTSE 1000 and CTSE 2000
Employment opportunities as peer tutors, AUTeach ambassadors, and more
Teaching-centric paid internship program for AUTeach students to hone teaching, planning, and mentoring skills
Assistance in applying for external funds
Doubling post-graduation career options
Tailored support during your time as a student and post-graduation