STEM Teaching Minor Overview

The UTeach STEM Teaching minor is an innovative undergraduate teacher preparation program recognized by the national UTeach program. It is designed to give STEM majors the opportunity to investigate and prepare for a career in teaching math, science or engineering in high school. 

The program is open to students majoring in one of the following STEM fields:

  • applied biomedical sciences
  • biology
  • biomedical engineering
  • chemical engineering
  • chemistry
  • civil engineering
  • computer engineering
  • computer science
  • electrical engineering
  • environmental science
  • exercise science
  • mathematics
  • mechanical engineering
  • nutritional science
  • pharmaceutical sciences
  • physics
  • plastics engineering
  • public health

What courses will you take?

You will begin with the experiential learning course Exploring Teaching and Learning in STEM, which provides you with early-guided teaching experience in a middle school classroom. As you progress through the STEM teaching minor, you will gain further experience teaching in high school classrooms, including arranging and taking students out on a field trip. 

UTeach courses are specifically focused on learning to teach math, science and engineering content using the inquiry-based approach known as the 5Es (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate). Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing.

For additional information, please contact Sumudu Lewis, program coordinator.

Why study STEM teaching at UMass Lowell?

Two UMass Lowell UTeach students write equations on a whiteboard.

Educator licensure

Earn Massachusetts initial teacher licensure to teach math, science or technology/engineering in middle school and high school. This requires completing a one-semester teaching practicum, in which you will teach full-time in a local secondary school.

woman with pipet

Practical Experience

Pre-service teaching begins immediately with the first exploratory course and continues throughout the program.

A male UMass Lowell UTeach student interacts with a student at the Sullivan School in Lowell, Mass.

Unique Internships

Well-paid teaching and curriculum development internships provide valuable professional experience.

An education student looks at a computer tablet with two middle school students.

Scholarships

Students are eligible for awards and scholarships as they progress through the STEM teaching minor and the teaching practicum.

What can you do with a minor in STEM teaching?

There is a critical need for highly qualified science, technology, engineering and math teachers —and the need will continue to grow over the next decade. 

Education major Sydney Fugundes works with student who is using a microscope

UTeach graduates teach middle school and high school math and science in Massachusetts, in districts and schools such as:

  • Lowell Public Schools
  • Chelmsford Public Schools
  • Dracut Public Schools
  • Fitchburg Public Schools
  • Wachusett Public Schools
  • Concord-Carlisle Public Schools
  • Tyngsborough Public Schools
  • The Sizer School Pioneer Science Charter School
  • Greater Lowell Technical High School

Meet Our Alumni and Students

Payal Patel sits in front of laptop
Payal Patel '21
Biology, UTeach

When Payal Patel started college as an engineering major, she missed tutoring and teaching – so she decided to make education her career.

At UMass Lowell, you have that flexibility to change your career path.
Read More About Payal Patel 
Headshot of Leslie Marrero.
Leslie Marrero '21
Education

Leslie Marrero says schools are already inviting her to apply for teaching jobs because she’s earning dual certification in teaching students with moderate disabilities.

The professors here are so great. They have their doors open at all times, and you can talk to them about anything.
Read More About Leslie Marrero 
Ralph St. Louis in front of his classroom
Ralph Saint-Louis ’18, ’20
Biology and UTeach

Ralph Saint-Louis ’18, ’20 was recognized by Time Magazine as one of its 2022 Innovative Teachers.

I always knew that I wanted to teach.
Read More About Ralph Saint-Louis 
Duc Vu doing a chemistry experiment in his bathroom
Duc Vu '23
Chemistry, UTeach

Duc Vu discovered his ability to teach in high school, so he signed up for the UTeach program in STEM education.

I have a knack for presenting a lesson or a project, so I thought I’d try UTeach and see where it takes me.
Read More About Duc Vu 
Morgan Tierno in her classroom
Morgan Tierno '20
Biology and UTeach

Biology teacher Morgan Tierno’s student teaching and first year on the job were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and major social issues. But, she says, UTeach prepared her for those challenges.

Sometimes, the most important thing to do as a teacher is just to listen and be there for your students.
Read More About Morgan Tierno 
Tom Heywosz writes formulas on a white board
Thomas Heywosz '18, '19
Math and UTeach

Thomas Heywosz’s experiences in the UTeach program and in Haiti have made him a successful high school math teacher.

You just know when it’s a good fit, like when I toured UMass Lowell: I just knew it was the right choice.
Read More About Thomas Heywosz