Teaching

If you are passionate about STEM and motivated to help others learn it, the Teaching Minor through the Teach@Mines Interdisciplinary University Honors and Scholar Program gives you a clear pathway to do both. This minor prepares you to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics while maintaining the depth and rigor of your technical bachelor’s degree at Colorado School of Mines.

Teaching is a leadership skill. Whether you plan to work in education, industry or public service, the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and inspire learning sets you apart. This minor helps you understand how people learn STEM subjects and how to design instruction that is accurate, engaging and effective. For employers and graduate programs, it signals strong communication skills, empathy and the ability to mentor and lead.

Program Overview

The Teaching Minor focuses on how STEM content is taught and learned. You will study learning theory, instructional design and assessment, all grounded in technical disciplines. Coursework emphasizes clarity, organization and evidence-based teaching practices rather than abstract theory.

This interdisciplinary honors program aligns with the university’s applied approach to education. You will learn how to translate technical knowledge into meaningful learning experiences. When you graduate, you will be prepared for pathways into secondary education, outreach, training or graduate programs, while also strengthening skills that are valuable in any technical career.

Program Options

This minor is offered through the Teach@Mines Interdisciplinary University Honors and Scholar Program, and can include a licensure pathway.

STEM pedagogy focus

Explores how students learn science and engineering concepts and how to design effective instruction.

Classroom practice and assessment focus

Emphasizes lesson planning, evaluation and reflective teaching practices in STEM settings.

Licensure and classroom practice focus

Includes supervised teaching experiences, lesson planning and assessment aligned with state licensure requirements.