GEOSCIENCE CAREER COMPASS: A PROFESSIONAL MAP FOR FUTURE K-12 EARTH SCIENCE TEACHERS

The pathway for a geoscience student to become a K-12 earth science teacher can seem complex, depends on geographic location, and can vary as a function of the level of education or the degree field the student may have attained. Many STEM fields, and even industries in the geosciences, have increased their use of pathway tools to support the professional development of students and emerging professionals in their field. For students to successfully navigate this intricate landscape of becoming a K-12 earth science teacher, we have developed a similar tool as a resource - the Geoscience Career Compass. Through the compass, they learn about relevant opportunities that will help them gain critical competencies and experiences. This presentation will share information on the type of career preparation that an undergraduate or graduate student can undertake that will assist them on multiple paths that exist for any student to become an elementary, middle, or high school earth science teacher.