Providing Scientific Work Experiences for Teachers

Scientific Work Experience Programs for Teachers (SWEPTS) are summer programs in which elementary and secondary science and math teachers work with scientists or engineers to do supervised, paid work in areas that are relevant to subjects that they teach. Returning to the classroom, educators integrate their newly acquired knowledge and skills into their teaching.

SWEPT Benefits
SWEPT experiences provide teachers with:

• insight into work environments and the skills necessary for student success after graduation;

• examples to make science, mathematics, and technology instruction more relevant;

• connection to a larger professional community; and

• paid summer work experience.

SWEPTs provide industry, labor, government, higher education, alliances, and other community groups with cost-effective methods of contributing to systemic reform that promotes better science, mathematics, and technology education. For host organizations, SWEPT involvement leads to linkages with teachers and students, better understanding of the challenges faced by schools and teachers, and closer relationships with schools.

Our SWEPT guide provides detailed information on how SWEPTs work, how to plan a SWEPT, evaluation tips, and a state directory that includes descriptions of current programs. You may view these materials online by selecting the red links above, or download as a Microsoft Word document or PDF file (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).