SUPPORTING EDUCATORS IN ESTABLISHING AN INDIANA EDUCATOR LICENSE OR ADDING STEM TO THEIR EXISTING LICENSE FOR NO COST
CIESC is partnering with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to provide support for both currently licensed teachers in non-STEM areas and prospective teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree and are not yet licensed to become licensed to teach a STEM subject. Eligible STEM content areas include: elementary STEM, life science, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics.
In Collaboration With
What to Expect
Tier I: Establishing an Indiana Teaching License
Tier I is designed to support individuals who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in an area other than teaching. Participants will complete a transition to teaching program focused on a STEM content area. Eligible STEM content areas are life science, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics.
Individuals selected to participate in Tier I can expect:
- Reimbursement for enrollment fees and costs to cover a portion of the transition to teaching program. (up to $6000)
- Reimbursement for ETS Praxis Exam Vouchers and associated fees for taking the Praxis pedagogy licensure exam and a STEM content area, and test preparation as needed. (up to $550) Eligible STEM content areas include life science, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics.
- Stipends at the following milestones:
- $1000 – Participants who are hired by an Indiana school district, charter school, or private school before the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year and who complete 120 days of teaching in a single school year by June 30, 2027, will be eligible to receive a one-time payment from CIESC. This one-time payment will be processed after the Indiana school corporation confirms that the participant has been hired as a classroom or specials area teacher to teach in one of the I-STEM program’s STEM teaching areas and that the teacher has completed 120 days of teaching during the school year.
- $250 – Upon passing the STEM Subject Area exam, the Participant will be awarded this stipend. The Participant must provide an official copy of the exam score to be eligible.
- $250 – Upon passing the Praxis Pedagogy exam required for licensure, the Participant will be awarded this stipend. The Participant must provide an official copy of the exam score to be eligible.
- $1,000 – Upon providing proof of successful completion of the Transition to Teaching program and proof of an Indiana Teaching License with a STEM subject area, the Participant will be eligible for this stipend. This stipend is in addition to the tuition reimbursements that the Participant will receive.
- You may also receive up to $550 in reimbursements for the purchase of your Praxis exam vouchers (subject area and pedagogy) and exam prep materials. You will need to provide a receipt showing proof of purchase along with your official score, whether passing or failing, to claim this reimbursement. A printout from your credit card statement or bank statement is not sufficient; documentation must specify the item(s) purchased. We will only reimburse the actual amounts paid for the vouchers and/or test prep materials. Please understand that we cannot reimburse sales tax.
- Ongoing support for each participant as they work to successfully complete a STEM-focused transition to teaching program and obtain licensure in an eligible STEM content area.
Tier II: Adding a STEM Licensure Area
Tier II is designed to support educators in adding a STEM addition to their existing valid Indiana educator license. Eligible STEM content areas additions are life science, chemistry, earth/space science, elementary STEM, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics.
Individuals selected to participate in tier II can expect:
- Reimbursement for ETS Praxis Exam vouchers for each participant to cover fees associated with adding a STEM endorsement and test preparation support as needed. (up to $450)
- $550 stipend for each participant who adds a STEM endorsement to their existing valid educator license and is hired or retained in an Indiana school district in a STEM teaching position by 6/30/2027 or when the I-STEM program funds are exhausted.
- Ongoing support for each participant.
Who Should Register
The I-STEM Program is for individuals who have an earned Bachelor’s Degree and want to complete a transition to a teaching program focused on STEM Content as well as for educators wanting to add a STEM addition to their existing valid Indiana educator license.
NOTE: If you completed the program previously, you are not eligible for this round.