OVERVIEW OF CALTEACH
CalTeach, also known as the Science and Mathematics Initiative (SMI), is a UC system-wide program. The purpose of CalTeach is to recruit and mentor undergraduates who are interested in becoming great K-12 teachers in science and mathematics. CalTeach consists of a sequence of courses and experiences — including time in K-12 classrooms. In this way, CalTeach hopes to help address the shortage of highly qualified elementary and secondary teachers in California.
INTRODUCTORY CALTEACH COURSES
The CalTeach 1 (CaT1) courses, ED 128 and ED 129, introduce prospective teachers to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science in the elementary grades. As a part of CaT1, undergraduates work in local classrooms with mentor teachers, where they experience the learning of mathematics and science firsthand. These courses are part of the Elementary Track of the Minor in Science and Mathematics Education.
If you are a lower division student, please email the instructor for an add code.
The CaT2 courses, ED 130 and ED 131, look at the teaching and learning of mathematics or science in junior high and high school. Once again, UCSB relies on the expertise of local mentor teachers to provide vital classroom experience. These courses are part of the Secondary Track of the Minor in Science and Mathematics Education.
If you are a lower division student, please email the instructor for an add code.
SCHEDULE FOR 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
Fall 2026
ED 130 CalTeach, Secondary Mathematics Education
Winter 2027
ED 128 CalTeach, Elementary Mathematics Education
ED 129 CalTeach, Elementary Science Education
Spring 2027
ED 131 CalTeach, Secondary Science Education
INTRODUCTORY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ED 128: CalTeach, Elementary Mathematics Education
Instructors: TBD
Units: 4.0
Course Description: Introduction to learning and teaching mathematics in grades K-8. The course requires attending a weekly on-campus seminar and participating in 15 hours of field placement in a local school. It is part of the Elementary Track of the Science and Mathematics Education Minor.
If you are a lower division student, please email the instructor for an add code.
ED 129: CalTeach, Elementary Science Education
Instructors: Feldwinn, Lohwasser
Units: 4.0
Course Description: Introduction to learning and teaching science in grades K-8. The course requires attending a weekly on-campus seminar and participating in 15 hours of field placement in a local school. It is part of the Elementary Track of the Science and Mathematics Education Minor.
If you are a lower division student, please email the instructor for an add code.
ED 130: CalTeach, Secondary Mathematics Education
Instructors: Ograin, Roberts
Units: 4.0
Course Description: Introduction to learning and teaching mathematics in grades 7-12. The course requires attending a weekly on-campus seminar and participating in 15 hours of field placement in a local school. It is part of the Secondary Track of the Science and Mathematics Education Minor.
If you are a lower division student, please email the instructor for an add code.
ED 131: CalTeach, Secondary Science Education
Instructors: Bianchini, Feldwinn, Lohwasser
Units: 4.0
Course Description: Introduction to learning and teaching science in grades 7-12. The course requires attending a weekly on-campus seminar and participating in 15 hours of field placement in a local school. It is part of the Secondary Track of the Science and Mathematics Education Minor. If you are a lower division student, please email the instructor for an add code.
CALTEACH LEARNING ASSISTANTS (LA)
The CalTeach Learning Assistant Program is for STEM undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a career in K-university teaching or informal education (e.g., a science museum, the Boys & Girls Club). CalTeach LAs work with CalTeach instructors to help other undergraduate students succeed in CalTeach courses. To be a CalTeach LA, you must be pursuing a STEM undergraduate major, have completed or be enrolled in at least one CalTeach course, and be in good academic standing (e.g., have a minimum GPA of 3.0) to apply. We hire CalTeach Learning Assistants in spring quarter for the following academic year. CalTeach LAs are expected to work approximately 6 hours per week for the 10 weeks of each quarter. They are paid a minimum of $18 per hour for their participation.
UNDERGRADUATE MINOR IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
Interested undergraduates should pursue a Minor in Science and Mathematics Education. There are two tracks: one for undergraduates interested in becoming elementary school teachers and one for undergraduates interested in becoming secondary science and mathematics teachers. For more information, see the Minor in Science and Mathematics Education web page.