Question 1

Do I need teaching experience to join?

Accepted Answer

No experience is required. The Mentor Development committee runs a Mentor Orientation every semester to prepare you for the classroom, plus ongoing presentations and activities throughout the semester. You also go to site as part of a group of 4-6 mentors that includes one experienced site leader.

Question 2

What is the weekly time commitment?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory DeCal on Monday evenings from 6:30-8pm, plus one 1-hour site visit on an afternoon between Tuesday and Friday. Optional socials and volunteer events are also organized by the Outreach committee on weekends.

Question 3

Do members earn academic credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The mandatory weekly DeCal is worth 1 or 2 units of course credit.

Question 4

Who designs the lessons members teach?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are custom-designed by BEAM staff members on the curriculum committee, and each goes through feedback and testing before being used at a school site. The lessons library covers physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and more.

Question 5

What kinds of schools and communities does BEAM serve?

Accepted Answer

BEAM works with 14 elementary and middle schools in the Berkeley and Oakland area, with a focus on making STEM accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the Lawrence Hall of Science, 80% of local K-5 teachers spend less than 60 minutes per week on science.

Engineers and Mentors of Berkeley