Skip navigation

Transition to Teaching

Tabs

Transition to Teaching is an IBM initiative to address K-12 math and science teacher shortages by supporting employees who are interested in a second career in teaching. It provides IBM employees with guidance and funding to help them transition into teaching as their next career opportunity. IBM was the first company to provide its employees with this kind of opportunity to pursue a second career as a STEM teacher.

Responding to the necessity of time and training in entering a new career, the Transition to Teaching initiative helps underwrite costs while employees pursue the education and training experiences required for teacher certification. Teacher preparation combines traditional coursework, online courses and practice teaching - on an employee’s own time while they continue working with IBM.

Employees are able to choose the best certification program that meets their needs so they can get the necessary education courses as well as assistance during the student teaching period. Participants can choose from an existing array of traditional education and alternative certification programs. Significantly, IBM also provides up to one year leave of absence to facilitate student teaching experience in order to meet state certification requirements and prepare prospective teachers with quality experiences. Online mentoring and other support services are offered in conjunction with partner colleges, universities and State Education Departments. Employees are eligible for a total of $15,000 for tuition reimbursement and leave-of-absence stipend.

Applicants must:

  • Be currently employed by IBM with at least ten years of IBM service
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in math, science, computer science, or a related area
  • Be a "solid contributor" or above
  • Have a strong interest in teaching as a second career, with some experience teaching, such as tutoring, or volunteering in a school or other children's program
  • Have approval from their management team

For more information please contact t2t_support@transition2.org.