Kathy Diamond and Mohsen Janatpour

Professor of Biology Kathy Diamond and Professor of Astronomy, Mathematics and Physics Mohsen Janatpour are beginning their third year of participation in the CalTeach/Aurora Program sponsored by UC Berkeley.

CSM students in the program get first-hand experience in teaching science and math at the K-5 level. They work with a mentor teacher at a local school, observing their class, assisting the teacher and finally designing and teaching a science lesson. The program also includes 16 hours of class time at CSM. Students receive as stipend of $700 each semester which is funded by a grant administered by UC Berkeley.

Kathy and Mohsen report that their students have been dramatically transformed by the classes and have learned so much about the reality of teaching and have grown in confidence and interest through each semester. For Kathy and Mohsen, the program has been tremendously inspiring and instructive and their interest in K-12 science education has deepened by working with mentor teachers and CSM students.