How to… 
Get started in your partnership 

To get the best out of your STEM Professionals in Schools 
partnership, it’s important to get to know your partner 
and explore the different ways you can work together. 

Facilitating partnerships 

STEM Professionals in Schools connects primary and secondary 
school teachers and STEM professionals with a broad range 
of expertise and experience to enhance STEM learning in 
Australian classrooms. 

Each partnership is unique as it’s about identifying each 
person’s areas of expertise and working together to bring 
STEM skills to life in the classroom. 

Developing your partnership 

After receiving your partnership confirmation email, contact 
your partner via phone or email. A key benefit of the program 
is the flexibility to design a partnership that works for you and 
your partner. 

Different partnership models to consider include: 

• mentoring (for teachers and students) 
• site visits or field trips 
• running specialist STEM clubs or extension activities 
• career talks and presentations 
• hands-on demonstrations 
• providing support for specialist projects 
• online engagement e.g. video conference. 
“STEM Professionals in Schools 
enhances everything you do in the 
classroom. Year 10 maths is suddenly 
real world and not just y=mx+c.” 

Teacher – STEM Professionals in Schools 

On the next page you will find some hints and tips on 
Getting to know your partner. We suggest meeting in 
person – if possible – to discuss the learning activities that 
will bring together your areas of expertise. This will also 
help to build your confidence working together before 
running your first activity. 

Support and assistance 

Your local STEM Professionals in Schools Program Support 
Officer is available for advice and support throughout your 
partnership. 

We conduct regular professional development and networking 
events and have a range of resources available on our website 
to inspire your partnership activities. 

STEM Professionals in Schools is funded by the Australian Government 
Department of Education, Skills and Employment. 

Australia’s National Science Agency 


Getting to know your partner 

The following information may guide you in getting to know 
your partner, to ensure you have a rewarding partnership 
experience. Make notes of your discussion and keep them 
handy for future reference. 

Name: 
Telephone: 
Email: 

Like in all good relationships, communication with your 
partner is key! When talking with your partner, be open about 
your time commitments and working style, the expertise you 
are bringing to the partnership and importantly, what you 
want to gain from the partnership. 

Your partner’s contact details 
Partner’s current role 
and workplace 
Preferred style of communication 
Availability (including 
preferences for days/times) 
What excites you about STEM? 
How did you find out about 
STEM Professionals in Schools? 
What do you want to gain 
from the partnership? 
Ideas, inspiration and any 
additional support required 
Contact us For further information 
1300 363 400 STEM Professionals in Schools 
csiro.au/contact 1300 136 376 
csiro.au STEMprofessionalsinschools@csiro.au 
csiro.au/STEM-Professionals-in-Schools 


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department 
of Education, Skills and Employment or the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. B&M | 21-00155