EnCorps STEM Teachers

Congratulations to EnCorps Fellow Frank Chuang, recipient of the 2026 Bonnie Reiss Memorial Scholarship.

Frank brings a background in mechanical engineering, tutoring, and educational equity to his path into teaching. Before exploring teaching through EnCorps, Frank worked as a mechanical engineer at Tesla and earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley.

Through his Volunteer Guest Teaching placement at Bright Star Schools at Stella High Charter Academy, Frank brought both his industry experience and his passion for equitable STEM education into the classroom. His volunteer experience alongside host teacher Christie Romero helped solidify his decision to pursue teaching as a next step.

Now, Frank has officially been accepted into the Alder Graduate School of Education Residency Program and will return to that same classroom this fall as a resident teacher, matched again with Ms. Romero.

This is the kind of pathway EnCorps works to create: from initial interest to hands-on classroom exploration to taking the leap into credentialing and the teaching profession.

The Bonnie Reiss Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Bonnie Reiss, former California Secretary of Education and EnCorps Board Member, whose life and work reflected a deep belief in public service, resilience, and the “power of one” person to make a meaningful difference.

Frank’s perseverance, reflective approach to teaching, and commitment to helping students feel supported in STEM learning reflect the spirit of this scholarship and the values Bonnie championed throughout her life.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/gbj4nrbG

We love when real-world experience meets the classroom! Bay Area Fellow Jeanne Schmitt joined EnCorps teacher Bob Capriles at Fremont High School to teach a Geometry lesson covering arc length, radius, area of a circle, and the formulas that bring it all together. Well done, Jeanne! 🎉

Most support for CTE teachers happens before or at the start of teaching. The need for support doesn’t end there. EnCorps is more than a professional development provider; we are a collaborative partner, network, and resource hub for CTE educators across California.

👉🏼Learn how districts can provide ongoing support to their CTE teachers with EnCorps here: https://encorps.org/cte-teacher-support/

Career Technical Education teachers often enter the classroom with deep industry expertise but limited access to professional learning designed for their unique role. Without meaningful support, teachers may feel isolated or underprepared, impacting effectiveness and long-term retention.

👉🏿Learn how districts can provide ongoing support to their CTE teachers here: https://encorps.org/cte-teacher-support/