Secondary Science & Math Teaching everything you wanted to know, but didn’t know you wanted to know
Why become a math or science teacher? Your country wants you! Our country faces a critical shortage of mathematics and science teachers at all levels. The National Academies identify the recruitment of mathematics and science teachers as one of America’s highest priorities.
Why become a science teacher? It is fun and rewarding! Listen to these teachers talk about their work!
Why become a math or science teacher? It is cool! not
Who do math & science teachers teach? High school juniors and seniors Charter Private Public Range of ethnic and economic diversity
What types of credentials are there? CredentialRequired CSET Subtests Biological Sciences (Specialized)#120, 124 Biological Sciences (Regular)# 118, 119, 120 Chemistry (Specialized)# 121, 125 Chemistry (Regular)# 118, 119, 121 Geosciences (Specialized)#122, 126 Geosciences (Regular)#118, 119, 122 Physics (Specialized)#123, 127 Physics (Regular)#118, 119, 123 Foundational Level General Science#118, 119 Foundational Level Mathematics#110, 111 or SMPP Mathematics#110, 111, 112 or SMPP
What do biology teachers teach? Cell biology Molecular biology Genetics (heredity, meiosis, and biotechnology) Ecology Evolution, speciation & population genetics Physiology & homeostasis
What do geoscience teachers teach? Our solar system (planets, satellites, and visitors) Our universe (stars, galaxies) Dynamic Earth processes (earthquakes, volcanos, plate tectonics) Energy in the Earth system (atmospheric & oceanic convection, climate, weather) Biogeochemical cycles Structure & composition of the atmosphere California geology
What do chemistry teachers teach? Atomic and Molecular Structure Chemical Bonds Conservation of Matter and Stoichiometry Gases and Their Properties Acids and Bases Solutions Chemical Thermodynamics Reaction Rates Chemical Equilibrium Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Nuclear Processes Investigation & Experimentation
What do physics teachers teach? Motion & forces (Newton’s Laws) Conservation of energy & momentum in simple systems Heat & thermodynamics Waves Electromagnetism
What do math teachers teach? New Common Core Standards – Make sense of problems & persevere in solving them – Reason abstractly & quantitatively – Construct viable arguments & critique the reasoning of others – Model with mathematics – Use appropriate tools strategically – Attend to precision – Look for & make use of structure (patterns) – Look for & express regularity in repeated reasoning (identify “shortcuts”)
How do I become a teacher? Let me count the pathways… Minor in Natural Science BA in Earth Science BA or minor in Mathematics BA or minor in Liberal Studies BA or minor in Child & Adolescent Development Single Subject Credential Program Intern / Professional Track Adding to a Multiple Subject Credential Additional opportunities
Major in Earth Science The Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science is offered for students who are interested in developing Earth science careers in K- 12 science education, resource management, law, policy making/politics, journalism, and sustainable business. It will provide a well-balanced and flexible academic background that allows them to examine critically the growing number of Earth science related problems.
Minor in Natural Science The Minor in Natural Sciences provides a pathway to the Foundational Level General Science Credential. The program includes 20 units of lower and upper division courses from the disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry, biological sciences, geological sciences, and physics. Many courses are designed especially for elementary and middle school teacher candidates.
Major or Minor in Mathematics Teaching Mathematics specialization Of these courses, three of the five represent the pure and the applied sides of mathematics. The remaining two courses are designed specifically to broaden the understanding of the nature and uses of certain areas of mathematics that relate to an individual's position as a teacher.
Major or Minor in Child & Adolescent Studies The Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development (CHAD) is designed to provide students with empirically-derived knowledge about bio-physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones from conception through adolescence; individual and cultural differences; and common variations in development. Designed for students interested in early care and education, elementary education, special education, and a variety of youth- related social service careers, as well as graduate study in disciplines such as child development, counseling, developmental psychology, and social work. – Early Childhood option – Elementary School Settings option – Adolescent/Youth Development option Minor in CHAD includes 12 CHAD units and 9 elective units
Major or Minor in Liberal Studies Students who Minor in Liberal Studies are expected to attain a general understanding of significant concepts, themes and figures in the three general subject areas covered by the major: the arts and humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences. Students who Major in Liberal Studies may choose between the Elementary Education Plan or the Interdisciplinary Thematic Plan
The Single Subject Credential Program Take pre-requisite courses (EDSC 310, 320, 330, 340) Demonstrate subject-matter competency (CSET or SMPP) Demonstrate basic skills competency in English and mathematics (CBEST) Prove you aren’t a felon with a deadly disease (LiveScan fingerprints and TB test) Complete fieldwork (student teaching) Pass performance assessment (Cal TPA)
Intern / Professional Track Designed for students who wish to complete credential requirements while concurrently teaching in their credential preparation subject area/s in the public schools. Students may participate in this professional track as they enter the program or they may switch into this track upon accepting a contracted internship teaching assignment in their content area with subject area advisor approval.
Intern / Professional Track Candidates must meet the following requirements: Earned a Bachelors degree or higher. Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Completion of a U.S. Constitution course or examination. Verification of subject-matter competency by either a) passage of the appropriate CSET examination/s or b) completion of 100% of a CTC-approved subject-matter preparation program. Acceptance into a CTC-approved credential program and formal recommendation (41-4 Rec Form) from the California Institution of Higher Education (IHE) having an agreement for placement of the Intern with a public school district. Completion of all Internship/Professional Track Coursework Prerequisites (see below) Receive an offer of employment from a public school district and approval from the Subject Area Advisor
Requirements for Adding a Single Subject Credential in Science or Math Candidates must: Hold a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Earn passing scores on the appropriate CSET science subtests Successfully complete EDSC 542S: Advanced Methods of Teaching Science or EDSC542M: Advanced Methods of Teaching Foundational-Level Mathematics Teacher Recruitment Project may reimburse CSET and course fees for students who successfully pass both – For more information about science subtest selection or the methods course, please contact Dr. Maria Grant – For more information about mathematics subtest selection or the methods course, please contact Dr. Mark Ellis – For more information about the Teacher Recruitment Project, please contact Dr. Ruth Yopp-Edwards Dr. Hallie Yopp-Slowik or visit
Additional Opportunities AIMS (Autism Inclusion, Mathematics Core & Science Innovation) – Up to $5000 stipend – PRISE (Promoting Resources in Informal Science Education) – $1500 stipend TAPP (Teaching as a Primary Profession) – $10,000 stipend plus laptop, & CSET fees paid – MAST Scholarships – Teacher Recruitment Project –
Who do I contact for more info? Tara Barnhart – – single subject science credential advisor College of Education Single Subject Credential Page – cEd/CredentialProg/ cEd/CredentialProg/
Any questions?