Transcript k12s.phast.umass.edu

Alternative Certification for
HS Physics Teachers
Dan MacIsaac, Physics
Dave Henry, Elementary Education
SUNY Buffalo State College
[email protected]
What are we?
STEMTP, 4 years, beginning 15 June 2003
Physics certification/M.S.Ed. (Physics)
Housed in physics department with collaborations
Summer Academy
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Pre-service and in-service Physics teachers
K-8 in-service
Notable history in physics teacher preparation
Institutional commitment
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New master’s program: Physics Education
Alternative Certification in Physics
New tenure-track position to support programs
Program Description
Summer Physics Teachers’ Academy Workshop-Courses
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2-3 weeks, 30 participants each, 6 credits -intensive
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PHY 510: New Physics Teachers Workshop
PHY 620: Mechanics OR PHY 622 E&M (alt summers)
PHY 594+EDU 671 Constructing science understanding in elementary classroom
Master teacher instructors and faculty cadre
Participants PAY TUITION! ($1800-$2600 per 6-credit course)
Master’s program accessible to teachers throughout NY state
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Summer Academy
On-line courses
Evening courses (@ BSC)
Western New York Physics Teachers Alliance (1 Sat am/month)
Collaborators
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Buffalo Public and 17 additional LEAs
Center for Excellence in Urban and Rural Education
Local Industry; SUNY-Jamestown Community College
Alternative Certification …
Alternative Certification
Requirements
Admissions
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Degree in physics or related area, 3.0 GPA or better
Introductory component (Spring + Summer semester min)
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Education foundation courses (12cr)
200 clock hours of content pedagogy core study
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PHY 510 & PHY 620/622
40 Hours field experience
Candidate responsible for securing teaching position!
With all of the above, the candidate receives Transitional-B
Certification
In-service component
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Mentored teaching (school responsibility)
HE supervision (once per month)
Complete Master’s program
Some Accomplishments
“This is the most valuable thing that I’ve ever done for my students,
myself, and my profession.”
“I would go to anything that these instructors presented. They are the
best mentors I have ever worked with. I really believe no one should
be certified without attending this workshop.”
“My physics students in the upcoming school year thank you all!!”
“ALL aspects of this program were outstanding.”
“This was the most useful seminar I have ever attended.”
“The instructors gave and gave and gave – great material, advice,
guidance, and more. They are truly professionals!”
Lessons Learned from Alt
Cert Program (so far)
Most (11/11) AC candidates - male engineers
High Needs LEA physics imploding
AC candidates bring maturity, unusual exp, altruism
Word-of-mouth + business press recruiting
Self efficacy - image - PCK - content issues
Placement and agreement help needed
Course expectations, grading, continuity
Institutional change, turf wars, clerical help
Some schools desperate; ill-considered
Motivations & needs for fast vs. slow track
Bottlenecks: observations (502); Master’s project
Alternative Certification Enrollment
and plans
Summer 2002: 2 AC Teacher Candidates
Summer 2003: 5 AC Teacher Candidates
Summers 2004-7: 10 AC Teacher Candidates, depending on
statewide placements
Currently we have two teaching, one seeking employ
Work toward
Attract underrepresented candidates
Tuition and fellowship support for all AC candidates
Tuition and stipends for all summer academy participants
Teachers materials and supplies
Continued institutional change
Dissemination - publications, on-line video vignettes
Continue building Buffalo Public partnership
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Alternative Certification for
HS Physics Teachers
Dan MacIsaac, Physics
Dave Henry, Elementary Education
SUNY Buffalo State College
[email protected]