Science Teacher Licensure
The science teacher certification program at UT is a five-year program which begins with earning a bachelor's degree in a subject area and a minor in elementary education, middle school education with a concentration in math and science education or secondary education with a concentration in science education. The fifth year includes a full school year of internship while finishing coursework. At the end of the program, only 12 hours of additional courses are required to earn a masters degree.
For application to the science teacher education program, please visit the following links for information:
- How to become a science teacher
- How to apply to the teacher education program
- Applying for Admission to Graduate Programs in TPTE
For information about the internship:
For information about the course of study, see M.S. - Track 2.
Elementary and Middle School Education
The Elementary Mathematics/Science Program was designed for the professional development of a cohort of students with strong backgrounds in math and/or science. Students in this program typically have a degree in one of the pre-teaching math or science majors, a degree in math, or a degree in a science/science-related field.
In this cohort, the internship year focuses on a student's preference for either middle school instruction or elementary (K-5) instruction. The majority of the internship is spent with one mentor teacher at the preferred grade level (and subject area for middle school instruction).
Strengths of this program include the utilization of students' content knowledge in the math and science fields, and the professional development opportunities for students in their content area. This year, the Elementary Math/Science students are involved with Project ImPACT, a grant designed to help interns and their mentors infuse technology into their lessons.
Currently, the intern placements are at Farragut Middle School and Blue Grass Elementary School, both located in West Knoxville.
Secondary Education
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree with a minor in secondary education earn licensure in science education through the professional year (fifth year).
Students in the Track 2 Science Education program are placed in urban settings for their internships. Austin-East High School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in East Knox County is the center of "learning to teach science." Science Education 496, Teaching Science 7-12 is taught at Austin East in a high school classroom specifically for science interns instructional projects. Students at Austin East High School, "The Roadrunners," are enthusiastic science students as evidenced by photos from the program there.
Hands on Observation
Science
Ed 506, a mini-term program directed by Dr. Claudia Melear,
provides opportunities for practicing and pre-service teachers
explore science learning and teaching in beautiful natural settings.
Ossabaw
Island, a
26,000 acre barrier island and one of Georgia’s "Golden
Isles," is maintained as a Heritage Wilderness Preserve,
the strongest level of protection offered by the state of Georgia.
The former owner of Ossabaw, Mrs. Eleanor "Sandy" West,
directed that the island, which is accessible only by boat,
should be used for "scientific and cultural study, research
and education." Thus, Ossabaw provides a rare and valuable
refuge for groups seeking education , inspiration, and community
through nature. Ossabaw is home to maritime forests, marshes,
rivers, swamps, hummocks, many animals of these habitats and
an ocean beach of 9.5 miles. The beachfront campsite is basic
-— providing only water for drinking and bathing, a covered
pavilion with picnic tables, and a primitive, palm-surrounded "facility" -— but
Dr. Melear has found that previous course participants have been
happy to trade modern conveniences for the opportunity to be
a part of this beautiful, biologically-rich ecosystem.
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718