While some schools offer B.Ed degrees, which provide teacher certification as part of the undergraduate degree, most teacher certification programs are post baccalaureate or graduate. Teacher certification at the University of Washington is a master's program - MIT (Master's in Teaching). For more information: 543-7833, email: edinfo@u.washington.edu or visit http://education.washington.edu/areas/tep/secondary/secondary_apply.html

For information about other teacher certification programs in Washington State go to: www.TeachWashington.org

UW MIT Deadlines:

Elementary Program - March 21, 2008 for Spring 2009 or Summer 2009 admission

Secondary Program - February 11, 2008 for Spring 2009 admission. Missed this? There is a second deadline - October 10 for Spring 2009 .

Elementary Teachers (K-8)

Elementary teachers are typically generalists. That is, they must be able to teach a little bit of everything, including music, art, PE and science. Many schools hire science specialists. These teachers generally rove from classroom to classroom or have groups of students come to the science room for 50 minutes science session. A science specialist has a general science endorsement on his/her certificate. Good elementary science teachers do simple "hands-on" science activities and experiments with the kids: grow beans, hatch frog eggs, do experiments with worms and slugs, cabbage chemistry, etc. The Biology Teacher Resource Center, located in 216 HCK, has a great collection of materials for elementary teachers which, you are invited to look over.

Middle-school and Secondary Teachers (7-12)

At the junior high and senior high level, students begin structured courses in general science, biology, chemistry and physics and the teacher must have an endorsement in a discipline in order to teach the subject. Teaching high school biology requires a plentiful supply of energy, creativity and intellectual commitment. Even with a biology endorsement, you'll never be adequately prepared to teach biology - the field is growing so fast, and keeping up with new developments will be an ongoing challenge. Many school districts do not have a set curriculum in biology; much is left up to the teacher to decide what to teach and unfortunately, biology textbooks often dictate what is taught. But the current national effort to reform science education has resulted in several documents (National Science Education Standards, 1996, National Research Council; Benchmarks for Science Literacy, 1993, American Association for the Advancement of Science) which identify what is important and appropriate for pre-college level students to know about science. Many states have adopted new standards based on these guidelines. Laboratory experiences are highly recommended but there is a vast difference in the quality and quantity found in biology classrooms around the state.

Most high school teachers teach upwards of 150 students per day! (5 classes; 30 students/class) Yet, as a group, they are interested, committed professionals who recognize the value of their work. Since so many of our societal problems have a biological component, biology teachers are subject to a lot of pressure from society to prepare students to be aware and concerned citizens. It is rewarding work. A good sense of humor is an asset!

Things You Can do to Prepare for Teacher Certification at UW:

• Complete a Biology Endorsement: All secondary teachers must be endorsed in specific subjects in order to be qualified to teach that subject. Click here to view courses that will result in a primary endorsement in Biology on your teaching certificate. This course work can easily be worked into undergraduate majors in the biological sciences. The UW teacher certification program requires that 90% of your biology endorsement coursework be completed before beginning the MIT program, and that you pass the biology PRAXIS II subject test in biology. Students applying to the elementary MIT are not required to complete the biology endorsement. Contact Helen Buttemer, 222 Hitchcock Hall, for advising.
  
  
• Apply to UW Masters in Teaching program (MIT) program. Prior to application, all applicants for admission to the MIT must take the WEST-B test, PRAXIS II subject area test, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 90 graded credits, and have at least 60 hours of field experience working with kids (Field Experience). Prior to begining the program, you must have completed your baccalaureate degree, including at least 90% of the biology endorsement. Attend a group advising session at the College of Education, 206 Miller for an overview of the UW certification program.
  
  
• Spend time in a K-12 classroom. This is a must! Nothing better helps you decide if teaching is the right option for you. Contact a school and tell them you are considering becoming a teacher and would like to volunteer in the classroom. Most schools will be happy to have the help. If you are considering the UW MIT program, you must have 60 hours of working with students before you apply (aka Field Experience).
  
  
• Visit our Biology Teachers' Resource Center. 216 Hitchcock Hall. Read one of the to science teaching journals: The Science Teacher, Science Scope, Science and Children, The Biology Teacher. Check out the many other biology teaching resources on display.
  
  
• Take special courses for teachers. Talk with Helen Buttemer about Biology 104 (Biology for Elementary Teachers), Biology 491 (Special Topics for Teachers) or Biology 492 (Biology Teaching Methods). Other departments also have great courses for future teachers.
  
  
• Talk with teachers. Attend the WSTA annual teachers' conference. This is a good opportunity to interview science teachers, hear about interesting things going on in science classrooms and around the state, learn about teaching resources. Generally in fall of each year.
  
  
• Volunteer with the Seattle Aquarium, WPZ, Pacific Science Center or other organizations that will give you experience interpreting science or nature for an audience. Or, sign up for Chem 197B (1) Science Service Learning to volunteer with various K-12 outreach efforts.
  
  
• Sign up for the new Education Minor. http://education.washington.edu/degrees/undergrad/undergrad_minor.html

For more information, please contact:

Helen Buttemer
Biology Teacher Preparation, 222 Hitchcock Hall
Biology, Box 355320
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 543-1689 helenb@u.washington.edu