Alternative Certification for HS Physics Teachers Dan Mac

Alternative Certification for HS Physics Teachers Dan Mac. Isaac, Physics Dave Henry, Elementary Education SUNY Buffalo State College Macisadl@buffalostate. edu

What are we? STEMTP, 4 years, beginning 15 June 2003 Physics certification/M. S. Ed. (Physics) Housed in physics department with collaborations Summer Academy n n Pre-service and in-service Physics teachers K-8 in-service Notable history in physics teacher preparation Institutional commitment n n n 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 n 2 -3 weeks, 30 participants each, 6 credits -intensive w w n 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 n n n Summer Academy On-line courses Evening courses (@ BSC) Western New York Physics Teachers Alliance (1 Sat am/month) Collaborators n n n 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 n Degree in physics or related area, 3. 0 GPA or better Introductory component (Spring + Summer semester min) n n Education foundation courses (12 cr) 200 clock hours of content pedagogy core study w n n n 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 n n 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 – 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 n. Attract underrepresented candidates n. Tuition and fellowship support for all AC candidates n. Tuition and stipends for all summer academy participants n. Teachers materials and supplies n. Continued institutional change n. Dissemination - publications, on-line video vignettes n. Continue building Buffalo Public partnership

Alternative Certification for HS Physics Teachers Dan Mac. Isaac, Physics Dave Henry, Elementary Education SUNY Buffalo State College Macisadl@buffalostate. edu