Program Director: Dr. Woody McKenzie
School of Sciences Advisor: Dr. Dave Perault
This program combines the essential knowledge and skills gained from core courses in education with specific content and pedagogy coursework in the sciences and mathematics. Completion of this program allows teachers to gain expertise so they can become leaders and mentors in the teaching of science. The program is a collaborative initiative between the School of Education and Human Development and the School of Sciences and takes advantage of the College's unique resource of the Claytor Nature Study Center. The program also has been designed to be consistent with the professional development needs of regional educators.
Students in this program will:
- Apply skills in areas of curriculum, instructional strategies, technology, diversity, action research, reading, and classroom management to improve student achievement;
- Demonstrate skills that are responsive to the ethical, political, legal, social, and cultural forces in diverse educational communities;
- Demonstrate inquiry about current science education research and issues;
- Gain science content knowledge relevant to improving classroom expertise;
- Exercise professional decision-making with respect to science curricula, as well as develop and adapt appropriate science curricula;
- Gain pedagogical expertise in science teaching that reflects recommended practices according to national and state standards;
- Demonstrate research and laboratory skills relevant to becoming a master science teacher; and
- Achieve Virginia Department of Education add-on endorsement in Earth Science or advanced training in biology or mathematics.