Teaching Science with Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Candidates in this program are expected to demonstrate content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge and skills needed to teach science (biology, chemistry, general science, earth science, physics) in secondary schools. Two practicums and student teaching in secondary schools are required components of this program and occur in the candidate's own classroom or are arranged by the university in Arizona classrooms. Practicum and student teaching placements can occur anywhere in the state of Arizona.

Minimum Units for Completion	36
Additional Admission Requirements	Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship	Required
Arizona Endorsement	Prepares student for Arizona Endorsement.
Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching	Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required.
Some online/blended coursework	Required
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study
Licensure	This program may lead to licensure.

Purpose Statement

The Master of Arts in Teaching Science (MAT-S) is a challenging, fully online Master’s program designed to provide certification for secondary science educators in Arizona schools. Upon completion, students earn an Arizona Standard Professional Secondary Certificate in their field as well as a master’s degree. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The program prepares science teachers for teaching in grades 6-12 and emphasizes the development of a teacher’s ability to develop research-based teaching strategies that make science accessible to learners. Specific attention is directed at the interaction of schools, learners, pedagogy, subject matter and curriculum. The program is unique in that it focuses solely on science education. This allows you to be in a supportive cohort of high-achieving science peers taught by faculty who specialize and conduct research in science education. We strive to provide a cutting-edge, high-quality program that will utilize and build upon your science knowledge and experiences to become an innovative middle or high school teacher. The program is designed for students with strong undergraduate preparation in the sciences seeking certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, or general sciences at the secondary (middle and high school) level looking to earn a standard certification in Arizona. Practicum requirements can be met in a students' secondary classroom if they are the teacher of record or through placements coordinated through the university.


Student Learning Outcomes

The Learner & Learning:

• Standard #1: Learner Development. The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
• Standard #2: Learning Differences. The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
• Standard #3: Learning Environments. The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Content:

• Standard #4: Content Knowledge. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
• Standard #5: Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Instructional Practice

• Standard #6: Assessment. The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
• Standard #7: Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
• Standard #8: Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Professional Responsibility

• Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
• Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

 

Graduate Admission Information

• The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
  
  Admission requirements include the following:

  • Transcripts.
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

  
  Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
  
  Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

  International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• • Admission to the NAU Professional Education Program (PEP). This occurs after admission to the MAT-S program and requires the following:
    • ENG 105 (or equivalent) or 6 credits of English or composition coursework with a minimum grade of B
    • Math (College Algebra) with a minimum grade of C
    • Laboratory Science with a minimum grade of C
    • IVP Fingerprint clearance card
  • 2 professional recommendations
  • A passing score on the AEPA or NES Secondary Subject Knowledge exam in the content area of teacher certification.
  • Personal statement
  • For applicants who are currently teachers of record, and application for the Teacher Intern Preparation Program (TIPP) alternative certification is required. This requirement can be waived if the applicant has a current Specialized Secondary STEM or Subject Matter Expert certificate. 

• • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Requirements prior to student teaching:

  • Successful completion of required state and university trainings.

Master's Requirements

• This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:

  • Science Education Coursework: 12 units
  • Teaching Content Coursework: 6 units
  • Internship and Seminar: 12 units
  • Selected Science Content Coursework: 6 units

  
  Take the following 36 units:

• Science Education Coursework (12 units)

  • SCI 560, SCI 561, SCI 612, SCI 613 (12 units)

• Teaching Content Coursework (6 units)

  • BME 537 (3 units)
  • ESE 530 (3 units)

• Internship and Seminar (12 units)

  • SCI 508, TSM 595, TSM 596 (12 units)

• Selected Science Content Coursework (6 units)

  • Science Content Electives (500-level or higher, formal letter-graded coursework from AST, BIO, CHM, EES, ENV, FOR, GLG, MAT, PHS, PHY, or SCI) (6 units)

• You may also take POS 220 (or POS 110 and POS 241) to satisfy Arizona certification requirements for Federal and State Constitutional knowledge. As alternative, this requirement can be met by demonstrating proficiency on the appropriate Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Exam.

• In order to obtain an Arizona teaching certificate, you must pass the Secondary Professional Knowledge Exam.
  
  Please be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time and may impact program of study requirements.

Additional Information

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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