The Initial Teacher Licensure Program for the preparation of science and mathematics teachers for grades 5-12 is a challenging full-time program. The program emphasizes the development of a teacher’s ability to transform what he or she knows into teaching strategies that make that knowledge accessible to learners. Specific attention is paid to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be a successful teacher of science and mathematics.

 

In the program, students complete a total of 55 graduate hours over summer, fall, winter, and spring terms. As part of the coursework, students complete one part-time and one full-time student teaching practicum at the middle and high school levels. Upon successful completion of all of the requirements listed in the Program Benchmarks, students receive their initial teaching license and a Master’s degree (M.S.) in Science or Mathematics Education.

These are state and national standards for accreditation and it is our expectation that all educators graduating from our programs will meet or exceed these standards.

Teacher Standards and Practices Commission Oregon

Classroom Teachers:

  • Plan instruction that supports student progress in learning and is appropriate for the developmental level
  • Establish a classroom climate that is conducive to learning
  • Engage students in planned learning activities
  • Evaluate, act upon, and report student progress in learning
  • Exhibit professional behaviors, ethics, and values

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

  • Content knowledge
  • Pedagogical content knowledge and skills
  • Professional and pedagogical knowledge and skills
  • Student learning
  • Professional dispositions
  • Experience working with diverse populations.

The collaboration of public school cooperating teachers with university faculty is a particularly important support mechanism for our science and mathematics teacher preparation program.  The practical experiences are arranged at two different school sites in order for the pre-service teacher to have a variety of school experiences and work with multiple cooperating teachers throughout the year.  We sincerely appreciate the time, energy and expertise that the cooperating teachers give to our pre-service teachers. Cooperating teachers spend many hours advising, modeling, supervising and supporting pre-service teachers. They truly serve in a partnership role in providing expert, practical experiences for future teachers.  In order to assure the success of this rigorous program, cooperating teachers collaborate with university faculty and supervisors in guiding the student teachers.  Without this form of assistance this graduate teacher preparation program simply could not succeed.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to cooperating teachers for their contribution to the program and the professional commitment to quality teacher preparation.  Thank you for your support of the program through not only your collegial participation but also through allowing our pre-service teachers to be active participants in all aspects of the school environment.  We look forward to a continued partnership role in the preparation of future mathematics and science teachers.

Faculty and University Supervisors

Professional Teacher Education in Mathematics and Science Program

College of Education – Oregon State University

Please see the “Roles and Responsibilities” section of the handbook for specific information regarding your duties as a cooperating teacher.

Please see the College of Education’s Field Partners site for forms.