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Teacher Education Licensure:
Life Science (9-12)

Life science brings together the scientific disciplines that study living things, including biology, botany, genetics, medical science, psychiatry and zoology. Together, these disciplines seek to understand how living things exist and interact.  Science teachers are in high demand at all levels.  Preparation in this program leads to a grades 9-12 teaching license, but by adding an endorsement in general science those completing this program can teach in grades 5-12. Explore our undergraduate major option.
 
As you complete the Teacher Education program at the University of St. Thomas you will:
 
  • Gain the knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on students in the K-12 classroom
  • Become part of a supportive network of fellow students, alumni and faculty that will inspire and sustain you throughout your career
  • Learn from expert faculty currently active in the K-12 classroom who are here to help you shape your path to your own classroom


What you can earn

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Where you'll learn

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  • On-campus (St. Thomas)

 

 

 

When you can start

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  • Fall semester begins: September 4, 2013
  • Spring semester begins: February 3, 2014

 

 



Questions about this program

Image for the contact

Ea Porter

Enrollment Advisor

651-962-4657

celc@stthomas.edu

Program Details

For the License

TEGR 510 Education’s Place in Society & Field Experience I
3 Credits

Critical analysis of education’s place in today’s rapidly changing society. Focus is on the understanding of education from historic, philosophic and social perspectives and the impact of those perspectives on current practice. The course includes a guided, reflective, in-school field experience.

TEGR 512 Human Relations and Multicultural Education
3 Credits

Designed to assist persons in modeling appropriate multicultural, gender-fair values and actions through awareness of the crucial role of teachers in influencing positive, systemic change on critical social issues of personal growth, human interaction feedback and interpersonal relations. Fulfills Minnesota Human Relations requirement.

TEGR 530 Psychology for Teaching and Learning
3 Credits

This graduate-level course integrates psychological principles with strategies for effective instruction. Prospective K-12 teachers explore the scientific knowledge base that underlies good teaching practices and learn to apply the principles of educational psychology to their own learning and future teaching. Participants study standards-based instruction, performance-enhancing assessment strategies, technology-assisted teaching and learning, and a variety of means of meeting the diverse needs of learners. Through reading, discussion, classroom simulations, school observations and microteaching demonstrations, participants analyze and personalize good practice. Includes research into effective teaching and learning models and guided clinical experiences. Prerequisite: TEGR 510. Concurrent registration with TEGR 532.

TEGR 532 Field Experience II: Learning & Teaching
1 Credit

The University of St. Thomas Teacher Education program utilizes a progression of structured, in-school field experiences to expand the vision and professionalism of program candidates. Field experiences are designed to complement university classroom learning by providing opportunities for candidates to practice the knowledge, skills and dispositions of effective educators across the grade ranges for which they will be licensed and with diverse student populations. The second formal field experience is a 30-hour guided, reflective, in-school field experience that focuses on questions involving the exploration of learning and teaching:  Who are the learners and how do they learn?  In what ways are they diverse?  What general approaches can I use to meet each learner’s needs? How can I maximize this opportunity to help me develop as a professional?
Prerequisites: TEGR 510, TEGR 511. Concurrent registration with TEGR 530. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

SPED 750 Survey of Exceptionality
3 Credits

Provides an overview of special education and the specific categories of exceptionality. Examines the history, theories, legal mandates, definitions and terminology related to special education. Identifies roles and responsibilities of general and special education professionals. Characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities are explored. These include but are not limited to: gifted and talented, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, sensory disabilities, early childhood special education, autism spectrum disorders and speech and language disorders or differences.

TEGR 518 Curriculum & Instruction: (5-12) Science
4 Credits

This course is designed to prepare teachers who will effectively engage learners with the curriculum of Science. Emphasis is on application of developmentally appropriate practice and differentiated instruction for a range of learners in grades 5 through 12, including curriculum content and sources; national and state standards; performance based assessment strategies; data literacy and data-driven instructional decisions; connections with community resources; lesson and unit planning; and technology integration. Prerequisites: TEGR 530,532; successful completion of Assessment II and admission to advanced candidacy; Concurrent registration: TEGR 544 Field Exp III: (5-12) Science.

TEGR 544 Field Experience III: Curriculum & Instruction
1 Credit

The University of St. Thomas Teacher Education program utilizes a progression of structured, in-school field experiences to expand the vision and professionalism of program candidates. Field experiences are designed to complement university classroom learning by providing opportunities for candidates to practice the knowledge, skills and dispositions of effective educators across the grade ranges for which they will be licensed and with diverse student populations. This field experience focuses on questions involving the role of curriculum and instruction: What determines my curriculum choices? Why am I teaching what I'm teaching? What strategies can I use to differentiate instruction for diverse learners? How do I assess student learning? How can I maximize this opportunity to help me develop as a professional? Prerequisites: TEGR 512, 530. Concurrent registration with TEGR 518. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

TEGR 585 Reading for the 5-12 Teacher
3 Credits

This course is designed to explore how teachers can assist students to more easily deal with content area reading materials to include textbooks, written directions, newspapers, graphs/charts/maps, and manuals; and at the same time to encourage positive attitudes toward reading and writing in content areas.

TEGR 660 Clinical Practice & Seminar: Student Teaching
7 Credits

As the culminating experience of the graduate teacher licensure program, student teaching provides the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills of teaching and learning in a classroom setting. Accompanying seminars encourage students to reflect upon the experience and to increase their repertoire of strategies for dealing with topical, relevant issues. Student teaching is a full-time commitment under the supervision of university and school-based professionals. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all other required licensure coursework, Unconditional Admission to the Teacher Education Program, Admission to student teaching.

9-12 Life Science Requirements (if not taken as undergraduate)
Varies

BIOL 207   Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution BIOL 208     Biological Communication and Energetics
BIOL 209   Biology of Sustainability CHEM 111   General Chemistry I 
CHEM 112   General Chemistry II CHEM 201   Organic Chemistry I 
GEOL 111   Intro Physical Geology PHYS 104    Astronomy
 Plus:
16 additional BIOL credits numbered
200 or above; chosen with advisor approval 

5-8 General Science Requirements (if not taken as undergraduate)
Varies

BIOL 101   General Biology PHYS 101   Physics as a Liberal Arts Student
GEOL 111   Introduction to Physical Geology PHYS 104   Astronomy

TOTAL 28+ Credits

For the License + Master of Arts (M.A.)

TEGR 510 Education’s Place in Society & Field Experience I
3 Credits

Critical analysis of education’s place in today’s rapidly changing society. Focus is on the understanding of education from historic, philosophic and social perspectives and the impact of those perspectives on current practice. The course includes a guided, reflective, in-school field experience.

TEGR 512 Human Relations and Multicultural Education
3 Credits

Designed to assist persons in modeling appropriate multicultural, gender-fair values and actions through awareness of the crucial role of teachers in influencing positive, systemic change on critical social issues of personal growth, human interaction feedback and interpersonal relations. Fulfills Minnesota Human Relations requirement.

TEGR 530 Psychology for Teaching and Learning
3 Credits

This graduate-level course integrates psychological principles with strategies for effective instruction. Prospective K-12 teachers explore the scientific knowledge base that underlies good teaching practices and learn to apply the principles of educational psychology to their own learning and future teaching. Participants study standards-based instruction, performance-enhancing assessment strategies, technology-assisted teaching and learning, and a variety of means of meeting the diverse needs of learners. Through reading, discussion, classroom simulations, school observations and microteaching demonstrations, participants analyze and personalize good practice. Includes research into effective teaching and learning models and guided clinical experiences. Prerequisite: TEGR 510. Concurrent registration with TEGR 532.

TEGR 532 Field Experience II: Learning & Teaching
1 Credit

The University of St. Thomas Teacher Education program utilizes a progression of structured, in-school field experiences to expand the vision and professionalism of program candidates. Field experiences are designed to complement university classroom learning by providing opportunities for candidates to practice the knowledge, skills and dispositions of effective educators across the grade ranges for which they will be licensed and with diverse student populations. The second formal field experience is a 30-hour guided, reflective, in-school field experience that focuses on questions involving the exploration of learning and teaching:  Who are the learners and how do they learn?  In what ways are they diverse?  What general approaches can I use to meet each learner’s needs? How can I maximize this opportunity to help me develop as a professional?
Prerequisites: TEGR 510, TEGR 511. Concurrent registration with TEGR 530. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

SPED 750 Survey of Exceptionality
3 Credits

Provides an overview of special education and the specific categories of exceptionality. Examines the history, theories, legal mandates, definitions and terminology related to special education. Identifies roles and responsibilities of general and special education professionals. Characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities are explored. These include but are not limited to: gifted and talented, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, sensory disabilities, early childhood special education, autism spectrum disorders and speech and language disorders or differences.

TEGR 518 Curriculum & Instruction: (5-12) Science
4 Credits

This course is designed to prepare teachers who will effectively engage learners with the curriculum of Science. Emphasis is on application of developmentally appropriate practice and differentiated instruction for a range of learners in grades 5 through 12, including curriculum content and sources; national and state standards; performance based assessment strategies; data literacy and data-driven instructional decisions; connections with community resources; lesson and unit planning; and technology integration. Prerequisites: TEGR 530,532; successful completion of Assessment II and admission to advanced candidacy; Concurrent registration: TEGR 544 Field Exp III: (5-12) Science.

TEGR 544 Field Experience III: Curriculum & Instruction
1 Credit

The University of St. Thomas Teacher Education program utilizes a progression of structured, in-school field experiences to expand the vision and professionalism of program candidates. Field experiences are designed to complement university classroom learning by providing opportunities for candidates to practice the knowledge, skills and dispositions of effective educators across the grade ranges for which they will be licensed and with diverse student populations. This field experience focuses on questions involving the role of curriculum and instruction: What determines my curriculum choices? Why am I teaching what I'm teaching? What strategies can I use to differentiate instruction for diverse learners? How do I assess student learning? How can I maximize this opportunity to help me develop as a professional? Prerequisites: TEGR 512, 530. Concurrent registration with TEGR 518. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

TEGR 585 Reading for the 5-12 Teacher
3 Credits

This course is designed to explore how teachers can assist students to more easily deal with content area reading materials to include textbooks, written directions, newspapers, graphs/charts/maps, and manuals; and at the same time to encourage positive attitudes toward reading and writing in content areas.

TEGR 660 Clinical Practice & Seminar: Student Teaching
7 Credits

As the culminating experience of the graduate teacher licensure program, student teaching provides the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills of teaching and learning in a classroom setting. Accompanying seminars encourage students to reflect upon the experience and to increase their repertoire of strategies for dealing with topical, relevant issues. Student teaching is a full-time commitment under the supervision of university and school-based professionals. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all other required licensure coursework, Unconditional Admission to the Teacher Education Program, Admission to student teaching.

9-12 Life Science Requirements (if not taken as undergraduate)
Varies

BIOL 207   Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution BIOL 208     Biological Communication and Energetics
BIOL 209   Biology of Sustainability CHEM 111   General Chemistry I 
CHEM 112   General Chemistry II CHEM 201   Organic Chemistry I 
GEOL 111   Intro Physical Geology PHYS 104    Astronomy
 Plus:
16 additional BIOL credits numbered
200 or above; chosen with advisor approval 

5-8 General Science Requirements (if not taken as undergraduate)
Varies

BIOL 101   General Biology PHYS 101   Physics as a Liberal Arts Student
GEOL 111   Introduction to Physical Geology PHYS 104   Astronomy

CIED 500 Principles of Educational Research
3 Credits

Methods of descriptive and experimental research, basic statistical theory and application, orientation to library resources, development of significant research methodology.

Electives
3 Credits

3 credits determined by student's academic advisor (CIED 500-999 and SPED 500-999)

TOTAL 34+ Credits

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Seehwa Cho, Ph.D.

Associate Professor (651) 962-4434
MOH 312 | Opus Hall

Jan Frank, Ph.D.

Associate Professor | Department Chair: Teacher Education (651) 962-4446
MOH 306 | Opus Hall

Debbie Monson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor (651) 962-4443
MOH 304 | Opus Hall

Robert J. Nistler, Ph.D.

Associate Professor (651) 962-4426
MOH 307 | Opus Hall

Smith Amy 72X80

Amy F. Smith, Ph.D.

Associate Professor (651) 962-4445
MOH 313 | Opus Hall

Douglas F. Warring, Ph.D.

Professor | Director of Continuing Education (651) 962-4877
MOH 314 | Opus Hall

Rosemary Barreto

Teacher Education, Department Assistant (651) 962-4420
MOH 305 | Opus Hall

Carole Koch

Assessment Coordinator, Department of Teacher Education (651) 962-4468
MOH 311 | Opus Hall

80x72 photo

Sue Kasun, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Teacher Education (651) 962-4811
MOH 308

Muffet Trout, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor Teacher Education Department (651) 962-4424
MOH 303

Melck, John 80 x 72

John Melick

Director of Field Experiences & Clinical Practice, Department of Teacher Education (651) 962-4424
MOH 310

 
 

Ongoing Professional Development
Whether networking with leaders in the field of education reform, acquiring new tools to identify early warning signs of mental illness in your classroom, or simply catching up on the latest offerings in children’s literature, annual events and conferences in the College of Education, Leadership & Counseling offer a variety of networking and professional development opportunities. Most events include a CEU component. In addition to annual events, the College also houses a robust continuing education department to help you meet your re-licensure requirements.
 

Mentored Clinical Practice

The dedicated faculty and staff in the Teacher Education program will work with you to ensure that your clinical practice experience (student teaching) will meet your needs and facilitate your growth, both personally and professionally. Throughout your time student teaching, regularly scheduled seminars with faculty and peers offer the opportunity to form a strong professional network as you prepare to enter the field.

 

Community Partnerships

The College of Education, Leadership & Counseling takes pride in engaging in innovative partnerships with a variety of organizations. Students in the College of Education, Leadership & Counseling will find many opportunities for professional growth as a result of working these organizations. Partnership examples include the Northwest Suburban Integration District, Center for Academics and Sports, FAIR School and the Collaborative Urban Educators program. 

 

The Value of a St. Thomas Degree

Calculating the cost of your degree can be challenging, as every institution approaches it a bit differently. At St. Thomas, we list our tuition cost as cost per credit:

  • Each course can be 1-3 semester credits, but the standard course is 3 credits.  
  • A typical part-time student in our graduate programs takes 3-6 credits per term.
  • To view the total number of credits per program you can view the courses tab above.

It may be possible for you to receive some type of financial assistance. To learn more, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.

We offer our students much more than just a degree. We offer the chance to be a part of a personal and professional network like no other, which means your graduate education will enrich your life and career long into the future.




Welcome to your
NETWORK.

Cost

Education (M.A., Ed.S., Certificate, Licensure)

On-campus Tuition (per credit) $763
Books and materials
(estimate per course) $150-250
One-time application fee $50

1 | Meet the Requirements:

  • A Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from a regionally accredited institution
  • A cumulative minimum undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or the successful completion of a graduate level program from another institution

If you do not meet the above requirement(s), you may be eligible for special admission, which requires:

  • A cumulative minimum undergraduate G.P.A. of 2.75 (4.0 scale)
  • The completion of a standardized test, such as the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), GRE, GMAT or LSAT A possible interview with an admissions person/committee

2 | Submit the following application materials:

  • Application form and one-time $50 application fee
  • Two positive letters of reference from non-related individuals
  • Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work (unless that work was completed at the University of St. Thomas)
  • Personal statement
  • Transcript Review: All Teacher Education applicants seeking licensure must have a transcript review completed.  Official transcripts from all previous institutions are required.  There is a $25 fee per content area review.  Please contact the Teacher Education Department to request a transcript review form.  Email to  barr7879@stthomas.edu.

3 |  Submit the supplementary materials:

  • Initial Licensure:  MTLE Basic Skills required by the end of an initial teacher licensure candidate's first semester of coursework.
  • International Applicants:  (1) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) required for any candidate whose primary language is not English. (2) Transcript Review: All international transcripts must be reviewed by an accredited evaluation service to determine U.S. equivalency of the degree awarded and the institution awarding the degree. Applications will not be reviewed for admissions until the official review is submitted.

Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

  • For Fall Term: June 1
  • For Spring Term: Rolling
  • For Summer Term: May 1

 

Looking for More?

Apply online


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