ACT-Houston
Houston 832-200-0552
Dallas 214-267-2222Austin 1-877-286-0024
Alternative Certification for Teachers
Science (Grades 4-8)
Obtaining an alternative certification in science for fourth graders through eighth grade students will require general education courses and foundational and specialist skills in science. The necessary coursework and background typically includes a broad based educational knowledge of the major science disciplines such as physical science, chemistry, biology and physics. Special knowledge of sub-topics in general science such as botany, genetics topics and human biology also have applications in the classroom.
What is Needed for Earning an Alternative Teaching Certification in Science
To be eligible for an alternative certification as an educator in science for middle elementary students through middle school level students, the teaching candidate should demonstrate the successful completion of coursework in general education topics such as English literature, basic science, history, social studies, mathematics and electives including educational psychology, speech communication and linguistics.
The majority of certification programs will require an internship or student teaching opportunity in order to provide hands on experience as well as valuable exposure to the classroom setting for future educators. The ability to work side by side with an experienced teacher will help to develop skills that simply cannot be obtained from traditional coursework.
Teaching as a Science Specialist
A teacher of science will need to complete necessary coursework in educational teaching strategies and teaching methods as well as science teaching and lesson plan development. The resources and availability of supplies will largely dictate the type of lesson plans established.
As a teacher of science across a range of grades and ages, it is critical to adequately develop lesson plans to provide the right level of cognitive development for students. Teaching middle grades will have a focus that involves applying basic science concepts to actual activities in everyday life. Science foundations will also need to continually build and strengthen as more complex topics are approached.