Life Science

This grades 9-12 Life Science license will prepare you to teach science courses to high school students. It can be coupled with a grades 5-8 General Science License.

Total credits

32

Finish in as few as

18 months

Courses

• Lab Safety Workshop (EDUC609)

  Standards of safety and chemical hygiene required to make science laboratories safe learning environments. Standards and federal/state guidelines for safety and hygiene in classroom laboratories. Preparation for ACSC certification. Includes a workshop and follow-up online assignments. (Course may be waived for science majors with extensive lab experience and documented lab safety training).

  0 credits

• Field Experiences in School-Based Settings (EDUC646)

  Development of planning, assessment, self-assessment skills, instructional strategies, and professional dispositions. Application of information gained through observing general education, special education, EL, and other teachers and students with specific learning needs. Implementation of principles of effective instruction in the content area and grade level of licensure. Observation of teachers’ use of culturally-responsive instructional practices to incorporate students’ personal, cultural, and community assets. Application of current and emerging technologies to improve personal productivity and professional practice.

  4 credits

• Field Experience (EDUC661)

  Participate in field experiences in K-12 schools and other school-based settings in order to apply coursework to authentic teaching experiences, observe educational contexts and receive mentoring from classroom teachers. Practice reflective skills by debriefing field experiences, writing a formative edTPA, and integrating a spiritual worldview.

  2 credits

• Literacy in Discipline-Specific Contexts (EDUC722)

  Analysis of knowledge of research-based skills and assessment strategies, reading processes, and instructional practices in the content area. Integration of instructional strategies to support readers with specific learning needs in K-12 settings. Implementation of reading research to develop vocabulary, academic language, fluency, orthographic knowledge, morphology, writing, and comprehension. Identification, review, and summarization of resources used for scholarly research using APA documentation.

  4 credits

• Student Teaching Seminar (EDUC750)

  Development of reflective skills, professional qualities, and instructional and evaluative skills.  Clarification of personal teaching/learning beliefs, modification of instruction for diverse student needs, and development of effective learning environments. Embeded differentiated instruction for ELS and special education students in the general education classroom. Refinement of assessment strategies and classroom management techniques that maximize student learning.

  3 credits

• Teacher Candidate Seminar (EDUC757)

  Strategies for managing student behaviors to maximize learning. Use of classroom teaching strategies, information about students, and collaboration with professionals in the teaching and learning environment. Demonstration of the ability to complete a teacher performance assessment to improve planning, instruction, and assessment of student learning. Development of job search tools useful for career growth. Practice professional dispositions and a code of ethics that allows proficient performance in a variety of educational contexts.

  2 credits

  Corequisite Course: EDUC775

• Student Teaching Placement I (EDUC775)

  Planning and implementing discipline-specific, standards-based instruction that is culturally relevant and based on educational research and/or theory, educational technology, and diverse needs of students. Use of formal and informal assessments to monitor growth and progress, give feedback, and guide next steps for instruction. Execution of effective classroom management techniques.

  4 credits

  Corequisite Course: EDUC757

• Student Teaching Placement II (EDUC779)

  Continued practice of prior teaching experience under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a college supervising teacher while students teach.

  3 credits

  Corequisite Course: EDUC750;EDUC778

• Student Teaching II (EDUC781)

  Continuation of student teaching for K-12 teaching licenses and add-on teaching licenses. Planning and implementing discipline-specific, standards-based instruction that is culturally relevant and based on educational research and/or theory, educational technology, and diverse needs of students. Use of formal and informal assessments to monitor growth and progress, give feedback, and guide next steps for instruction. Execution of effective classroom management techniques.

  1 credits

• Foundations of Education (TEAC521)

  Introduction to the teaching profession and focus on influences shaping education. History, philosophy, psychology, sociology, legal matters, reform, and other current education issues. Student mental health and impact of chemicals in student lives, families, and schools. Personal growth planning, collaboration, and connection between professional responsibilities and personal faith and values.

  2 credits

• Educational Psychology (TEAC524)

  Identification of different approaches to K-12 students’ development, learning, performance, and critical elements needed to structure an effective learning environment. Understanding of the developmental process of language acquisition and the influence of culture on learning. Synthesis of early assessment theory and current issues. Description of theories that influence learning and behavior related to the learning environment. Integration of Christian or personal faith perspective of learning.

  4 credits

• General Methods of Instruction (TEAC526)

  Development of effective lesson plans that include all required components. Creation of effective long-range plans, assessments, and evaluations. Design of lesson plans that integrate a variety of instructional strategies and incorporate student assets including language and culture. Description of appropriate data practices related to student assessment and progress. Planning of opportunities that utilize culturally responsive practice to engage all students and especially multilingual learners and those who have been historically marginalized.

  4 credits

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (TEAC528)

  Identification of various groups in American communities and skills to foster culturally affirming communication and collaboration. Description of Minnesota-based American Tribal Nations and communities. Analysis of how biases, discrimination, prejudices, racism, and sexism impact student learning in the classroom and influence personal identity. Recognition of the impact school environments and practices have on the delivery of equitable education.

  4 credits