Helping New Middle and High School Science Teachers Move to the Next Level
Licensed or provisionally licensed teachers at public schools in Virginia with one year or less of experience teaching science who are randomly assigned to the treatment group will receive, over two years, the following forms of support:
- Paid tuition for 2 three-credit graduate-level courses designed specifically for early career teachers, grounded in research and the reality of today's standards-based classroom, focusing on how to effectively teach inquiry-based science that is focused on real world issues and problems consistent with how science is professionally practiced, how to use student performance to drive future instruction, and how to adapt instruction for diverse learners while using technology effectively to support inquiry;*
- Up to $1,000 in teaching resources and science materials for the classroom;
- A website to provide resources during and after the program to meet the needs of diverse learners and for using technology in teaching;
- An instructional coach from your same science discipline who will provide you with in-class support that includes co-planning, co-teaching, and assisting you in your reflection and growth as a teacher;
- All-expenses paid trip, except substitutes, to the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Professional Development Institute in November of each year; and,
- 2 year subscription to Explore Learning's Gizmos.
Teachers randomly assigned to the control group will receive a $1,000 honorarium per year for participating in data collection.
*Courses are offered through a mix of face-to-face and distance learning sessions at George Mason University, The College of William & Mary, or Virginia Commonwealth University. For provisionally licensed teachers, these courses may satisfy a portion of your provisional license requirements. For licensed teachers, these courses may count towards your recertification points pending your division's approval.
Requirements:
- Completion of all data collection instruments including surveys, etc. (see consent form when you apply)
- Attendance in all summer and academic year instruction and support
- Active, eager participation.
- School division science coordinator (or instructional specialist if there is no science coordinator) should attend the summer institute for one day
Middle and High School Science Course Applications
Application Deadline: Deadline extended
Middle and High School Licensed or Provisionally Licensed Science Teachers (Grades 6-12) with one year or less teaching experience.(All secondary application and forms must be submitted before the secondary application is complete.)
- Individual Science Teacher Application - Click Here
- School District Science Coordinator Secondary Support Form - Click Here
- Secondary Principal Support Form - Click Here
Dates and times for the Science Methods Course II will be posted soon.
