Alternative Teacher Certification in Mathematics or Science

1. Alternative Teacher Certification in Mathematics or Science • Benedictine University Dr. John Zigmond: 630.829.1364 jzigmond@ben.edu

2. Designed for people with • A degree in • Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Engineering • Five years work experience

3. Learning Team Program Participants • learn and work together • receive support and encouragement from colleagues and mentors • come together regularly to discuss and debrief experiences

4. Three Phases • Application, Selection and Orientation • Fall/Winter/Spring: September - May • Fast-track program • Summer: June - July • Year-long internship • School year: August - June

5. Application/Selection Phase I • Applicants take Illinois Basic Skills and Content Area Tests (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math) • Complete application materials (official transcripts, application, 3 reference letters) • Initial interviews identify candidate pool • 2009 learning team will be selected through June 5

6. Phase Icon’t.Orientation/Employment • Last Saturday in May - PBL Seminar • Introduction to PBL • Introduction to reflective journaling • Employment help from the University • Identification of potential openings • How to prepare an “education friendly” application • Career Services assistance • Informing school personnel about the program

7. Phase II Fast-track Training • Intensive summer program • Eight-week full-time commitment: June 8 – July 24, 2009 • Most sessions will be located at Benedictine University • Student teaching takes place at Benedictine University

8. Problem-Based Learning Format for Intensive Summer Program • Participants are immersed in real-life, ill-structured problems just like in the classroom • Problems develop understanding of important pedagogical theory and methodology • Problems are designed to meet • Illinois Professional Teaching Standards • Illinois Certification Requirements • Benedictine University Approved Course of Study

9. Participants will • learn “how to teach” through a PBL format • observe a variety of levels and classroom approaches to teaching science • engage in student teaching • develop a PBL unit for their own classrooms • work closely with mentors to plan the coming • school year

10. Content Clusters

11. Phase III Year-long Internship • Full-time teaching in a middle school or high school science classroom • Support from a seasoned mentor, district administrators and Benedictine University • Ongoing professional development throughout the year • Assembly of a professional portfolio

12. During the internship year • Interns are first-year teachers and teach a regular class schedule • Mentors and interns have scheduled time for observations, discussion, assistance, reflection • University personnel will observe and meet with interns regularly • Four weekend seminars each semester provide ongoing professional development, including attendance at statewide professional conferences

13. How will the intern be assessed? • Evaluation by district administrators (the mentor has no evaluative responsibility) • Evaluation by Benedictine University personnel • Assessment of the professional portfolio that is assembled

14. What is included in a portfolio? The portfolio is an authentic assessment measure by which the intern will display his/her ability to address each Illinois Professional Teaching Standard. • Artifacts, descriptions of activities and student work products that illustrate an understanding of each standard are included. • A reflection (rationale) that explains how the item demonstrates compliance with the standard is developed.

15. 1 Content Knowledge 2 Human Development and Learning 3 Diversity 4 Instructional Planning 5 Learning Environment 6 Instructional Delivery 7 Communication 8 Assessment 9 Collaborative Relationships 10 Self-Reflection and Professional Growth 11 Professional Conduct The portfolio contents are linked to the 11 Illinois Professional Teaching Standards

16. Tuition • Cost for the program is $15,400, which includes all books and materials. • The program includes a paid internship in which the candidate earns first-year teacher salary. The amount depends upon the district. • In traditional programs, student teachers are prohibited from earning any salary.

17. Visit our website for more information www.ben.edu Go to “Academic Programs;” Locate “College of Education and Health Services;” Select “Margaret and Harold Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies;” Scroll down to end of page; Find “Alternative Certification;” Investigate “Learn More;” and Study the FAQ’s about this fast-track program.