Licensure Only, Secondary Science

The licensure-only secondary science program prepares students who have already completed their bachelor's degree in a STEM field for teaching careers in secondary science. New teachers in STEM fields are in critical demand across the state. The program offers a pathway to initial licensure in a range of secondary science/STEM areas, including biology (grade 8-12), chemistry (grade 8-12), earth science (grade 8-12), general science (grade 5-8), and mathematics/science (grade 5-8).

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Program Requirements

Become a Science Teacher

A teacher and a student sit at a wood table looking at a DNA block puzzle.

Secondary science teachers are in high demand across the commonwealth and the United States. This program is designed for new and current teachers, as well as working career changers and recent college graduates who majored in STEM (or a STEM-related field) who wish to pursue careers as science educators.

Program Features

  • Become a science teacher: Graduates will be prepared for teaching careers in their chosen licensure area of biology (grade 8-12), chemistry (grade 8-12), earth science (grade 8-12), general science (grade 5-8), or mathematics/science (grade 5-8). 

  • Real experience: A 6-hour per week pre-practicum and a semester-long culminating full-time field experience in the classroom, alongside a supportive practicum seminar, give students real experience as they prepare to complete their degrees. 

  • Culturally sustaining practices: The program includes coursework using effective, culturally responsive teaching methods, including teaching English language learners and students with exceptional learning needs. Our teacher candidates are trained to create equitable learning environments in public schools. Our dedicated faculty are committed to promoting social justice and equitable access to learning for all students. 

Curriculum

The program will require standard education coursework required of all initial licensure secondary education candidates related to teaching and assessment, culturally responsive teaching, teaching students with exceptional learning needs, sheltering content for English language learners, and special education history and law. 

Additionally, the program will allow students to acquire skills in specific methods of teaching secondary science, focused on effective course design and delivery of content and course activities in a way aligned with state standards and best practices for learning. The program will culminate with a teaching practicum and accompanying practicum seminar to allow students to demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge and be evaluated for licensure according to state assessment of licensure candidates. 

Licensure Opportunities* 

This program qualifies students to apply for initial teacher licensure as a: 

  • teacher of biology (grade 8-12) 

  • chemistry (grade 8-12) 

  • earth science (grade 8-12) 

  • general science (grade 5-8) 

  • mathematics/science (grade 5-8)

Our on-site McKeown School of Education Student Services Center is dedicated to helping students navigate state licensure requirements and providing MTEL support.

*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

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