Science Education Program

Science Teacher Preparation and Development in the Heart of Silicon Valley

The Science Education Program at San José State University is well positioned to meet the increasing demand for well-qualified and prepared science teachers in our community. Our program focuses on three aspects of science teacher education: recruitment and undergraduate experiences, pre-service training and preparation at the credential level, and professional development for in-service science educators. Our network of partners within SJSU and with school districts in the greater San José area ensures that our students receive essential hands-on training to fully prepare themselves for careers as science educators.

Congratulations! to: PI Cassandra Paul and Co PIs Resa Kelly, Katherine Wilkinson, Tammie Visintainer, and Marcos Pizarro who were just awarded an NSF DUE AWARD #1953760 in the amount of $1,699,833 over the next 5 years for the grant: "Transforming Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Through Culturally Sustaining, Active, and Asset-Based Approaches to Introductory Science Courses."

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Become a Civic Action Fellow!

Help underserved 3rd-6th graders learn computer programming and about careers in STEM. No experience necessary! The C.A. Fellowship is a national service partnership involving SJSU and local after-school programs. Remote positions available! 

For more information please visit SJSU's Center for Community Learning & Leadership. (link)

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Microsoft Scholarships:

CSU receives grants from Microsoft to increase scholarships for Math, Science Teacher Candidates in California's high-needs schools. (link)

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Credential Program Updates and Reminders:

Please direct all inquiries to the Chair of TED, Dr. Patricia Swanson (patricia.swanson@sjsu.edu). (Updated May 18, 2020) 

Reminders: Credential Requirements

Whether you are just entering the program or planning to complete, now is a perfect time to meet credential requirements.

Testing centers reopen. Testing centers are starting to reopen where local guidance permits. If you have outstanding testing to complete, we recommend that you sign up as soon as possible. For more information, visit the examination webpage for California Educator Credentialing Assessments.

Educational Technology requirement. Please remember that to complete the program you must meet the level 1 tech requirement. Follow this link to enroll for the free certification class (NOTE: do not enter SJSU when it asks for your institution, or you will be charged for the class as an employee instead of enrolling for free as a student). (link)

U.S. Constitution requirement. For students still needing to fulfill the U.S. Constitution requirement, here's an online exam that they could take. It is offered through Notre Dame de Namur University. (link)

CPR requirement. The credential office is now accepting fully online CPR courses due to COVID-19. We are recommending this course as it covers Infant, Child and Adult CPR and it meets the American Heart Association guidelines: (link) (NOTE: because this certification is only good for one year and it is an exit requirement, we recommend that you wait until mid-way through the program or later to meet the requirement).

For program completers

CalTPA update: The Governor's office still has not issued any executive orders about the TPA requirement. Updates will be given as information is received.

How to apply for a Preliminary Credential or Variable Term Waiver (VTW). For those of you planning to finish the program this spring, the Credentials Office will be hosting orientation meeting via Zoom:

Multiple/Single Subject Preliminary Credential orientation - Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 3:00pm (link)

Multiple/Single Subject VTW Orientation - Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 3:00pm (link)

 

Single Subject Credential Program Admissions Requirements 

Summer 2020 (link) (Updated March 28, 2020)

Fall 2020 (link) (Updated May 5, 2020)

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Santa Clara County Office of Education

COVID-19 Resources for teachers, parents, students, administrators and support staff. (link)

Meals for Students

Santa Clara County Office of Education has provided a list of site locations distributing free meals to students. Please see the link below for locations. (*Immigrant friendly. Some restrictions may apply. Consult the weekly plan for more information).

Free meal locations

San José State University - Support Services

Student Success Center

Student Health Center 

Counseling and Psychological Services 

Accessible Education Center

Accessibility Instructions for Faculty

 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (link)

 

For life-threatening physical or psychological emergencies, please call 911.

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Reputable Resources for Science Lesson Ideas:

Dear Parents and Caregivers: We know you may be trying to homeschool your kids right now and maybe you need some additional resources or fun science ideas to try. We are here to help. Science is fun! - Enjoy!

Chemistry

teachchemistry.org link

YouTube link

Biology

BSCS link - Teacher Handbook

BSCS link - Online Resource

Physics

American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)

aapt.org link

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Are you interested in pursuing an MA in Science Education?

Please contact Graduate Coordinator Dr. Cassandra Paul (cassandra.paul@sjsu.edu) for details.

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Spotlight on SJSU MA Student and Teacher Candidate George Kerber and Alum Ron Hamby

Teacher Candidate, George Kerber, was featured in a post from SJSU Lurie College of Education on Instagram. 

SJSU alum, Ron Hamby, who earned both his teaching credential and his MA in Science Education served as a Stem Teacher and Researcher (STAR) and is featured in the following video.