Science and Mathematics Teacher Recruitment and Retention Initiative: SMTRI (project symmetry)

Recruitment Efforts

The main purpose of this project is to recruit, prepare and retain highly qualified science and mathematics teachers for our local secondary school with the goal of doubling the number of highly qualified science and mathematics teacher candidates by the end of the 2009-2010. Our efforts will be to recruit 30 teachers this year. To promote these efforts, we begin recruiting efforts at multiple entry points into the preparation program (High School, Junior College, Undergraduate, Post-graduate and re-entry points). We will tailor our recruitment efforts to the population targets. We will capitalize on existing recruitment efforts through the MESA programs, SSU recruitment office and with other linking organizations. We will establish new and stronger contacts with the participants at the local agencies to promote recruitment. For example, we envision having sending representatives to the local high schools and speak to students in math and science classes about become teachers. We will invite MESA students and other high school students to campus to learn more about the science, mathematics and education programs.

Pathways. One critical aspect of the recruitment efforts will be developing pathways for prospective teachers to follow to become teachers. The mathematics and each science departments at Sonoma State University have a pathway for you to become a teacher. Students in mathematics pathways will receive a subject matter waiver for their participation. Science students will be prepared to take the CSET exams in their respective areas. To find the tests that you should take, scroll down to find the different single subject teaching areas.. Here are some brochures that might help you determine if you want to be a science teacher (General, Geology/ Earth Science , Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics)

Financial Support. In order to support students, this project will reimburse science and mathematics teacher candidates for part of their exams, clearances and credential costs. Once a student has been accepted into our program, then they come eligible to the monies for that cohort group. Contact Veronica Duarte to see if you qualify for this money (email or phone 664-3436) Furthermore, we will provide guidance training to mathematics and science teacher candidates on how to apply for forgivable APLE grants. If you teach math or science in any California School you qualify. Check the APLE website for the latest on this. Our students have been highly successful in receiving these grants and we vigorously look for additional funds for students.

Cohort Groups. In order to recruit to teaching, undergraduate students would be encouraged to take General Education classes that fulfill the requirements of the single subject credential program. Furthermore, we will support student future math and science teacher organizations with advisement and money for activities. At Sonoma State University we have freshman interest groups (FIGs). We have one for teaching. Come join us. In the future, we will promote a MESA-like organization at the University Level.

High School Students

Graduate from High School and apply for a science or math program. You should complete a BA or a BS in one of the Sciences or mathematics at Sonoma State University (Visit the School of Science and Technology). The mathematics department has a special teacher waiver program that prepares students to teach mathematics (contact Dr. Edith Mendez for advising ). As you are completing your BA or BS, you should complete the credential program prequisites and take EDUC 250 to find out more about teaching. In your final year you should apply to the Sonoma State University Single Subject Program.

Junior College Students

In order to become a science or math teacher, you should speak with an advisor at your community college and let them know that you are interested in becoming a science or mathematics teacher. You will need to apply to a 4 year university like Sonoma State University where you should complete a BA or BS. in one of the Science or Mathematic Majors. Since Sonoma State University do not currently have a waiver program for any of the Science majors, it is important to contact the School of Education early to help advise you on the courses you should take for your credential program and to prepare to take the Subject Matter Test (CSET). While taking the major classes and electives, we recommend that you take EDUC 250 where you will have greater exposure to the teaching profession. In your final year you should apply to the Sonoma State University Single Subject Program.

Four Year University Student

If you are already at Sonoma State University or another four year university and you are interested in becoming a science or mathematics teacher, you should contact the School of Education and ask for advising. In general, you should complete your requirements for your Major as well as complete the prerequisites for the credential program. For mathematics, you should complete the teacher waiver program if possible. For each science, we have developed a suggested list of courses for you to complete to prepare you for the credential program and furture teaching (Geology/ Earth Science; ) Biology, Chemistry, Physics. In your final year you should apply to the Sonoma State University Single Subject Program.

Post Bac and Advance Degree Candidates

Many science and mathematics graduates and holders of advance degrees are returning to the university to seek their teaching credentials. If you hold a PhD in mathematics or in one of the sciences, then you have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of your content area that you do not need to take a test to demonstrate that knowledge. However, if you intend to teach in middle school or teach Physcial or Life Science, there are additional content tests you need to take in order to get your full credentail. If you have a BA, BS, MA or MS degree in Science or Mathematics, then you need to deomonstrate your content knowledge with the CSET and complete the credential program requirements. Contact the School of Education--Project SMTRI and ask for someone who can advise you for these prgrams.

Home So you what to be a Science or Math Teacher Advising Project Goals Recruitment Efforts Science and Math Credential Types MONEY Mathematics Teacher Resources Science Teacher Resources Events Calendar Last modified 7.07.07 Thora Collard Carlos Ayala		Science and Mathematics Teacher Recruitment and Retention Initiative: SMTRI (project symmetry) Recruitment Efforts The main purpose of this project is to recruit, prepare and retain highly qualified science and mathematics teachers for our local secondary school with the goal of doubling the number of highly qualified science and mathematics teacher candidates by the end of the 2009-2010. Our efforts will be to recruit 30 teachers this year. To promote these efforts, we begin recruiting efforts at multiple entry points into the preparation program (High School, Junior College, Undergraduate, Post-graduate and re-entry points). We will tailor our recruitment efforts to the population targets. We will capitalize on existing recruitment efforts through the MESA programs, SSU recruitment office and with other linking organizations. We will establish new and stronger contacts with the participants at the local agencies to promote recruitment. For example, we envision having sending representatives to the local high schools and speak to students in math and science classes about become teachers. We will invite MESA students and other high school students to campus to learn more about the science, mathematics and education programs. Pathways. One critical aspect of the recruitment efforts will be developing pathways for prospective teachers to follow to become teachers. The mathematics and each science departments at Sonoma State University have a pathway for you to become a teacher. Students in mathematics pathways will receive a subject matter waiver for their participation. Science students will be prepared to take the CSET exams in their respective areas. To find the tests that you should take, scroll down to find the different single subject teaching areas.. Here are some brochures that might help you determine if you want to be a science teacher (General, Geology/ Earth Science , Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) Financial Support. In order to support students, this project will reimburse science and mathematics teacher candidates for part of their exams, clearances and credential costs. Once a student has been accepted into our program, then they come eligible to the monies for that cohort group. Contact Veronica Duarte to see if you qualify for this money (email or phone 664-3436) Furthermore, we will provide guidance training to mathematics and science teacher candidates on how to apply for forgivable APLE grants. If you teach math or science in any California School you qualify. Check the APLE website for the latest on this. Our students have been highly successful in receiving these grants and we vigorously look for additional funds for students. Cohort Groups. In order to recruit to teaching, undergraduate students would be encouraged to take General Education classes that fulfill the requirements of the single subject credential program. Furthermore, we will support student future math and science teacher organizations with advisement and money for activities. At Sonoma State University we have freshman interest groups (FIGs). We have one for teaching. Come join us. In the future, we will promote a MESA-like organization at the University Level. High School Students Graduate from High School and apply for a science or math program. You should complete a BA or a BS in one of the Sciences or mathematics at Sonoma State University (Visit the School of Science and Technology). The mathematics department has a special teacher waiver program that prepares students to teach mathematics (contact Dr. Edith Mendez for advising ). As you are completing your BA or BS, you should complete the credential program prequisites and take EDUC 250 to find out more about teaching. In your final year you should apply to the Sonoma State University Single Subject Program. Junior College Students In order to become a science or math teacher, you should speak with an advisor at your community college and let them know that you are interested in becoming a science or mathematics teacher. You will need to apply to a 4 year university like Sonoma State University where you should complete a BA or BS. in one of the Science or Mathematic Majors. Since Sonoma State University do not currently have a waiver program for any of the Science majors, it is important to contact the School of Education early to help advise you on the courses you should take for your credential program and to prepare to take the Subject Matter Test (CSET). While taking the major classes and electives, we recommend that you take EDUC 250 where you will have greater exposure to the teaching profession. In your final year you should apply to the Sonoma State University Single Subject Program. Four Year University Student If you are already at Sonoma State University or another four year university and you are interested in becoming a science or mathematics teacher, you should contact the School of Education and ask for advising. In general, you should complete your requirements for your Major as well as complete the prerequisites for the credential program. For mathematics, you should complete the teacher waiver program if possible. For each science, we have developed a suggested list of courses for you to complete to prepare you for the credential program and furture teaching (Geology/ Earth Science; ) Biology, Chemistry, Physics. In your final year you should apply to the Sonoma State University Single Subject Program. Post Bac and Advance Degree Candidates Many science and mathematics graduates and holders of advance degrees are returning to the university to seek their teaching credentials. If you hold a PhD in mathematics or in one of the sciences, then you have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of your content area that you do not need to take a test to demonstrate that knowledge. However, if you intend to teach in middle school or teach Physcial or Life Science, there are additional content tests you need to take in order to get your full credentail. If you have a BA, BS, MA or MS degree in Science or Mathematics, then you need to deomonstrate your content knowledge with the CSET and complete the credential program requirements. Contact the School of Education--Project SMTRI and ask for someone who can advise you for these prgrams. .