Physics Teaching Option at Chicago State University (Initial Teacher Certification Code: PHYT)

For more information on this option please contact the Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department, David R. Kanis, 773-995-2180, dr-kanis@csu.edu
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Quick Links:
Program Deadlines
Possible Course Schedule
Requirements for Beginning and Completing Student Teaching
(in development)
Application to COE Process
Forms (in development)

COE Policies
State and CSU Testing Requirements and Policies
Scholarships and Opportunities
COE Course Worksheet (important)

Contacts

The Need

The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago will have a great need for teachers in the next ten years.  Currently, Illinois has a dearth of physics teachers (there are only about 400 physics teachers in Illinois).  The State of Illinois estimates that approximately 40 physics teachers will retire each year.   This program seeks to meet the need for teachers who are well prepared and the need for additional teacher training programs in the state of Illinois. Currently there are no schools that offer this type of program for the community on the south side of Chicago. 


The Program at CSU

Teacher candidates enrolled in the secondary teaching option in the physics program at CSU obtain a BS degree in Physics from the College or Arts and Sciences with a certification in Physics Teaching.  The curriculum is designed to meet ISBE and NCATE content-area standards, core language arts standards, core technology standards, and Illinois Professional Teaching Standards required for initial certification grades 6-12. 

Candidates receive a Type 09 HS certificate in Science with a designation in Physics as well as a middle school endorsement in general and physical science (grades 6-8).  Once the program is completed the candidate is qualified to teach all sciences in a HS curriculum as well as advanced courses in Physics. 

Besides traditional physics courses, five new physics courses have been created to address the needs of students preparing to be teachers.  These new courses are designed to help students connect their physics content understanding to applications in teaching.  In these courses the students will become familiar with the national and state standards for science instruction.  They will also gain practical experience by teaching in the high schools and also assist instructors in courses at CSU.  Students will also begin to think about effective uses of technology and group work in the science classroom.

The physics program at CSU employs best practices in teaching through the use of interactive lectures, group concept building and problem-solving, and online homework which uses help sequences.  For more information on our classes click here.


Program Requirements

Students must complete between 125 and 128 credits in this option. These credits consist of 65 hours in their specialization (40 hours in the core science, and 25 hours in the physics designation), 33-36 hours of general education requirements, and 27 hours of professional education requirements.  candidates must also pass the three Illinois State Tests: The Basic Skills Test, The Subject Matter Test, and the Assessment of Professional Teaching Test.

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Model Course Schedule

Students enrolled in the secondary teaching option will complete the majority of courses that are required for the traditional physics option.  These include three courses of introductory physics (Physics 211, 222, 233), a course in modern physics (Phys 280), a course in Electronics (Phys 270), and courses in advanced mechanics and electricity and magnetism (Phys 311, 315).

Besides courses in physics, students enrolled in this option will also take classes in biology, chemistry, earth science / geography, and mathematics to ensure a strong science and mathematics background. 

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Research on Student Learning

The physics program at CSU maintains a program in Physics Education Research. Faculty and students involved in this program are involved in analysis of student exam data, diagnostics, and open-ended interviews with students.  This research helps instructors be better informed and aids in implementing effective instruction in the classroom.  This research area is particularly relevant to students pursuing the teaching option.  For more information on this research field contact Mel Sabella at CSU (X2172, msabella@csu.edu).
Special Courses in the Teaching Option

Physics 092: Illinois Physics Teacher Certification Review
Physics 160: Introduction to Physics Professions
Physics 350: Teaching Inquiry-Based Physics
Physics 355: Experimental Physics Apparatus Implementation
Physics 363: Methods of Teaching Physics and Physical Science in Secondary Schools
Physics 375: Student Teaching: Secondary Level Physics

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Links
Illinois State Science Standards
Illinois Learning Standards
National Science Teachers Association
National Science Education Standards


RETURNS

CSU Chemistry and Physics Department

Chicago State University Homepage


 
 
 

page prepared by Mel S. Sabella(last updated 1/20/03) 
email: msabella@csu.edu