Graduate Certificate in Physics Education (Teacher Licensure)
The Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development offers a Graduate Certificate program for qualified post-baccalaureate students who are interested in receiving Initial Licensure in Physics, Grades 8–12. Students who are successful in completing this program will develop the knowledge and skills necessary as a beginning teacher of Physics, Grades 8–12. Specifically, the learning outcomes are as follows:
- Demonstrate advanced pedagogical content knowledge to earn initial grade level licensure in physics.
- Plan effective curriculum by designing evidence-based units and lesson plans that support students of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, strengths, and challenges using principles of differentiation and universal design.
- Identify and practice a variety of research-based teaching methods and strategies associated with effective science education that promote inquiry and scientific ways of thinking and knowing.
- Integrate the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in theory and practice such that students in their classes are actively involved in learning opportunities that facilitate (1) understanding of science concepts, (2) student identities as learners of science, and (3) appreciation of scientific practices and crosscutting concepts.
- Collect and apply evidence to accurately assess student performance.
- Demonstrate classroom leadership through the establishment of a classroom culture that facilitates teaching, learning, and collaboration through implementation of research-based practices that build effective relationships with students.
- Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with colleagues, students, and families.
For those students successful in completing all the courses and practicum in this certificate program, the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development provides an endorsement for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office of Educator Licensure. Students must also apply directly to the DESE and are required to take additional tests (Massachusetts Test for Educational Licensures [MTELs]) to secure licenses.
Requirements for licensure as a teacher of Physics, Grades 8–12 are listed below. Please note, prior coursework may be submitted for review to determine equivalency. If determined to be equivalent, required courses listed may be waived as a part of the certificate program.
Total Units: 26–28
- WED CT 534 A Practical Approach to Classroom Management (2 units)
- WED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 units)
- WED SC 510 Student-Teaching Practicum: Science, 8–12 (8 units)
- WED SC 570 Science Teaching Methods I (4 units)
- WED SC 575 Foundations of Science Education (2 units or 4 units with field experience)
- WED SC 576 Science Teaching Pre-Practicum (2 units)
- WED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 units)
- WED TL 525 Teaching English Language Learners in Middle/High Schools (4 units)