Carey Launches Science and Mathematics Alternate Route Teacher Program
Candidates interested in teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses in local school districts may earn their teaching licensure for free through a new program at William Carey University.
The Carey School of Education is offering up to 20 scholarships per year for three years through a grant-funded effort known as the Science and Mathematics Alternate Route Teacher, or SMART, program. The program will provide an opportunity for non-education graduates to enter the teaching profession by obtaining new job skills and will also provide licensed teachers in the critical STEM teacher shortage areas.
";There will be a dual benefit from this program in that we increase the number of qualified teachers in these shortage areas while also ensuring more students have access to qualified STEM teachers,"; said Dr. Ben Burnett, dean of the education school.
The program will work with Carey's current Master of Education degree in the art of teaching and will utilize current admission requirements for the art of teaching degree, including completion of two courses in classroom management and tests, measurements and evaluations. Candidates are also required to have a passing score on both the Praxis Core and Praxis II examinations.
Upon completion of the admission requirements, candidates are eligible to receive a three-year interim educator license and can be employed by a school district in the appropriate STEM subject area. Program participants are then enrolled in an internship course in which they are monitored in their classrooms and attend planned Saturday learning sessions. After completion of the one-year internship course, participants will be eligible to receive a five-year educator license.
Textbooks, other supplies and workshop costs for participants prior to Praxis examinations will be covered along with the price of tuition.
The SMART program will begin in July. Interested candidates may email Dr. Burnett at bburnett@wmcarey.edu or call the School of Education at (601) 318-6600.