Biology Teacher Certification Coordinator:

Overview of the Program

Goals The certification program in biology/general science at NIU is designed to produce moderate numbers of very well-qualified entrance-level teachers.  It is designed to address the serious shortage in very GOOD science teachers who are qualified to hold teaching positions in schools with high standards.  It is the view of this program that natural ability is absolutely essential for anyone wishing to be a good biology teacher, but talent is not in itself sufficient.

To become a good biology teacher, persons must also be good biologists brought to a good standard of skill in the processes of teaching biology.  Consequently, the subject discipline is the core upon which the rest of the program is built.  Assuming an adequate discipline background, emphasis is placed upon sequencing experiences so that there is sufficient time to develop practical teaching skills that are common sense and of proven effectiveness.  This is all done with lots of professional supervision.

Success
The quality of this program and its reputation have been confirmed a number of different ways.  In its most recent periodic evaluation of the program in 1995, the reviewers from the Illinois State Board of Education who examined the program reported that the NIU biology certification program was "the finest certification program they had ever seen".  Interviews and surveys of highly successful and experienced high school biology teachers who act as cooperating classroom supervisors of our student teachers in biology report each year that students in this program tend to be exceptionally well-prepared and are highly regarded.

Interviews with those who completed the program since 1988, reveal that 90% chose to seek teaching positions and that all of these (100%) were hired immediately, usually in very good schools in the western suburbs of Chicago and in other similar settings all over the United States.  Most report that invitations to job interviews and job offers exceeded their expectations and that school districts often frankly admitted that the invitations were extended at least partly because of the reputation of the NIU certification program in biology.  Nearly all (94%) of those completing this program report remaining as happy and productive secondary science teachers.  Many of those completing this program are already chairpersons, lead teachers, and directors of special programs for the gifted.

Non-traditional Candidates
In addition to young undergraduates,  this program has included many who are making mid-life career changes, seeking the satisfaction and relative security of the teaching profession after sometimes substantial experience in the private sector, the health professions, private and public research agencies, agricultural and other research, the military, and the legal profession.

Biology Teacher Certification Hompage

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