Chemistry Teaching B.A. Program

The Chemistry Teaching B.A. program at the University of West Florida is a unique, grant-funded program that allows students to earn a degree in chemistry while also gaining certification to teach grades 6-12. This four-year program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach chemistry, marine science, environmental science, or comprehensive science.

Program Overview

The program includes coursework in core chemistry courses, education classes, and practical teaching experiences. Students will gain real-world teaching experience and will be prepared to teach students with diverse learning needs. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meets the American Chemical Society recommendations for a chemistry/education degree.

What You Will Learn

Students in the Chemistry Teaching B.A. program will study a range of topics, including:

• Inorganic and organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Polymer science
• Laboratory techniques
• General education classes
• Teacher training courses

Field experiences are built into the curriculum, and students will receive coaching from experienced teaching mentors. Summer internships are also available, providing a starting stipend of $1,250. Juniors and seniors are eligible for generous scholarships.

Careers and Outcomes

Nearly all graduates of the UWF-Teach program have secured teaching positions upon graduation, with most being hired by local school districts. Possible job titles include:

• Public School Teacher (6-12)
• Private School Teacher (6-12)
• International School Teacher (6-12)

Program Details

• Accreditation: The UWF-Teach program is accredited by CAEP through Spring 2025.
• Noyce Scholarships: Eighteen STEM majors receive funding for the cost of attending UWF, up to $20,500 per year, during their junior and senior years. In exchange, they commit to teach for two years in a high-need school district for each year of scholarship.
• Exploratory Course: The "Exploring Inquiry Teaching" course is available for students interested in exploring teaching careers in science or math. Students who complete the course and accompanying survey will receive $200.

Featured Courses

A sample of featured courses in the Chemistry program includes:

• EDG 2041: Exploring Inquiry Teaching
• EDG 4948: Apprenticeship Teaching
• ESE 4940: Clinical Practicum for Secondary Education
• SCE 4320: Teaching Science in Middle and Secondary Schools

Related Programs

Related programs at the University of West Florida include:

• Chemistry, B.S., B.A.
• Biology Teaching B.A.
• Biology, B.S.
• Elementary Education, B.A.
• Earth and Environmental Science Teaching B.A.
• Mathematics Teaching B.A.
• Physics Teaching B.A.

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Chemistry Teaching, B.A.
at the University of West Florida is a one-of-a-kind program funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. This program allows students to earn a degree in chemistry while also earning a Florida professional teacher certification in just four years.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach chemistry, marine science, environmental science, or comprehensive science to students in grades 6-12 with diverse learning needs.
Additionally, the professional teaching certification provides versatility in career options.
• Program Description: The program includes core chemistry courses, education classes, and practical teaching experiences.
Field experiences are built into the curriculum, and students receive coaching every step of the way from experienced teaching mentors. Summer internships can provide a starting stipend of $1,250. Juniors and seniors are eligible for generous scholarships.

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Outline:

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Year 1

• Fall: General Chemistry I, College Algebra, Introduction to Educational Studies
• Spring: General Chemistry II, Statistics, Human Growth and Development

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Year 2

• Fall: Organic Chemistry I, Calculus for Life Sciences, Educational Psychology
• Spring: Organic Chemistry II, Biochemistry, Curriculum Development and Instruction

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Year 3

• Fall: Inorganic Chemistry I, Environmental Science, Teaching Science in Middle and Secondary Schools
• Spring: Inorganic Chemistry II, Marine Science, Secondary Practicum

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Year 4

• Fall: Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Apprenticeship Teaching

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments, and field experiences.
• Faculty: The faculty in the Department of Chemistry are highly qualified and experienced in teaching chemistry and science education.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and provides students with opportunities to work with experienced teachers in real-world settings.

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Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the Chemistry Teaching, B.A.
program may pursue careers as:
• Public School Teacher (6-12)
• Private School Teacher (6-12)
• International School Teacher (6-12)
• Outcomes: Nearly all graduates of the UWF-Teach program have secured a teaching position upon graduation.
Most graduates have been hired by one of three local districts: Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa.

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.