NSTA Science Teacher Preparation
NSTA’s mission is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. It is essential that teachers are prepared to teach science.
NSTA has established high-quality science teacher preparation standards (PDF). Meeting the NSTA 2003 Standards is demonstrated through program recognition by NSTA. The Standards embody a process of data collection, reflection and improvement of programs based on data.
What do people have to say about the program recognition process?
“I know that my program is better because of the work I have done to align with the NSTA standards.”
“I will say that I do not wake up in the morning saying, ‘I’m glad that we failed NSTA,’ but it has given us the opportunity to work more closely with the science departments and we have a much better program for it.”
Our role is to assist programs to meet the 2003 NSTA Standards. The coordinator, Erica Brownstein, will work with programs via email or phone. Erica’s position as a Associate Professor in a program that is required to meet NSTA standards makes it possible for her to understand the challenges of program recognition. For assistance, contact Erica via email to set up a phone conversation at ebrownst@capital.edu.
Resources are available for the following:
Opportunities for Learning
- Writing to Improve Your Program: a workshop for program preparation:
A daylong workshop to discuss the process in developing a Program Review for NSTA preservice programs. Topics include a discussion of standards and sample assessments. Program recognition is about empowering institutions to use the NSTA standards to improve their programs and develop better science teachers.
- Reviewer Training: January 7, 2009 (Word document)
- Video Series
View programs recognized by NSTA (PDF) since fall 2005 (previously recognized programs are not included).