Education: 4-8 Science & ESL

Science is the field of study concerned with discovering and describing the world around us by observing and experimenting.  The sciences that are involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena include biology, physics, chemistry and geology. English as a Second Language (ESL) is an English language study program for nonnative speakers. The goal of an ESL program is to improve students’ levels of English. ESL classes teach different language skills, depending on students’ English abilities, interests and needs. All programs teach the following: Conversational English, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, writing and vocabulary.

Description of the Field

Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Texas teaching certifications in Science 4-8 and English as a Second Language. As part of the 126 credit hours students are required to take for the Bachelor of Science degree, students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program by fulfilling GPA requirements and passing the THEA test with the required scores for admission to the Teacher Education Program. These scores may differ from score requirements for admission to the university. Students must also complete Clinical I which includes classroom observations and Clinical II which is the student teaching semester. Finally, in order to teach in the state of Texas, students must pass state certification exams which they are eligible to take after completing the Teacher Education Program and consulting with the UNT Dallas Certification Officer to ensure they are adequately prepared before registering. After these requirements are completed, students are eligible for teacher certification through UNT Dallas.

Possible Employers

Students are primarily being prepared to teach science in 4th through 8th grade classrooms with this degree; however, the following employers also look to hire certified teachers.

Possible Job Titles

Success Strategies

• Obtain multiple certifications to increase employability.
• Private schools may not require certification or licensure.
• Obtain master's degree in subject area for increased employability.
• Acquire teaching experience.
• Obtain Ph.D. and certificate in school administration.
• Graduate study required for "special service" fields.
• Obtain master's degree in area to become specialist. Requirements for certification and/or accreditation vary by state.
• Develop strong word processing, editing and desktop publishing skills.
• Learn federal, state and local job application procedures.
• Take some general business and computer courses.
• Gain experience through volunteer work or internships.
• Develop writing and public speaking skills.
• Learn to work well with people of various backgrounds.
• Add additional coursework in area of interest such as human services, counseling or psychology.
• Consider certification in special education for greater employability.
• Seek grant writing experience to increase opportunities.
• Learn a second language to increase opportunities.
• Gain experience and an advanced, typically Ph.D., degree for high level positions in government.

Online Resources

Texas Education Agency- http://tea.texas.gov/
State Board of Education Certification- http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/sbeconline/certinfo/becometeacher.asp
School Spring- http://www.schoolspring.com/
Teachers-Teachers- http://www.teachers-teachers.com/
Teachers At Work- http://www.teachersatwork.com/
ESL Employment- http://www.eslemployment.com/
K-12 Job Search- http://k-12jobs.com/
Private School Employment Network- http://www.privateschooljobs.com/
K-12 Job Spot- http://k12jobspot.com/
Department of Defense Office of Overseas Schools- http://www.dodea.edu/
US Department of State Office of Overseas Schools- http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/

Professional Associations

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)– http://www.nsta.org/
Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT)- http://www.statweb.org/
National Education Association- http://www.nea.org/
Association of American Educators- http://www.aaeteachers.org/

Texas Classroom Teachers Association - https://tcta.org/
Association of Texas Professional Educators- http://www.atpe.org/
National Alliance of Black School Educators- http://www.nabse.org/index.html
Association of Mexican American Educators- http://www.amae.org/history.html