The Bachelor of Science major in Biology combined with a minor in Secondary Education is the basis for a career as a high school biology teacher.  Students who aspire to teach high school biology also take a series of education courses in the secondary education minor, and successfully complete a semester of student teaching in their senior year.

This course of study has been approved by the State of Maine Department of Education and allows students to apply for certification as high school teachers.  Students from other states should work with their secondary education advisor to secure current certification requirements for those states.

Students need to pass the Praxis series (I and II), which is required for state certification in elementary and secondary education.  All students in education programs must pass Praxis I prior to student teaching.

A grade of “C” or above is requiered for all education courses.  A student receiving a grade below “C” will be required to retake the course.

Completing this Biology degree program will provide students with:

• Scientific Literacy: To familiarize students with major scientific areas and techniques
• Experimental Design: To frame an experiment and analyze results
• Effective Communication: To communicate scientific data through a variety of written and oral methods
• Career preparation

The purpose of the Education Program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is to provide quality teacher preparation programs to qualified students while upholding the mission set forth by the college. Graduates of the Saint Joseph’s College Teacher Education Programs will be able to demonstrate their abilities in three areas:

KNOWLEDGE

Content Literacy related to appropriate general and professional     knowledge specific to individual disciplines.
Technological Literacy related to state-of-the-art technologies employed to strengthen performance in all personal and professional areas.
Cultural Literacy related to today’s diverse learners. This encompasses the behavioral knowledge, skills and abilities needed to effectively enable all learners to achieve. 

PEDAGOGY

Instructional Strategies related to teaching effectiveness, learning outcomes and assessments. This includes skillful and varied methodology with diverse learners incorporating problem solving, critical thinking, and reflection.
Management Strategies related to the curriculum and the orchestration of the learning environment. This includes facilitating classroom dynamics that model fairness and respect. 

        DISPOSITIONS

 Leadership Strategies related to personal and professional conduct. This includes professional development and a demonstrated commitment to continuous personal advancement.
 Effective Strategies related to modeling acceptance and collaboration.  This includes recognition of self and student worth, and the importance of fostering social, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth.

 

The outcomes adhere to the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.