UTeach


UTeach, at The University of Texas at Tyler, started in Fall 2010, focuses on the preparation of mathematics and science teachers in grades 8-12. Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry majors can receive a secondary teacher certification (8-12) by following the specific degree plan within their content discipline.
“The University of Texas at Tyler has a tradition of graduating teachers who stay in the classroom. UTeach will complement and reinforce the high quality and caliber of our graduating teachers in the science, math and computer science fields,” Mabry said.

Why UTeach Works

UTeach Students –

  • Work within a collaborative venture between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Psychology
  • Follow degree plans that allow students to complete their degrees and certification within four years
  • Participate in a variety of field experiences, starting their first semester, supervised by UTeach Faculty and Master Teachers
  • Benefit from continuous support and resources while building relationships with members and UTeach Master Teachers
  • Receive access to opportunities for scholarships and paid internships

Students planning to teach math or science in grades 4-8 follow the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Math or Science degree plan. Click here for more details.

 

UTeach Mission and Goal


The UTeach program strives to provide undergraduate Mathematics and Science students with an opportunity to broaden their career options without deterring them from obtaining a Mathematics or Science undergraduate degree. The UTeach program is structured so that students may graduate in four years with both an undergraduate degree in Mathematics or Science and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. The UTeach program goal is to create and maintain a program that will allow current undergraduate Mathematics and Science students to gain the necessary content knowledge and teaching experience needed to become influential and inspiring secondary teachers who may assist in preparing our future generations of mathematics and science leaders.

Why Join UTeach?


Are you interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Science? Or, have you ever considered teaching as a future career? If so, UTeach is the program for you! Due to the national shortage of Secondary Mathematic and Science teachers, there is currently a high demand for teachers in these fields. UTeach will allow you to graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics or Science and obtain your teaching credentials, as well as offer the following benefits:
  1. Gain hands-on teaching experience as early as the first semester enrolled in the program.
  2. Receive mentoring from experienced professionals.
  3. Opportunities for scholarships and paid internships.
  4. As a teacher, you can contribute to society, while shaping the nation’s future.

National UTeach Network


The University of Texas at Austin: http://uteach.utexas.edu/ 

 

The UTeach program offers a supportive environment, in which highly trained professionals in the Mathematics and Science fields work together to help you reach your full potential in your chosen field of study. Not only will you gain the necessary content knowledge to be successful in your field, but you will also be able to gain first-hand teaching experience in local secondary Mathematics or Science classrooms beginning as early as the first semester enrolled in the program.This hands-on approach allows you to discover right away if teaching is the right career choice for you! For more information on the required courses, follow the Required Course Description link on the left. As a UTeach student, you will also have access to a variety of scholarships and internships that will further assist you in gaining valuable experience in your area of interest. For more information, follow the Scholarships/Grants link on the left.

If you love math or science and want to give teaching a try at NO ADDITIONAL COST, come join the UTeach program today!

Additional information found in the tabs below.
 

Student Information

  • For a general description of teacher certification requirements, please visit the UT Tyler Office of Educator Certification Website.

  •   EDUT 1170 and EDUT 2170: Step 1 and Step 2
    The aim of these STEP courses is to attract students to careers in math & science teaching. Master teachers introduce students to examples of high-quality inquiry-based lessons and model the pedagogical concepts to which they are being introduced.

    EDUT 3370: Knowing and Learning
    This course expands the prospective teacher’s understanding of current theories of learning and conceptual development. Students examine their own assumptions about learning. They critically examine the needs of a diverse student population in the classroom.

    EDUT 3371: Classroom Interactions
    This course moves from a focus on thinking and learning to a focus on teaching and learning. Prospective teachers are introduced to the way in which curriculum and technology are used in classroom settings to build interrelationships among teachers and students. They are taught how content and pedagogy combine to make effective teaching.  Prerequisites:Students must earn a C or better in EDUT 1170 Step 1, in EDUT 2170 Step 2, and in EDUT 3370 Knowing and Learning in Math and Science in order to take Classroom Interactions.  Students must also have a 2.5 GPA and be admitted into the School of Education prior to enrollment.

    CHEM 3360: Research Methods
    Students perform four independent inquiries, and learn to combine skills from mathematics and science in order to solve research problems.

    CHEM 3370: Perspectives
    Faculty in Science, History and Philosophy introduce students to the historical, social, and philosophical implications of mathematics and science through investigations of five significant episodes in science and mathematics history.

    EDUT 4370: Project-Based Instruction
    In this course, students aim to master new technologies for problem-based investigations in math and science classrooms. Students also discuss the use of assessment to improve student learning. Students teach project-based lessons to middle school students. Prerequisites: Students must earn a C or better in Classroom Interactions and have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in order to take Project Based Instruction.

    EDUC 4640: Student Teaching
    Students are immersed in the schools to prepare them to confidently assume a teaching position in the public schools.

    EDUT 4170: Student Teaching Seminar
    Students reflect on their student teaching experiences and examine contemporary critical issues in education. 

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    NOYCE Scholars and Interns


    The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The program provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and academic programs for undergraduate STEM majors and post-baccalaureate students holding STEM degrees who commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school. Read more and apply.

    TEACH Grant Program


    AT UT Tyler, the TEACH Grant is available to students (junior/senior, post baccalaureate, or graduate) who are accepted for admission to the School of Education. This grant program will assist students who intend to teach full-time for at least four years in high-need subject areas at secondary or elementary schools that serve students from low-income families. The TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per academic year for full-time enrollment with a $16,000 undergraduate aggregate limit and an $8,000 post baccalaureate aggregate limit. Award amounts will be prorated for enrollment less than full-time. Visit the official site for additional information on the TEACH Grant Program.

    Student Eligibility Requirements:

    • Complete the FAFSA.
    • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
    • Be enrolled as an undergraduate, post baccalaureate, or graduate student in coursework necessary for a career in teaching.
    • Have a cumulative UT Tyler or combined grade point average of at least 3.25 at the time of disbursement. New transfer students must have at least a 3.25 cumulative transfer grade point average.
    • Complete an Agreement to Serve (ATS) AND online entrance counseling each year the grant is received.
    Please note, if the commitment is not fulfilled, the grant is permanently converted to an unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan with interest calculated back to the date the funds were disbursed. Students must also complete exit counseling when enrollment is ceased or less than half time. For additional information on the application process for the TEACH Grant, you may to contact: Gayle Ferrell College of Education 903-566-7022 glferrell@uttyler.edu

    Financial Aid


    Visit the UT Tyler Financial Aid webpage

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    1. How is the UTeach program different from traditional teacher-preparation programs? The UTeach program gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand classroom teaching experience during their first semester enrolled in the program. This allows undergraduate students to determine if teaching is the right career for them during their freshman and sophomore years of college.
    1. What are the UTeach program requirements? In order to participate in the UTeach program at UT Tyler, you must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in the fields of Mathematics or Science and be interested in exploring teaching as a possible career choice.
    1. How do I enroll in the UTeach program? Schedule an appointment to meet with the UTeach Academic Advisor, Donna Wise 903-565-5881.
    1. Can I still enroll in the UTeach program if I am a junior or senior? Yes. If you are a Junior or Senior undergraduate student majoring in a mathematics or science field, you may still enroll in the UTeach program; however, you most likely will not be able to obtain your bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in the expected four years.
    1. Are there jobs for new math and science teachers? Yes. Due to the national and statewide shortage of Math and Science teachers, numerous teaching positions are available for graduates across the nation.
    1. What are the salary ranges and benefits for math and science teachers? The average teacher’s salary in Texas for 2010-2011 is $41,744 (according to Teacher Portal). However, salaries vary depending on the school district you teach in, your level of education, and the amount of teaching experience you have.
    1. Can I take the first course without committing to the entire program? Yes. The first two courses are designed to allow you to explore the idea of teaching.
    1. Will I be able to graduate in four years if I join the UTeach program? Yes. Most students are able to obtain their bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in four years if the recommended course outline is followed.
     

 

Dr. Neil Gray
UTeach Co-Director
Chemistry
ngray@uttyler.edu

Dr. Michael Odell
UTeach Co-Director
Associate Vice President for Sponsored Research and Director of Federal Relations
modell@uttyler.edu

Jaclyn Pedersen
Faculty Associate
UTeach Master Teacher
pedersen@uttyler.edu

Donna Wise
Faculty Associate
UTeach Master Teacher
dwise@uttyler.edu