University/Organization
Elementary and Early Childhood Education Department
Minnesota State University
Mankato
Minnesota

Title
DEVELOPMENT OF STEM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FOR K-6 PRESERVICE TEACHERS

Synopsis
Minnesota is facing a shortage of teachers trained in STEM philosophy and possessing the knowledge and strategies needed to support a STEM curriculum. There is currently no licensure for STEM teachers in Minnesota. Minnesota State University, Mankato developed a certificate program to add on to the k-6 elementary initial licensure program. Prior to the development of the STEM certificate program the Elementary and Early Childhood Department assessed the current and projected need for elementary level STEM educators. Faculty members from Mathematics, Science, and Engineering assisted in developing the Elementary STEM Certificate program. One parameter that guided the development of the Elementary STEM Certificate was a limit on credit hours and time for completion. The approved certificate program includes twenty credits. Ten of these credits are embedded in the regular Elementary Education Initial Licensure program. Additionally, the program was designed to fit seamlessly into a graduate program for STEM education. Ten of the undergraduate credits are at the 400/500 level and can be imported into the Graduate STEM Degree.

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