B.S.Ed. in Biology
Overview
Welcome to the B.S.Ed. in Biology program. It is our mission to educate teachers to
be leaders and inspire learning in students. The B.S.Ed. program prepares candidates
with the necessary pedagogical content knowledge to teach the 7 – 12 biology curriculum,
implement instructional practices built on research-based approaches to student learning,
and use student thinking to drive classroom learning.
Highlights
The program leads to certification in biology to teach that area in grades 7 – 12.
It will give you a deep understanding of the new PA science standards and how to teach
in a way that will support students in mastering those standards.
Program Requirements
B.S. Ed. Biology Guidance Sheet
B.S. Ed. Biology Sample Course Plan
BSED majors must apply for teacher candidacy status once they have met the Undergraduate
requirements. To view requirements and the application visit Candidate Services. Teacher candidacy status is required for upper-level education courses.
BSED majors must apply for student teaching one year in advance of their student teaching
semester. The Office of Clinical Experiences facilitates the student teaching application process.
Field experiences begin during the second year of the program and take place in a
variety of settings. The clinical field experience is connected to pedagogy courses.
Field experiences culminate with a semester of student teaching.
Students must obtain clearances for each course containing field experience in accordance
with Pennsylvania statutes. These include:
- Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks
- FBI fingerprinting
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse Record checks - required for all who enter a school.
- TB Test
- View More Clearance Information for specific details about your program.
All clearances must be completed prior to the first day of the field course in which
you are enrolled and updated every year. Please contact the Office of Candidate Services
at 610-436-2999. Some school districts hosting early field students and student teachers
require a TB test issued within the year they begin their school district assignment.
NOTE: School district requirements take precedence over university policy. Failure
to maintain a current set of clearances will prevent you from enrollment and/or may
require your dismissal from field-based courses, blocked classes, and student teaching.
Anyone interested in transferring to the program should contact the department chair
or program director to discuss their previous coursework and a program plan
Contact Information
Dr. Brett Criswell
Assistant Professor of Science Education
BSED Coordinator
509 Anderson Hall
610-436-2898
bcriswell@wcupa.edu
