Virginia Earth Science Collaborative: Developing Highly Qualified Earth Science Teachers
Overview
A collaborative of seven institutes of higher education and two non-profits developed and implemented five earth science courses, totaling 18 credits that enabled secondary teachers to acquire an Add-on Earth Science Endorsement in Virginia - Physical Geology (4), Geology of Virginia (4), Oceanography (4), Astronomy (3), and Meteorology (3). These courses were collaboratively developed and included rigorous academic content, research-based instructional strategies, and intensive field experiences. Three courses were offered to strengthen the skills of Earth Science teachers: Teaching Earth Science Topics to Special Education Students (3), Integrating New Technologies in the Earth Sciences (3), and GeoVirginia: Creating Virtual Field Trips (non-college credit).
Goals and Objectives
- Increase the pool of endorsed Earth Science teachers.
- Increase teachers' conceptual understanding of the Earth Sciences.
- Increase the number of highly qualified Earth Science Teachers.
- Establish a statewide collaborative.
Program
The 33 sections offered statewide served 499 participants. Partners included the College of William & Mary and its Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, George Mason University, James Madison University, Longwood University, MathScience Innovation Center (formerly the Mathematics and Science Center), Radford University, Science Museum of Virginia, University of Virginia and its School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, and 83 school divisions.
Outcomes
Outcomes included an increased pool of endorsed earth science teachers and teachers with coursework in the earth sciences, a website with virtual field trips, and a statewide network. More information on the Virginia Earth Science Collaborative can be found online.
Funded by the US Department of Education Mathematics and Science Partnership and administered by the Virginia Department of Education