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TEACHER INTERN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Education officials anticipate a large teacher demand between now and 2006, which could be particularly intense in the areas of science and math education at the middle school and high school levels. In order to teach in Pennsylvania, potential teachers must obtain an Instructional I Certificate. This is normally done by enrolling in a Secondary Education program while at the University. It is not practical for Meteorology majors to pursue a dual major in secondary education, as there are too many required courses in the secondary education program that are not required for the meteorology degree. However, there is an alternative POST-GRADUATION route through which students with a B.S. in Meteorology might be able to pursue a career in teaching after graduation. This would be through the Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program. Other States may offer similar programs. Meteorology majors might be particularly well suited for seeking teaching positions in:
School Districts that are unable to find teachers through the normal route (i.e., teachers gaining an Instructional I Certificate through enrolling in a university Secondary Education program) may apply for participation in the Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program if they can identify a qualified and interested individual who holds a B.S. in a science field, but lacks the education courses and student teaching experience offered in a university Secondary Education Program. There must also be a nearby college or university who is participating in the Teacher Intern Certification Program. Once the Department of Education has approved that individual for the Teacher Intern Certification Program, he or she may begin teaching for up to 3 years under the mentorship of another teacher. The teacher-intern must also take courses (typically 9 credits per year) from the participating college/university to complete their requirements for the intern program. Intern-teachers are paid during the intern period, at a rate set by the local school board policy. Additional information on the Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Program requirements, and a list of Pennsylvania Colleges participating in the program (and fields in which they offer the internship program) are available in the Department Office. Information is also available from the PA Department of Education Web site: The Department of Meteorology contacted a number of teachers and administrators to garner their comments about the viability of the Teacher Intern Certification Program as an option for Penn State Meteorology majors. Their attitude was generally favorable toward the possibility, but point out that it would require that a potential teacher find a school district in need of science teachers and in a location with a participating college or university nearby. They recommend that potential teachers work toward certification in not only Earth and Space Science or Environmental Education, but also either Physics of Mathematics (or General Science). Since more students take the latter courses, there is a greater demand for these teachers. Penn State Meteorology majors with an interest in pursuing this post-graduation option can often reduce the number of courses they will need to take during the intern period by taking some of the courses en route to the B.S. Some of the courses can count toward fulfilling the University's General Education requirements. Courses Suggested for this option: SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (Take 9 credits; petition for use of 400-level courses)
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