UFTeach Prospective Students

Prospective UFTeach Students

Do you want to share your enthusiasm for mathematics, science or computer science? Then UFTeach is for you! We offer a minor in teaching middle & high school mathematics, science or computer science. This minor can help strengthen your skills to engage people in learning about mathematics, science or computer science for a career in teaching or any STEM field.

UFTeach is an alternative certification program, officially recognized by the State of Florida as a “Professional Training Option (PTO) for Content Majors.”

In the UFTeach program, you major in a STEM discipline while earning a specialized minor in education. The minor allows a mathematics, science  or computer science major to complete the professional preparation coursework for teachers required by Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-4.006(2), FAC, while completing the bachelor’s degree. More details.

Program Highlights

  • Early and well supported field experiences with K-12 students in schools, as well as in informal educational settings
  • Deep-level understanding of mathematics, science, and computer science content
  • Deep-level understanding of methods to effectively teach mathematics, science, and computer science
  • Compact degree plan that allows most students to complete degree and PTO requirements in four years

 

Course Topics

  • MAE 2364 Explorations Teaching Secondary Mathematics and Science
  • MAT 3503 Functions and Modeling **
  • ECT 3353 K – 12 Computer Science Methods ***
  • TSL 3323 ESOL and Reading for Teachers (online)
  • SMT 3100 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 
  • SMT 3301c Classroom Interactions
  • SMT 3664 Project-Based Instruction
  • EDG 4910 Undergraduate Research
  • SMT 4945 Apprentice Teaching

**This course is only recommended for the UFTeach Mathematics Education Minor.

***This course is only recommended for the UFTeach Computer Science Minor.

Certificate

See www.fldoe.org/edcert/subjlist.asp and click on the subject to find out minimum subject area requirements by major and by course-count. If the major does not match the subject you want to teach (e.g. engineering major seeking Math 6-12 certification), and you have not satisfied the course-count requirements, you would have to pass the relevant Subject Area Exam before being eligible for temporary certification.

See www.fldoe.org/edcert/sub_exams.asp for a table of those exam requirements by subject area.

The temporary teaching certificate is good for three years, and is non-renewable.

The testing requirements for professional certification are (1) General Knowledge Test all four sections (you will already be well prepared for this basic skills test), (2) Subject Area Exam, and (3) Professional Education Test (you will already be prepared upon completion of the UFTeach course sequence). Information about all FTCE exams is available at www.fl.nesinc.com.

Professional Training Option

Professional Training Option at the undergraduate or graduate level AND all of the following:

  • An approved Professional Education Competence (PEC) demonstration program at a Florida state-supported, public, or state approved private school while employed as a teacher under a valid Temporary Certificate.
  • One year of full-time teaching experience in an elementary or secondary public or state-approved private school OR six semester hours earned in a college student teaching or supervised internship.
  • Passing scores on the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Education Test, and the Subject Area Examination