The years students spend in middle and high school are pivotal, and the influence of a caring, creative teacher can help young people successfully navigate the path from adolescence to adulthood. As a secondary school teacher, you focus on a specific subject like history, math or science, and share your passion for it with students just as they begin to consider their college and career paths. As science educators, you will have the critical and creative skills necessary to lead a vibrant science classroom. Our faculty use the power of research-based instruction to prepare mindful educators for today’s changing schools.

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Careers in Science Education

Shortage Area

Current NYS shortage reports show that areas including Math and Science consistently show as a high need. Hofstra University has strong connections to the field, partnering with schools to provide placement for observation and student teaching, so our ability to connect our students to potential jobs is strong!

Check out NYSUT Report on The Teacher Shortage

  • Enrollment in New York State’s teacher education programs has declined by 53 percent since 2009.
  • NYS Teacher Retirement System projects that 1/3 of New York teachers could retire in the next five years.
  • U.S. Department of Education has identified 18 teacher shortage areas throughout New York State. A decade ago there were only two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why attend Hofstra?
  • Internationally renowned faculty with small class sizes
  • Emphasis on constructivist teaching and field experiences
  • Problem-based, interactive courses
  • Personal program advisement
  • State-of-the-art classrooms, including a teaching laboratory
  • Partial scholarships available
  • Networking opportunities with successful science alumni and faculty
  • Professional development
How do I obtain certification to teach Science in New York State?
In order to teach Science, you must have a major or equivalent of a major in one of the sciences. For specific details, please explore the tabs above that match your area of interest.
Why choose the M.S. Ed. or Advanced Certificate programs?
Successful completion of all program requirements leads to initial New York state teacher certification in biology, chemistry, earth science or physics and in general science, grades 7-12. Programs blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, and culminate in full-time student teaching. The 37-semester hour M.S Ed. program is for students who possess an undergraduate degree in one of the sciences (or the equivalent). The 25-semester hour Advanced Certificate program is for students who have an undergraduate degree in one of the sciences (or the equivalent), as well as a graduate degree in any area.
Why choose the M.A. program?
Successful completion of all program requirements leads to professional certification for teachers. The program provides advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of the sciences. Plus, you select a cognate concentration in one of these areas (Multicultural Education, The Arts and Humanities, Educational Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Bilingual Education*, or Gifted Education*) and may also add a middle-level certification extension (grades 5 and 6) into any concentration.

* - New York State recognized certification areas
What does a science teaching degree from Hofstra University mean?
It means you’ll have the critical and creative skills necessary to lead a vibrant science classroom. Our faculty use the power of research-based instruction to prepare mindful educators for today’s changing schools. At the completion of these programs, our graduates bring the best teaching practices to classrooms and students.
How do I learn more about Hofstra’s Science Education programs?
To learn more about Hofstra’s Science Education programs, please contact:
Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, Ed.D.
Professor
Program Director - Secondary Science Education
Phone: 516-463-5777
Email

Meet the Program Director

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Amy Catalano

Dr. Amy Catalano
Professor of Teaching, Learning and Technology
Science Education Program Director
P: 516-463-5956
Bio | Email