The online application for the next cohort of PhASE is now available! Cohort #5 will begin summer 2009.
Minnesota High School Science Teachers:
Please read the following information before completing the online application at the bottom of this page.
An Introduction to the PhASE Project
The PhASE Project (Physics Accreditation for Science Educators) is an additional licensure program for Minnesota science teachers who are interested in teaching high school physics. This program directly addresses the urgent need in Minnesota to bring science teachers to “highly-qualified” status by providing a no-cost coursework pathway to physics licensure.
This program is funded through the Math and Science Partnership Program for Minnesota, NCLB, Title II, Part B, as part of Hamline University’s MnSTEP grant (Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project), and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Education. The grant was submitted by the Hamline University School of Education through its Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE), in partnership with the Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA), high-need school districts from throughout the state, and with support from the 3M Foundation. By the end of summer 2008, 49 teachers will have received a physics teaching license through the PhASE Project.
Cohort #5 will involve 20 teachers in two intensive 5-day, graduate-level courses at Hamline University June 15-19 and June 22-26, 2009; a combination mentorship, practicum, project, and online program during the school year; and a final 10-day physics course summer 2010. Upon completion of this one-year program, teachers will be certified by Hamline University as having met the Minnesota teaching standards for 9-12 physics licensure.
PhASE participants will experience and learn high-level physics within a focused, inquiry-based environment of fellow teachers, peer instructors, master teachers and scientists; design effective teaching approaches for their classrooms; and align their curricula and teaching to meet the Minnesota Academic Science Standards in high school physics.
PhASE is based on the Minnesota BOT teaching standards for 9-12 physics. The summer courses will be condensing key concepts and skills from a variety of college-level physics courses into one two-week period. It is fast-paced, math-intensive, challenging academic work. Come prepared to study very hard.
As a participant in the PhASE Project, teachers receive:
- 14 graduate credits in physics (4 credits each summer, 2 credits for each online course in fall and spring, 1 credit for licensure project, and a 1 credit practicum)
- participation in an e-mail network of physics teachers from throughout Minnesota
- accreditation consultation and licensure paperwork from Hamline University
- breakfast/lunch each day of the summer session (and dinner for those staying on campus)
- room and board at Hamline University for the summer sessions (if needed)
- $500 stipend, some great resources, and
- 9-12 physics licensure upon completion of the state Praxis II test.
All credit costs, registration and consultation fees, as well as class resources, meals, and on-campus housing are covered by the grant***. You are responsible for transportation and any licensing fees from the state.
***The current MnSTEP grant expires December 31, 2009. We will seek re-funding and most likely will not be notified if approved until fall-winter 2009-10. There is no guarantee that additional funding will be available for PhASE beginning January 2010. In the event a continuation of the grant (or new grant) is not available, we will still continue the program until cohort #5 has complete the PhASE requirements. However, participants may be charged tuition and/or any related fees for the remaining coursework.***
In order to apply for the PhASE Project, you must:
- hold a current Minnesota 9-12 or 7-12 Science Teaching License. Applicants with a 5-8 Science Teaching License will also be considered. (PhASE is an additional licensure program. Secondary Science Methods is not addressed in this project.)
- have completed at least one year of college- or graduate-level physics (PhASE is NOT an introductory physics course. It is designed to address the high school physics teaching standards not covered in an introductory physics course. A copy of your college transcript will be requested.)
- be teaching physics in the upcoming school year OR be willing to find access to an active high school physics class (This is needed in order for you to present a physics lesson to students and to collect data on student achievement.)
- be willing to work very hard (PhASE is rigorous and fast-paced. This is high-level physics and is very math intensive.)
- commit to completing the full project – two weeks June 15-19 and June 22-26, 2009, online programs during the school year, AND two weeks summer 2009.
Selection of Cohort #5 will be based on the above criteria, the number of years teaching physics out-of-license, expressed need, and geographic distribution. Teachers from “partner schools” need to complete the PhASE application. Please note: This is a competitive application process. Participants will be selected based on need and commitment.
If there are spots available, licensed physics teachers may also participate. This 12-credit program (no credit needed for project or practicum) will allow existing physics teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the topics they teach. If you are already licensed and would like to participate, please complete the online application.
To apply, click on the link below. If this is your first 2009 MnSTEP application, click on the "First time user account creation" link to create a Login ID and PIN. This ID and PIN will only be used during the application process. However, I encourage you to write down the ID and PIN should you decide to return to your application later or to apply to a second MnSTEP institute this summer. The application Login ID and PIN is NOT the same as (if you already have them set up) your official Hamline ID number and Piperline PIN.
PhASE Application - begins June 15-19 & 22-26, 2009
***PhASE Cohort #5 is FULL. Thank you for your interest.***
IMPORTANT: After completing your online application, please also request an official copy of your undergraduate transcript showing your teaching degree and any physics coursework.
Send to:
Hamline University
Attn: Shawn Hubert
1536 Hewitt Ave., MS-A1760
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Any questions about PhASE and/or the application process can be directed to:
Shawn Hubert, MnSTEP Administrator
shubert01@hamline.edu 651-523-2846
