The next cohort of PhASE (cohort #5) will begin summer 2009. The online application will be available in January. To be notified when the application is ready, email to Shawn Hubert at shubert01@hamline.edu.
Minnesota High School Science Teachers:
Please read the following information before completing the online application.
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.
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.
The application for cohort #5 (starting summer 2009) will be available in January. To be notified when the application is ready, email to Shawn Hubert at shubert01@hamline.edu.
Thank you for your interest in the PhASE Project.
IMPORTANT: After completing your online application, please also request an official copy of your undergraduate transcript showing your teaching degree be sent 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
