Navigation
Search

Adolescence Education: Biology

Description

This major is designed to prepare students for initial certification as a Biology teacher in grades 5 and 6 and in grades 7 through 12. The major in Adolescence Education: Biology includes 36 credits of EDI (Education and Human Development), and 49-50 credits to complete the Biology Content Core.

Admission to the Program

Students intending to pursue this major must meet SUNY 3.0 GPA requirements for admission as follows:

First-year students criteria

  • High School GPA of a B or better or
  • High School Rank in top 30% or
  • SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing+Math) > 1140 or
  • ACT > 24 or
  • Brockport GPA > 3.0 based on at least 12 credits

Transfer students criteria

  • High School GPA of a B or better or
  • High School Rank in top 30% or
  • SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing+Math) > 1140 or
  • ACT > 24 or
  • Transfer GPA > 3.0 based on at least 12 credits or
  • Brockport GPA > 3.0 based on at least 12 credits

Students must also demonstrate preparation for entry into mathematics coursework at the 112 (or higher) level. Students entering the Bilingual Multicultural track must demonstrate preparation for entry into Spanish coursework at the 112 (or higher) level.

Students must meet NYSED requirements for minimum acceptable grades during completion of the program, including grades of C or above for all Content Core and Pedagogical Core coursework. Students must re-take courses where grades have not met this minimum acceptable grade standard.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements and Cognates (30 credits)

Pedagogy Coursework (36 credits)

Pre-Phase

Phase 1

Phase 2

Student Teaching

Content Area Course Work Plus Co-Requisites (49-50 credits)

Prerequisites (0-3 credits)

Total Credits (116-117 credits)

*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Additional Degree Requirements

Workshops

Students must complete the following workshops and trainings for program completion:

Licensure & Certification

College Endorsement

Students must complete this program and submit the recommendation form to be eligible for the College’s recommendation for New York State certification. Students should consult the Brockport Certification Officefor the full list of New York state requirements for certification.

New York State Initial Teacher Certification Exams

Prospective Adolescence Education Teacher candidates must pass the following New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) to obtain initial certification in the State of New York:

Certification Exams

  • Educating All Students (EAS)
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) – Biology

Continuation Requirements (Once Enrolled)

  • Maintain ≥ 2.0 cumulative Brockport GPA
  • Earn ≥ C in all content core, EDI, and world languages courses
  • Earn an “S” for all required PRO courses
  • Complete prerequisite course(s) before moving to the next program phase
  • Minimum grade levels apply to transfer courses. Community college advising guides are available here
  • Demonstrate the dispositions necessary in the teaching profession
  • Acquire and maintain an acceptable level of professional performance
  • A ≥ 2.5 cumulative Brockport GPA is required to student teach


Continuation in the program may be denied to any teacher candidate whose level of performance and/or dispositions do not adequately meet academic or professional standards. Decisions with respect to retention or dismissal of a teacher candidate are made by the faculty and staff of the Department of Education and Human Development, in consultation with the faculty in the Department of Biology, and not by any one person.


Students should note that admission into most graduate education programs in New York State will require a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for admittance.

Program Co-Advisors

Laurie B. Cook, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
(585) 395-5757
lcook@brockport.edu

Buffie Edick, MS
Advisement Coordinator
Department of Education and Human Development
(585) 395-2326
bedick@brockport.edu

Amy McNulty, MS.Ed.
Adolescence Education Advisement Coordinator
School of Arts and Sciences
(585) 395-5516
amcnulty@brockport.edu


Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Explain & articulate life processes at the biochemical, molecular, cellular and organismal levels.
  2. Explain & articulate the developmental and physiological processes.
  3. Understand the learning needs of all students, and utilize their professional knowledge and skills, including the implementation of assessments and technology, to create effective learning experiences.
  4. Continuously evaluate the impact of their work with students, reflecting on their success as teachers and addressing their needs for continuing professional improvement.
  5. Practice professional ethics, including dedication, respect, intellectual integrity, positive outlook, self-awareness, and professionalism.
  6. Produce evidence that they engage students in meaningful activity that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.