MSSST

Master of Science for Secondary School Teachers (MSSST)

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2016-2018 Physics Cohort

MSSST offers subject-specific cohort experiences designed to help teachers develop in-depth content knowledge, pedagogical techniques, and leadership skills in STEM disciplines. Teachers take courses and attend professional development activities along with a cohort of other STEM teaching professionals. A summer research experience serves as the capstone activity of the program and the basis of a final MS project. The MSSST Physics cohort is currently underway and will run 2016-2018. Additional information about the Physics cohort is available below. Contact jessica.dwyer@utah.edu to inquire about future cohort subjects and start dates.

Basics:

Teachers in the MSSST Earth Science cohort compare the physical properties of ketchup v. peanut butter "magma".

Teachers in the MSSST cohort compare the physical properties of ketchup v. peanut butter “magma”.

  • 2.5 year degree program with approximately 34 credit hours of course and project work
  • Program begins June 2016 and ends in December 2018
  • 2 to 3 intensive courses during Summer semesters 2o16 and 2017
  • 1 to 2 evening courses per semester throughout academic years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018
  • Summer research experience in 2018
  • Research project completion during Fall semester 2018

Benefits to teachers in the Physics cohort include:

  • MS degree in Physics with an emphasis in Teaching
  • Physics AND Physical Science endorsements
  • Coursework in physics, math, chemistry, geology, geophysics and atmospheric science
  • Classes designed specifically for teachers
  • Research opportunities
  • Reduced and/or highly subsidized tuition rates

Requirements:

Physics teacher demonstrates the concept of a vacuum.

Physics teacher demonstrates the concept of a vacuum.

  • Teachers must have a BS degree in a STEM field
  • Teachers must be currently licensed and teaching in a STEM field in a Utah secondary school (this program is NOT intended for teachers who already have a Physics endorsement)
  • Teachers must have three years of prior K-12 teaching experience
  • Teachers must have completed 2 prior courses in General Chemistry

Schedule:

Click here for detailed schedule information

  • Summer Semester 2016: Compressed schedule (click here for details)
  • Fall 2016-Spring 2017 Semesters:  1 class per week from ~4:30-7:30 pm and 1 monthly cohort meeting
  • Summer Semester 2017:  Compressed schedule TBD
  • Fall 2017-Spring 2018 Semesters: 1 class per week from ~4:30-7:30 pm and 1 monthly cohort meeting
  • Summer Semester 2018:  8-week research experience
  • Fall Semester 2018:  MS Defense and Graduation

Contact:

  • Holly Godsey, Director of Student Success and Teacher Development, holly.godsey@utah.edu, 801-587-7865
  • Jessica Dwyer, Academic Program Manager, jessica.dwyer@utah.edu, 801-585-1299

Click here to download the Physics Cohort information flyer.