PHYSICS TEACHING AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL

The Department of Physics is strongly interested in the development of excellent teaching of science at both the elementary and high school levels. (See below- these include all "subject matter" courses required for endorsement for teaching secondary school physics) It has an unusual, internationally-recognized program for teacher training. Students who think they might enjoy teaching are urged to consider a career in high school science teaching. Those with a definite interest in a physics teaching major should fill out the Certification Information Form available from the Undergraduate Adviser Margot Nims (margot@phys.washington.edu / 206-543-2772 / C139A, PAT) and make an appointment to see the Teacher Education Program Adviser, Karen Wosilait (peg@phys.washington.edu / 206-685-2046 / C208, PAT).

Teaching Endorsement in Physics

Supporting Teaching Endorsement in Related Subjects

Supporting Teaching Endorsement in Physics

Teaching Endorsement in Physics

To teach physics at the secondary level in Washington schools, the teacher must be "endorsed" in physics. Endorsement does not mean having a degree in physics. The requirements stated in this section are those for obtaining a physics endorsement. They are less than the requirements for the B.S. degree in physics. To be awarded endorsement as a high school physics teacher, the student must:

• Complete any Bachelor's Degree Program of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Complete the requirements for endorsement in physics as described below.
• Complete other requirements determined by the College of Education. (Students should consult with advisers in the College of Education about these additional requirements. The two requirements above should be completed before applying.) See the College of Education Teacher Education Program for more information.

The requirements for endorsement for secondary-level Physics teaching are:

• Math 124, 125, 126 Calculus with analytic geometry (5, 5, 5) (Math 134, 135, 136 is an acceptable alternative.)
• Phys 121 Mechanics (5)
• Phys 122 Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion (5)
• Phys 123 Waves (5)
• Phys 224 Thermal Physics (3)
• Phys 225 Modern Physics (3)
• Phys 334, 335 Electric Circuits Laboratory (3, 3)
• Phys 407, 408 Physics by Inquiry (5, 5)

(In hardship cases, with prior approval, Phys 409 may be substituted for Physics 407 or for 408.)

A minimum of 12 credits in approved electives in mathematics, physics, or other natural sciences is required in addition to the above. (These electives must be individually approved by Professor L. C. McDermott or Karen Wosilait- peg@phys.washington.edu / 206-685-2046 / C208, PAT). They should not be confused with the list of approved electives in physics and cognate subjects provided for the Bachelor of Science in Physics, though courses from that list may be appropriate.)

Grades of 3.0 or better are required in Physics 407, 408. The Department of Physics also requires an overall average of 2.5 or better at the time of endorsement.

These requirements are for an endorsement to teach physics, not a B.S. in physics. The requirements for a bachelors degree in physics were described earlier.

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Supporting Teaching Endorsement in Related Subjects

Students seeking a major endorsement in physics also must complete a supporting endorsement in another subject. The most valuable supporting endorsements to go with a physics major endorsement are chemistry, mathematics, and biology. Most high school physics teachers also teach one or both of these subjects. The supporting endorsement provides preparation which often is essential to make the student acceptable to employers.

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Supporting Teaching Endorsement in Physics

The requirements for a secondary-level supporting endorsement in physics are:

• (With a biological science or non-science major) -- Physics 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 210, 211, 212, 407 (grade of 3.0 or better required in 407).
• (With a physical science or math major) -- Physics 121, 122, 123, 224, 225, 407, 408 (grades of 3.0 or better are required in 407, 408).
• Grades of 2.0 or better must be earned in each required course.

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