Step 1

In Step 1, you will observe and teach science or mathematics lessons in local elementary classrooms and obtain firsthand experience with planning and implementing inquiry-based lessons. In Step 2, you will observe and teach in middle school classrooms. During each course, you will observe several lessons and prepare and conduct three of your own with a partner.

UTeach master teachers introduce you to the theory and practice behind excellent inquiry-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) instruction and guide you through the process of designing and preparing to teach lessons. Mentor teachers at the schools where you practice will demonstrate effective teaching techniques and classroom management skills and provide thoughtful feedback and coaching after your teaching experiences.

Working in pairs or teams of three, students create two science or mathematics lessons from modules developed with the support of the National Science Foundation. UTeach students then develop the lessons further using the 5E model. Working with UTeach master teachers, students refine and improve lessons based on feedback from both master teachers and mentor teachers at the school where the lesson will be taught. The mentor teacher observes the lesson being taught and provides written feedback to each student or pair of students to help them improve as the semester progresses.

Course Components:

• Course is taught by master teachers—experienced, successful classroom teachers who have joined the university faculty.
• Students observe exemplary teachers and obtain field experience by planning and teaching three mathematics or science lessons in local elementary schools with diverse student populations.
• Students receive mentoring from high-quality classroom teachers, as well as instructor feedback based on field observations.
• Course emphasizes using the 5E Instructional Model.
• Key instructional approaches include classroom discussion, lesson demonstration, student reflection, collaboration, and peer coaching.