Earth Science for Teachers

This 18-19 credit microcredential is designed to support in-service New York State certified teachers who are seeking an additional teaching certification in Earth Science. These courses cover a significant portion of the Earth Science competencies designated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Content Specialty Test (CST). This microcredential will act as a guide for in-service teachers seeking coursework toward both a supplementary and professional teaching certificate in Earth Science.

The courses in this microcredential were selected based on their equivalencies to courses in initial teacher preparation programs of the same certification area or for their alignment with the core content coursework requirements outlined by NYSED.

NYSED does not pre-approve coursework for supplementary or additional teacher certifications. Teachers must submit their transcripts to NYSED directly to apply for these certifications. Completion of the 12 required credits (GEO 101, GEO 109, GEG 103, and GEG 104) can result in Supplementary Certification and completion of 6 additional credits (18 credits total) can result in Professional Certification if all other certification requirements are met. For more information on supplementary and additional teaching certifications, please contact your regional certification office.

NYSED requires a grade of C or higher in subject area classes in order for them to count towards certification.

Requirements

GEO 101 – Physical Geology (4 credits)

GEO 109 – General Astronomy (4 credits)

GEG 104 – Introduction to Meteorology (3 credits)

GEG 103 – Introduction to Meteorology Lab (1 credit)
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: GEG 104

In addition, two courses from the following list of electives:

GEO 102 – Historical Geology (4 credits)
Prerequisite: GEO 101 or permission of instructor

GEO 106 – Introduction to Oceanography (3 credits)

GEO 108 – Dangerous Earth (3 credits)

Notes:

· GEO 101 and GEO 109 are offered fall, spring, and summer. GEG 103, GEG 104, and GEO 106 are offered fall only. GEO 102 and GEO 108 are offered spring only.

· Many courses in this microcredential can be completed fully online