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Science Experience for Elementary Teacher's Resumes

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Brooke Keller Brooke Keller 80 Points

Hello,

My name is Brooke Keller and I am a pre-service teacher at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. I'm about half way through my senior year here and am in the preparation stage for my student teaching next semester and the start of my teaching career next year. I'm getting endorsements in early childhood and reading, but have had all kinds of science experience thanks to Wartburg. With that being said, I've been building and revising my resume for years now and there's one thing I've noticed, I can't figure out how to seamlessly include science in my resume. I feel that I need to showcase my knowledge in my endorsement areas, but know that science experience and education is vital. I'm wondering how can I show my knowledge of early childhood instruction while making it apparent that I have a passion for this subject area and I will have science instruction in my elementary classroom.

With that also being said, many of my field experiences/practicums elementary teachers rarely incorporated science instruction. I'm hoping my student teaching, cooperating teachers are different, but if they aren't, how do I get them to include science instruction? Can I do anything to change their classrooms at this point in the school year or this point in their careers?

Thank you for your time,

Brooke Keller
Julie Alexander Julie Alexander 280 Points

?Hi There- My name is Julie- I was an Elementary Science Specialist for 11 years- now currently a doc student in Elementary Science and a middle school science teacher-so you know my background. The teaching of science at the elementary level is an issue that needs national attention- you get kiddos interested and engaged while young- if we wait till middle school it is too late. Unfortunately, due to the demands imposed on districts by high stakes testing- the teaching of science at that level is one that is often pushed aside. How to get teachers invested? Integration- have kids read and write about their science, bring in their math- have kids plan and conduct investigations that are age appropriate and relevant- using inquiry based science- share their results use data to " argue" or support their positions- all relevant aspects of the ELA curriculum- connect the math to their use and interpretation of data. Have each kid keep their own science notebook- also helpful- more writing- that is purposeful- not manufactured. ( formative assessment- look at their writing and drawing to gain understanding) When kids are taught this way, engagement, math and ELA scores will improve - research supports this- you have to have teacher buyin and admin support or else it will not work- but find your data before you go in this way. Chances are your student teaching teachers will not be much different if you are in the same district/building with the same administrators... Good luck. Mrs.

Richard Lahti Richard Lahti 3100 Points

Brooke,

It is great that you have a passion for science, and yes I would highlight it.  I used to workout each morning next to our district Supt, and he said many districts were only looking at elementary ed majors with math endorsements because they assumed otherwise the applicant, like many el ed majors, disliked and/or had some struggles with math.  Science is not far behind - so highlighting that, whether in your application letter (maybe easier) or resume would be a good idea.

Unfortunately, student teaching is about surviving and advancing.  While some coop teachers might welcome the chance to learn a new lesson or approach from a new teacher candidate (a few see this as a PD opp) I think this could cast a monkey wrench in even passing student teaching and getting a license.  
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