 Section 1 - About the Program:
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| 1. |
What is a Master Science Teacher? |
| |
A Master Science Teacher (MST) is an individual
who holds a Master Science Teacher certificate and
whose primary duties are to teach science and to
serve as a science mentor to other teachers. Additional
information about the Master Science Teacher Program
can be found on the Texas Education Website at www.tea.state.tx.us/edex/masterteacher.html. |
| 2. |
What is the purpose of the Master Science Teacher
program? |
| |
The Master Science Teacher program was implemented
as part of the Texas Science Initiative to ensure
that there are teachers with special training to
work with other teachers and students in order to
improve student science performance. The goals of
both the Master Science Teacher program are to provide
proficient teachers with the tools to enhance their
expertise in the content and pedagogy of Science,
and to guide fellow teachers in improving their science
instruction. |
| 3. |
Who is eligible to obtain a Master Science Teacher
certificate? |
| |
The Master Science Teacher Certificate may be obtained
by individuals who:
Hold a Texas Science Specialist Certificate
(an Elementary Certificate with a specialization
in science does not satisfy this requirement) AND
complete a State Board for Educator Certification
(SBEC) – approved Master Science Teacher
preparation program that focuses on developmental
science; science instruction at all levels, especially
for limited-English-proficient students and those
with dyslexia and related disorders; as well as
peer-mentoring techniques; OR
Hold a teaching certificate, have at least three
years of teaching experience, complete an SBEC-approved
Master Science Teacher preparation program, AND
pass the Master Science Teacher certification exam. |
| Section 2 - Preparing
for the MST Test: |
| 1. |
What is the Master Science Teacher test like? |
| |
The MST test is criterion referenced. It is designed
to measure the knowledge and skills delineated in
the MST test framework, which is based on the MST
standards.
The MST test is designed to measure the requisite
knowledge and skills that an initially certified
Texas Master Science Teacher must possess. This
test includes mutiple-choice items as well as a
case study assignment for which candidates will
construct a written response. |
| 2. |
Where and when is the MST test given? |
| |
The test is administered on the same dates and
in the same locations as the Examinations for the
Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) and Texas
Examinations of Educator Standards (TexES). A list
of exact test dates, times, and locations of MST
test administration is available on the SBEC website. |
| 3. |
How can I get a MST Test Preparation Manual? |
| |
You can download the MST Test Preparation Manual
from the SBEC website http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/mtp/MST/MST.asp or obtain one from your MST preparation program. |
| 4. |
Will there be a form of the MST Test that is released? |
| |
Because this is a new program, there is not currently
a MST released test available. There are practice
tests with the preparation materials. |
| 5. |
On the MST Test, is there a specific amount of
time allotted for the case study assignment? |
| |
No. The entire test must be completed in the five-hour
session. |
| Section 3 - Obtaining
an MST Certificate: |
| 1. |
Which students are targeted as specific recipients
of the benefits of the Master Science Teacher program? |
| |
The Master Science Teacher Grant Program offers
a $5000 stipend for each MST who teaches on a “high-need” campus.
MSTs are not required to teach on a campus designated
as "high-need,” but stipends provide incentive for
MSTs to use their skill to benefit public school
students in areas of greatest need. A “high-need” campus
is one that meets criteria established by the Commissioner
of Education. These criteria are based on campus
performance on state mandated student assessment. |
| 2. |
Can a person serve as an MST
on a campus that has not been designated as a “high-need” campus? |
| |
Yes, however that person will not be eligible for
the state stipend. |
| 3. |
If I am a certified MST, will I automatically receive
the $5000 stipend? |
| |
No. To receive the stipend, the certified MST must
be employed on one of the “high-need” campuses and
be designated by the district as one of the individuals
to receive the stipend. |
| 4. |
When will I receive my MST stipend? |
| |
You will receive your stipend at the end of the
school year. |
| 5. |
If I don't complete my requirements for MST certification
until the middle of the school year, will I receive
the stipend for the entire school year? |
| |
No. You will receive the stipend only for the portion
of the school year during which you were certified. |
| 6. |
Must my school district apply to TEA so that I
can receive my MST stipend? |
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Yes. Your school district must submit an application
to TEA. |
| 7. |
How many hours a day must an MST teach? |
| |
Local districts will determine how best to utilize
the expertise of the MST, as long as the MST serves
as a teacher and as a science mentor for other teachers.
TEA and SBEC will produce a document that provides
models of how MSTs are actually being used in Texas
schools. |
| 8. |
Must I be already certified in science to become
a candidate for the MST certificate? |
| |
No. You may be a certified teacher in any field.
You must also have at least three years teaching
experience, complete an approved MST preparation
program, and pass the MST Test. |
| 9. |
If I receive a Science Specialist certificate after
I enroll in an MST program but before I take the
MST Test, do I still have to take the MST Test? |
| |
No. An individual who becomes fully certified as
a science specialist prior to taking the MST Test
is not required to take the MST Test. |
| 10. |
Can I apply for the MST certificate as an out-of-state
candidate or through certification by examination? |
| |
No. Legislation requires that all MST certification
candidates complete an approved MST preparation program. |
| 11. |
If I have an out-of-state Science Specialist certificate,
am I required to take the MST Test in order to be
certified as an MST? |
| |
You must either pass the ExCET Science Specialist
Test and obtain a Texas Science Specialist certificate,
or pass the MST Test. All MST candidates must also
complete an approved MST preparation program. |
| 12. |
Is the MST certificate for both elementary and
secondary teachers? |
| |
Yes. The MST certificate for EC-4, 4-8-, and 8-12
levels. |
| 13. |
How do I apply for the MST certificate? |
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When you have completed the requirements of your
MST program and have passed the MST Test, if necessary,
your MST program will recommend you for certification
and complete a form that must be sent to SBEC along
with a $75 check for the certificate. If your program
submits this form within 60 days of the time that
you are recommended for certification, the effective
date of your certificate will be the date that you
were recommended. This is especially important if
you are eligible to receive an MST stipend. |
| Section
4 - MST
Preparation Programs: |
| 1. |
Who may offer a Master Science Teacher preparation
program? |
| |
All MST preparation programs must be approved by
the SBEC. |
| 2. |
Are some MST preparation programs different from
others? |
| |
Yes. All MST preparation programs must be based
on the MST standards, but each program has latitude
in how it is configured. Most of the MST preparation
programs offer coursework that is geared to the needs
of the individual candidate. Many programs include
a practicum, some programs lead to a master's degree,
a few programs are partly web-based, and other programs
target teachers in the district in which the program
is offered. Potential MST candidates should contact
the individual programs for specific information. |
| 3. |
Is the MST program a master's degree program? |
| |
No. Having a master's degree is not a requirement
for obtaining an MST certificate. However, some MST
preparation programs permit their MST coursework
to count toward a master's degree. |
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