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Teach the Next Generation of Earth Explorers

Fredonia's Earth Science Education program prepares you for a rewarding career in teaching! This dynamic program equips you to inspire middle and high school students in understanding the natural world and encourages them to explore Earth’s processes and systems. As you deepen your own expertise in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy, you'll gain the essential skills to become an impactful educator, guiding young minds toward critical thinking, scientific literacy, and environmental awareness.

What You’ll Gain

  • Foundational Knowledge: Build expertise in key areas of earth sciences, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.
  • Teaching Certification: Earn New York State certification to teach Earth Science in grades 7–12, with options for dual certification to enhance your credentials.
  • Hands-on Classroom Experience: Engage in early fieldwork and classroom experiences, applying teaching theories from your first year.
  • Pedagogical Skills: Learn to cultivate curiosity and foster problem-solving skills through interactive and student-centered teaching practices.
  • Sustainability Focus: Participate in Fredonia’s sustainability initiatives and Earth Week activities, integrating environmental stewardship into your educational approach.

Career Opportunities for Earth Science: Adolescence Education

  • Curriculum Director
  • Educational Consultant
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Research Director
  • School Superintendent
  • District Administrator
  • High School Teacher
  • Middle School Teacher
  • School Principal
  • University Professor
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

SCED 419 Adolescence Science Methods

The course is an active inquiry into how and why science is taught, considering from what science is, how science literacy could be achieved, what "learning" entails, and what kinds of curricula and teaching best enable science learning.

EDU 224 Adolescent Development

Physical, mental, and emotional influences on adolescent development in terms of habits, interests and social adjustment. Factors in home and school that influence adolescent behavior and personality, and procedures for evaluating relevant research.

SCED 305 Diversity in the Teaching of Science and Mathematics

The course provides a theoretical framework for exploring and developing a culturally responsive approach to the teaching of mathematics and sciences. In exploring different instructional formats, the course allows candidates to develop approaches that prepare them for an ever-increasing population of students that reflect diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Why Earth Science Education at Fredonia?

Fredonia students on the shores of lake Erie in the earth science education program

Small Class Sizes

Averaging 12 students per class ensures you receive personal attention as you learn.

AAQEP logo. Fredonia's earth science teacher program is among the best in the state.

Accreditation

Fredonia's College of Education is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a nationally recognized accrediting body approved by New York State Education Department.

Fredonia students get hands-on experience working with local partners

Community Engagement

Work with local agencies in real-world situations

High School Teacher

High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. 

Average NYS Salary: $92,696 

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

School Administrators

School administrators plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools. 

Average NYS Salary: $145,530 

Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. 

Average Salary: $74,620 per year 

Job Outlook 2023-2033: 2% growth 

Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree

Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified. The Adolescence Education: Earth Science, (B.S.) program at SUNY-Fredonia is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that Adolescence Education: Earth Science, (B.S.) program at SUNY-Fredonia meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the following U.S. States: New York State however, it is important to note that SUNY-Fredonia is not the licensure/certification authority in these U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in these U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.

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