Certification Information

["B. Esser" <besser@creighton.edu>]

On Wed, 17 Apr 1996, Tim Sullivan x5830 wrote:

> I think this is a very interesting subject as well. I have a very basic
> question. What are the physics course requirements to be "certified" in
> physics?

In Nebraska certification for secondary teaching can be either for a 
"subject" (like physics, chemistry, math) or in a "field" (natural 
science, physical science etc).  If you have certification in the field 
of physical science you are technically certified to teach physics.  
Programs vary for this certification.  They have to be approved by the 
State Dept.of Education.  I perused the catalogs of a number of instate 
institutions.

At one instate school certification in the field of physical science 
requires two semesters of non calculus based physics and one astronomy 
course.  They also require 3 semesters of chemistry, 2 of geology and one 
of earth science.  With this background they are certified to teach 
physics in the state of Nebraska.  

I have read the AIP report and in looking at their analysis of potential 
errors/biases in their survey I did not see any reference to the changing 
certification requirements.  Perhaps the larger percentage of "certified" 
physics teachers is more a reflection of changes in the requirements to 
be certified and not an indication that teachers of physics have more 
college preparation in physics.

Other schools have higher physics requirements for physical science 
certification.  At most of the schools at least 5 semesters of physics 
are required to obtain this level of certification.

Bruce Esser
Physics Teacher                   Something witty
Marian High School                     Should go here
Omaha NE
http://marian.creighton.edu