“Become a Math or Science Teacher

IDAHO (May 1, 2006) —With America facing a need for 240,000 new math and science teachers over the next decade, Idaho schools have been selected as the site of kickoff events for a national initiative to recruit professionals to change careers and teach math and science.

The Become a Math or Science Teacher informational events will be held on May 16 and 17 in Pocatello and Boise, and are open to all professionals who want to learn more about how to change careers and pursue teacher certification in math and science. The events are being planned by the by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), in coordination with the Idaho State Board of Education which is launching its national PROJECT 5000: Recruiting New Math & Science Teachers for U.S. Schools in May.

Across the state of Idaho, math and science are listed as areas of critical teacher shortages. At the “Become a Math or Science Teacher” events, career changers can participate in informational presentations and meet with Idaho State Board of Education officials and ABCTE certification counselors to learn more about teacher certification options. The events are free, and individuals can register to attend at www.americanboard.org/events. The information sessions will take place at the following locations:

LOCATIONS

May 16
5, 6 & 7 p.m.
Pocatello
Franklin Middle School
2271 E. Terry
Pocatello, Idaho 83201

May 17
5, 6 & 7 p.m.
Boise
Capital High School
8055 Goddard
Boise, Idaho Road 83704

ABCTE offers Passport to Teaching certification, which is recognized as a route to state teacher certification in Idaho.  Designed specifically for career changers, Passport to Teaching allows individuals with bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to earn their certification by demonstrating mastery on rigorous examinations of subject area knowledge and professional teaching knowledge. Individuals can prepare for certification on their own time and at their own pace; additional college courses are not required. Program fees range from $500 to $750, depending on certification area. Currently, ABCTE offers certification in elementary education, math, general science, biology, physics, chemistry, English and special education (ESE).

Idaho joins seven other regions across the country that were selected as kickoff event sites for PROJECT 5000. The initiative helps answer President Bush’s call for more math and science professionals to pursue teaching, so that America can compete and succeed in a global marketplace.

For more information, visit www.americanboard.org or call 1-877-669-2228.