COVER SHEET & ABSTRACT for GIREP 2006 Proposal
 All the information for the programme will be extracted from this 
form and the online form you submitted to get this document.

Fill out the coversheet first and proceed with the abstract on the next page. Return the document to Ed van den Berg ( eberg@science.uva.nl ). Please do NOT change the filename of the document and use 'GIREP proposal' as the subject of your mail.
Deadline April 15 2006 

About your  proposal

 Please check if the following information is correct.
	
Title	Alternative Physics Teacher Certification	
Subtitle		
Last name and initials	MacIsaac, D.L. & Falconer, K.A..	
E-mail address	danmacisaac@mac.com	
	
Equipment   

Just a wall to hang the poster, please.

Proposal ID: 								

Alternative Physics Teacher Certification
Dan MacIsaac and Kathleen Falconer
State University of New York - Buffalo State College
USA

Abstract
We describe the need, development and deployment of a model graduate level alternative certification program for physics teachers at SUNY- Buffalo State College.  The Masters of Science Education (Physics with NYSED Transitional B Certification) program accommodates science and engineering professionals with appropriate bachelors degrees who wish to change career paths into physics teaching.  The alternative certification program is distinctive in that candidates minimize their income disruption and bypass student teaching through an intensive full time Spring-Summer introductory component leading to NYSED Transitional B Certification, followed by paid, mentored teaching employment and evening coursework for two calendar years.  This alternative certification program is made possible through intensive physics teachers' summer academy courses, supplemented by regular semester evening course and online offerings.   Courses are shared with a second new program - the Masters of Science Education (Physics), which serves already certified science teachers (usually in subjects other than physics) who wish to obtain a master's degree for permanent teacher certification and usually teacher certification in a second discipline -- physics.