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The world needs biology teachers who can:

• help future generations to understand and value our natural resources;
• give young people the tools to navigate in our scientific world;
• show students that biology is not a collection of textbook facts but a dynamic process;
• help students to discover how living organisms work;
• and MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Why teach?

• It is fun and never boring! Students are spontaneous.
• It is rewarding! Watch those "light bulbs come on".
• It is challenging! Motivate the uninterested.
• Schools are experiencing a shortage of science and math teachers (see online Recruiting New Teachers, Inc.); fill that shortage.
• Choose where you want to live; given the shortage of science and math teachers, you can be selective with your job choices.
• Avoid hefty school loans that will accrue with medical school or graduate school.
• Choose a science career that maintains reasonable hours (i.e., not in the office from 6:30am to 7:30pm, including most weekends; well only during the science fair and some weekends).
• Teach because you are READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We would like to help you to become a teacher

If you are a motivated biology student with an interest in young people, then please contact Dr. Julie Beckstead (beckstead@gonzaga.edu) or Dr. Peter Pauw (pauw@gonzaga.edu). We can help you start down the path to a rewarding teaching career.

University coursework for biology teachers

• Biology major: BA or BS in biology (most students find a BA is most compatible with education courses).
• Education courses: see education advisor John Traynor.
• Other specifics: Biol304 (TA) and/or Biol302 (GIEOP) is highly recommended.

Teaching Resources (just a few of many)

• Access Excellence: The National Health Museum.
• Association of Biology Laboratory Educators.
• American Biology Teacher: National Association.
• Understanding Evolution.
• American Physiological Society's K-12 Outreach Kit for Researchers.
• The American Institute of Biology Sciences.
• PBS Teacher Source.
• The National Center for Science Education: Defending the Teaching of Evolution in the Public Schools.
• Botanical Society of America: SIP: Scientific Inquiry through Plants.

National Academy Press - Online Books

• National Science Education Standards (1996).
• Science for All Children: A Guide to Improving Elementary Science Education in Your School District (1997).
• The Role of Scientists in the Professional Development of Science Teachers (1996).