Overview
The School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University has a longstanding tradition in training biology teachers. Students complete a rigorous program that includes professional education courses as well as laboratory-intensive biology coursework. Students will become licensed to teach all high school science courses (biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science), including AP and honors biology.
Our students are in high demand upon graduation, and we have nearly a 100 percent placement rate.
Why Study Biology Teacher Education?
An emphasis on research and effective teaching methods prepares students well for life in the laboratory as well as the classroom. Students learn to run labs in secondary school classrooms and teach in both rural and urban settings.
Students gain classroom experience starting their sophomore year and are well-prepared for student teaching. Students can gain additional teaching experience by serving as Undergraduate Teaching Assistants for some of the non-majors laboratory sections. Students also have the opportunity to be involved in yearlong internships in Professional Development Schools in their last year in the program. Students experience one-on-one advising from a professional advisor who is a former high school biology teacher.