1. Home
  2. Colleges
  3. CEPS
  4. Leadership and Teacher Education Department
  5. UTeach South
  6. Why UTeach South?

Why UTeach South?

Student teacher working with students in classroom with safety glasses on.

 

One Major. Multiple Career Options.

UTeach South is all about options. While earning your degree in math or science, you can also earn your certification to teach science or math in Alabama schools. The perfect parallel plan! You even have the option of taking the first exploratory course to see if teaching and the UTeach South program is a good fit for you, without an obligation to continue. Your university student account will be credited at the in-state rate if you make a “B” or higher and if you start your coursework by the first semester of your junior year, you should be able to finish without adding extra semesters.

Even if you do not choose to go into the classroom right away or at all, you will gain skills valued by future employers in academia or industry. Skills like confidence in speaking to various audiences, preparing material for presentations like at a conference or community outreach program, adaptability, collaboration in teams and other leadership skills. 

Those who choose to teach can truly make a difference in the STEM experiences of children. UTeach South trains you to take your love of math or science and make it into engaging inquiry-based lessons you can share. Think of a teacher that has influenced you to become passionate about your subject, that can be you!

UTeach South Fast Facts

  • Try on teaching for FREE:  take the first step EDU 125 at NO COST*!
  • Earn a STEM teaching certification in NO EXTRA TIME!
  • Experience student benefits, such as paid internships, and opportunities for UTeach South students to engage in community outreach and gain hands-on experience in 6-12 classrooms.
  • Science and Math teachers earn a highly competitive wage with state benefits and retirement from the first day of work amongst MANY other benefits! You can qualify for other opportunities such as a T.E.A.M.S. contract, federal loan forgiveness (up to $17,500) and National Board Certification ( $5000-$7000 annually) after 3-5 years of employment. 
  • Get an advantage in the job search - skills developed are applicable in many fields.

Earning a Teaching Certificate Can Help You in Your STEM Field

Aspects of the course material will prepare our STEM majors to present data findings at conferences in their degree area, instruct at universities, and lead public awareness/outreach programs.

  • public speaking confidence (verbal and non-verbal communication)
  • prepare and adapt presentation material to various audiences
  • increase your effectiveness as a partner in collaborative settings. 
  • adaptability and ability to improvise and problem solve
  • community service by educational outreach