An Introduction to the ChemCAL Project
The ChemCAL Project (Chemistry Coursework for Additional Licensure) is a licensure program for Minnesota science teachers who are interested in teaching high school chemistry. This program directly addresses the urgent need in Minnesota to bring science teachers to “highly-qualified” status by providing a no-cost coursework pathway to chemistry licensure.
This program is funded through the Math and Science Partnership Program for Minnesota, NCLB, Title II, Part B, as part of Hamline University’s MnSTEP grant (Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project), and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Education. The grant was submitted by the Hamline University Graduate School of Education through its Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE), in partnership with the Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA), the American Chemical Society – Minnesota Chapter, high-need school districts from throughout the state, and with generous support from the 3M Foundation.
ChemCAL will involve 20 teachers for cohort #2 in an intensive 10-day, graduate-level, multi-topic inorganic chemistry course at Hamline University June 16-20 and 23-27, 2008; a combination mentorship, practicum, project, and online program during the school year; and a final 10-day organic chemistry course during summer 2009. Upon completion of this one-year program and passage of the chemistry Praxis II test, teachers will be certified by Hamline University as having met the Minnesota teaching standards for 9-12 chemistry licensure.
ChemCAL participants will experience and learn high-level chemistry concepts within a focused, inquiry-based environment of fellow teachers, peer instructors, master teachers and scientists; design effective teaching approaches for their classrooms; and align their curricula and teaching to meet the new Minnesota Academic Science Standards in high school chemistry.
ChemCAL is based on the Minnesota BOT teaching standards for 9-12 chemistry. The summer courses will be condensing key concepts and skills from a variety of college-level chemistry courses into one two-week period. It is fast-paced, math-intensive, challenging academic work. Come prepared to study very hard.
As a participant in the ChemCAL Project, teachers receive:
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14 graduate credits in chemistry (4 credits each summer, 2 credits for each online course in fall and spring, 1 credit for licensure project, and a 1 credit practicum).
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participation in an e-mail network of chemistry teachers from throughout Minnesota
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accreditation consultation and licensure paperwork from Hamline University
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breakfast/lunch each day of the summer session (and dinner for those staying on campus)
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room and board at Hamline University for the summer session (if needed)
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$500 stipend, some great resources, and
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9-12 chemistry licensure upon completion of the state Praxis II test.
All credit costs, registration and consultation fees, as well as class resources, meals, and on-campus housing are covered by the grant. You are responsible for transportation and any licensing fees from the state.
In order to apply for the ChemCAL Project, you must:
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hold a current Minnesota 9-12 or 7-12 Science Teaching License (ChemCAL is an additional licensure program. Secondary Science Methods is not addressed in this project.)
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have completed at least one year of college- or graduate-level general chemistry and at least one semester of organic chemistry (ChemCAL is NOT an introductory chemistry course. It is designed to quickly review basics and directly address the high school chemistry teaching standards not covered in an introductory course. A copy of your college transcripts will be requested.)
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be teaching chemistry OR be willing to find access to an active high school chemistry class (This is needed in order for you to present a chemistry lesson to students and to collect data on student achievement.)
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be willing to work very hard (ChemCAL is rigorous and fast-paced. This is high-level chemistry and is very math intensive.)
- commit to completing the full project – two weeks June 16-20 and 23-27, 2008, online programs during the school year, AND two weeks the second summer.
Selection of ChemCAL cohort #2 to begin Summer 2008 will be based on the above criteria, the number of years teaching chemistry out-of-license, expressed need, and geographic distribution. Teachers from “partner schools” need to complete the ChemCAL application. Please note: This is a competitive application process. Participants will be selected based on need and commitment.
If there are spots available, licensed chemistry teachers may also participate. This 12-credit program (no credit needed for project or practicum) will allow existing chemistry teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the topics they teach. If you are already licensed and would like to participate, please complete the online application.
The application for cohort #2 (starting summer 2008) is closed. The application for cohort #3 (starting summer 2009) will be available in January 2009.
Thank you for your interest in the ChemCAL Project.
IMPORTANT: After completing your online application, please also request an official copy of your undergraduate transcript showing your teaching degree be sent to:
Hamline University
Attn: Shawn Hubert
1536 Hewitt Ave., MS-A1760
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Any questions about ChemCAL and/or the application can be directed to:
Shawn Hubert, MnSTEP Administrator
shubert01@hamline.edu 651-523-2846
