Eastern Florida State College Launches Two New Bachelor’s Degrees to Tackle BPS Teacher Shortage
By Space Coast Daily // September 17, 2022
two new programs will begin in the upcoming Spring Term that starts in January 2023
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Eastern Florida State College is starting two new Bachelor’s Degree specializations in Education to help tackle a shortage of science teachers in grades 5-12 in Brevard Public Schools.
Last year, Eastern Florida State College began its bachelor-level education program in conjunction with BPS by offering the first Biology Teacher specialization for grades 6-12 in the Science Teacher Education Bachelor of Science Degree.
The two new programs will begin in the upcoming Spring Term that starts in January 2023. Interested students should apply by the Nov. 7 priority deadline.
The two programs are tracks in the Science Teacher Education Bachelor of Science Degree:
■ Chemistry Teacher B.S. Specialization, grades 6-12
■ Middle School Science Teacher B.S. Specialization, grades 5-9
All three education tracks are the result of a close partnership between the college and BPS to create a steady stream of new teachers to replace growing numbers who are retiring or leaving the profession.
Districtwide, BPS officials say they need new science teachers annually.
“Historically, Brevard Public Schools students have outperformed other Florida students when it comes to science. That is in large part due to our experienced educators who bring their expertise to our students,” said Russell Bruhn, BPS Chief Strategic Communications Officer, Government and Community Relations.
“In order to keep our science success going, we need to recruit and retain the best and brightest educators. We are always looking for new ways to recruit new teachers into BPS and these new EFSC programs will help us immensely.”
Dr. Jim Richey, EFSC’s President, said the education degree tracks are another example of how the college is meeting local workforce needs with programs in a range of fields including healthcare, high-technology, and advanced manufacturing.
“The college and BPS are working hand-in-hand to provide high-quality education on the Space Coast. The two new education degree choices are very important, and we believe they will make a real difference in BPS classrooms,” said Richey.
The coursework for all three science education specializations includes an internship and other hands-on teaching opportunities in middle or high school classrooms, which require passing a BPS background check.
Related Story:Eastern Florida State Bachelor’s Degree Expo Set, Will Highlight Low-Cost On-Campus and Online Options
Applicants must meet several requirements as part of the admissions process. They include:
■ Earned an Associate Degree from a regionally accredited college and completed all required general education courses and common program prerequisite requirements.
■ Have achieved a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher on a 4-point scale as reflected on the official degree transcript.
CLICK HERE for a complete list of requirements and the steps to apply for the Science Teacher Education degree. The two new programs bring the total number of Bachelor’s Degree tracks offered at EFSC to 27. The other specializations are in Business, Healthcare and Computer Technologies.
Prospective students can learn more about all Eastern Florida State College baccalaureate degrees at the college’s Bachelor Expo on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Melbourne campus.
Related Story:Gov. DeSantis Reappoints Bruce Deardoff, Dr. Edgar Figueroa to Eastern Florida State College District Board of Trustees
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