UW-River Falls Offers Preparation Workshop for Aspiring Teachers

December 16, 2015 -- The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is offering a half-day workshop that will help prepare aspiring teachers for content area exams required for teaching licenses. The Praxis II Exam Workshop will be offered Tuesday, Jan. 12, from noon-4 p.m. in the Wyman Education Building on campus. The workshop is free (but please pre-register) to current students, alumni and community members interested in a teaching career.

"Participants will learn how to create a study plan and prepare for taking their Praxis II exams," said Diane Bennett, associate director of the UWRF STEMteach graduate program. "The Praxis II is one of the exams students may take to demonstrate their knowledge in their desired teaching area."

Qualifying scores on the Praxis II or a similar content area test is a requirement to obtain teaching licenses in Wisconsin and some other states.

Rachelle Haroldson, master teacher for the UWRF STEMteach graduate program, has designed this training to assist graduate students planning to teach science and math in middle or high schools. Haroldson has more than ten years of experience helping students prepare for the ACT and SAT and in tutoring high school and college-level students in science. She has also led workshops to teach others to be standardized test tutors. While fluent in general science and math, her areas of specialization are biology and chemistry.

"The workshop content will cover frequently asked questions about the Praxis II and similar exams, the format of the various exams, general test-taking strategies, and practice drills followed by a study technique called 'item analysis,'" said Haroldson. Haroldson will also work with participants to develop a study plan for reducing stress and maximizing success.

"Several students currently enrolled in the STEMteach program will be present to provide an 'insider's look' at the STEMteach program," said Bennett. In addition, Bennett will be on hand to answer general questions about the STEMteach program and the application process.

To ensure that there are adequate materials for all, participants are asked to register in advance for this event at go.uwrf.edu/stemteach. Any individuals who are unable to attend, but are ready to pursue a career in teaching, should email diane.bennett@uwrf.edu to schedule a personal consultation.

The STEMteach program is based on the UTeach model of STEM teacher preparation developed at the University of Texas at Austin and replicated at 44 universities across the country but not yet in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The program accepts candidates who already have expertise or training in mathematics, biology, physics, or chemistry and provides them with the preparation and hands-on experience to be licensed to teach in secondary education classrooms. More information about the STEMteach program, including a list of classes and admissions criteria, is available online at go.uwrf.edu/stemteach.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is an accredited institution offering a variety of degree and certificate programs designed to meet personal and professional educational goals. UWRF programs are built on a solid foundation of academic excellence and faculty are friendly, experienced mentors who take the time to address each student's professional needs and career objectives.

The UWRF graduate programs provide intensive, reality-based learning experiences, which often serve as a stepping stone to professional and career advancement. Browse the complete list of graduate programs online.

For more information, email deborah.wulf@uwrf.edu or call UWRF Continuing Education at 715-425-0680.