UW-River Falls offers Praxis Preparation workshop, info session for aspiring teachers

March 7, 2016--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is offering a half-day workshop to prepare aspiring teachers for exams required to obtain their Wisconsin teaching licenses.  

The free Praxis Preparation workshop, held at the UWRF Hudson Center, 2501 Hanley Rd., Hudson, on Saturday, April 9, is open to current students, alumni and community members interested in a science or math 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 knowledge in their desired teaching area, she added. A qualifying score on the Praxis II or a similar content area test is a requirement to obtain teaching licenses in Wisconsin and some other states. 

The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. Prior to the workshop, participants can attend an informational session at 9 a.m. to learn more about UW-River Falls new STEMteach program. This graduate initial licensure and optional master's degree program is designed for recent graduates, career changers, and veterans who wish to teach science and math in middle or high schools. Faculty and current students from the STEMteach graduate program will provide information about courses and answer general questions about the application process.

Participants may register in advance for this free event by visiting the website at go.uwrf.edu/stemteach. Individuals unable to attend but ready to pursue a career in teaching should send an email to diane.bennett@uwrf.edu to schedule a personal consultation.

The STEMteach program is based on the UTeach model of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teacher preparation developed at the University of Texas at Austin and replicated at 44 universities across the country. UW-River Falls accepts candidates who already have expertise or training in mathematics, engineering, biology, physics, geology, chemistry, or other STEM-related discipline 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 at go.uwrf.edu/stemteach.

UW-River Falls is an accredited institution offering a variety of degree and certificate programs designed to meet personal and professional educational goals. The UWRF graduate programs provide intensive, reality-based learning experiences, which often serve as a steppingstone to professional and career advancement. Browse the complete list of graduate programs online at www.uwrf.edu.