Love of Science Leads To Teaching Degree from EFSC
Joshua Katz always gravitated toward science and math in high school, academic subjects that he knew were not as well-loved by his classmates.
“I wanted to help my friends who didn’t quite understand the lessons the way I did,” said Katz. “Eventually I realized I wanted to do the same thing for my career.”
The 22-year-old became the first student to earn Eastern Florida State College’s recently added Science Teacher Education Bachelor of Science degree and is now inspiring future scientists as a Science Lab teacher at Croton Elementary School in Melbourne, Fla.
“My job is to help reinforce the important topics and standards discussed in class by giving students a hands-on experience in learning,” Katz said.
“My favorite part is being able to provide another method of learning to students because we are all different learners and hands-on learning truly fills in gaps amongst students.”
Katz graduated in Summer of 2022 with the degree’s Biology Teacher specialization. Two additional tracks were added in Fall 2022 for those who want to major in Chemistry Teacher education for grades 6 through 12 or Middle School Science, teaching students in grades 5 to 9. Students must choose one specialization and can only earn the Science Teacher Education B.S. one time.
“Science teachers have been on the critical shortage list for many years. Brevard Public Schools wants to hire graduates from these programs,” said Dr. Holly McKnight, EFSC’s Collegewide Chair for Behavioral Sciences and Education who led the creation of the new degree, working closely with the local school district.
“My hope for students graduating from this program is for them to have a firm grasp on their content area and have the best teaching strategies. We hope to produce positive teachers who can manage a classroom and make learning fun.”
Extensive science courses are customized for each track, plus education classes focus on specialized science content preparation, educational theory and practice.
Katz knew he planned to get an associate degree from EFSC, just like his father and his two brothers had done. He was thrilled when the Science Teacher bachelor program was added so he could also pursue a baccalaureate degree close to home.
“EFSC taught me the basics of how to teach, how to address certain issues, and how to build relationships with students,” said Katz. “I honestly feel like I could teach anyone, at any grade level. The internships were an eye-opening experience that helped prepare me to be a confident teacher.”
Those semester-long internships take place as a junior and senior, allowing students to be active participants in diverse classrooms, integrate theory and practice, utilize their knowledge of current research on teaching and learning, develop peer relationships, and discover their identities as teachers.
That’s especially true during the senior internship, which includes teaching at a Brevard public school under the supervision of the classroom teacher, giving students a chance to put to use what they learned in required courses such as Classroom Management.
“If you cannot manage the classroom then you won’t be able to get content across to the students,” said Dr. McKnight. “I think it is a really fun class and truly an important one that students will be taking.”
Many of the degree’s classes are taken on campus due to the science labs that are required, but some coursework will take place online, such as assignments related to the internships.
“I cannot be more grateful for my instructors and the program coordinators at EFSC,” said Katz. “They all cared for us no matter what the issue was or the situation. We were always met with a kind person who was willing to help.”
Students can apply to begin the Science Teacher Education B.S. degree year-round and can learn more about all three specializations by visiting easternflorida.edu/go/science.
“This program is challenging and rigorous,” said Katz. “But it is also filled with experiences you will remember for the rest of your life.”
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