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Enhance your bachelor's degree with multiple personalized pathways:

  • FIUteach Enhanced Major
  • FIUteach Minor
  • FIUteach STEM Research, Communication, and Education Certificate

Get Started

Take one of our introductory courses to try out the FIUteach program. Course costs are reimbursed at the in-state rate upon successful completion at the end of the term.

See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about SMT 2661 and SMT 2044.

Want to know more? Make an appointment or email us at fiuteach@fiu.edu.

Enhanced Degrees & Pathways

These degrees and pathways are offered with the FIUteach program. Visit the degree page to learn more, or view course requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.

  • FIUteach Enhanced Degree

    Eligible majors: Biology (BA/BS), Chemistry (BA), ​Earth Science (BA), Mathematics (BA), ​Physics (BA/BS)

    Teaching Certification​ Eligibility: Full, Renewable Professional License

    Credits required: 120 credits built into degree

  • FIUteach Minor

    Eligible majors: All STEM Majors

    Teaching Certification​ Eligibility:  Temporary License (must pass FTCEs and teach for 1 year after graduation)

    Credits required: 18 credits focused on qualifying for license

  • FIUteach STEM Research, Communication, and Education Certificate

    Eligible majors: All STEM Majors

    Teaching Certification​ Eligibility: Depends on courses chosen

    Credits required: 15 credits, mix of options based on interests

Courses

These courses can be integrated into your degree plan. Note that student teaching is also offered in the fall.

Course (credits)DescriptionSemesterField ExperiencePrerequisites
SMT 2661
(1)		STEP 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching Mathematics and Science. Students who want to explore teaching careers become familiar with writing and teaching inquiry-based mathematics or science lessons using exemplary resources in an elementary school setting.Fall/SpringYesFewer than 45 credits
SMT 2662
(1)		STEP 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Mathematics and Science. Students who want to explore teaching careers become familiar with writing and teaching inquiry-based mathematics or science lessons using exemplary resources in an elementary school setting.Fall/SpringYesSMT 2661
SMT 2044
(2)		Combined STEP 1 & 2: Inquiry-Based Approaches and Lesson Design for Teaching Mathematics and Science. Accelerated course taken in place of SMT 2661 and SMT 2662. Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Earth and Environment majors only.Fall/SpringYesfewer than 90 credits
SMT 3100
(3)		Knowing, Learning, and Adolescent Development in Mathematics and Science. Focus on knowing and learning in secondary mathematics and science as understood from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students identify theories and employ theories to guide their own practice.Fall/Spring/SummerNoTaken or enrolled in SMT 2661 or SMT 2044
SCE 4194/
MAE 4394
(3)		Perspectives in Science and Math Education. This course will help students to develop understanding of theoretical frameworks and multiple perspectives underpinning mathematics and science education. Fulfills Global Learning Requirement.SpringNo
SMT 4301
(3)		Classroom Management and Interactions for Diverse Learning Needs in STEM. Focuses on examination of the interplay between teachers, students and content, and how such interactions enable students to develop deep understanding of the mathematics and science ideas.Fall/SpringYesSMT 3100
BSC 3910/
CHM 3910/
PHY 3018/
ISC 3523
(3)		Research Methods. Experimental development and design for future science teachers. Four independent science experiments are designed, conducted and analyzed. Includes statistical analysis techniques. Science students only.FallNoSTEP 1 and 2
MAT 3501
(3)		Numbers, Functions and Modeling for Teachers. Required for mathematics students. Students will demonstrate proficiency in working with mathematical ideas and solving problems involving integers, real and complex numbers. Fall/SpringNoCalculus 2
SMT 4664
(3)		Educational Assessment and Problem-Based Instruction (PBI) in Mathematics and Science. Focus on exploring authentic, important and meaningful questions and developing a PBI science/mathematics unit, employing processes and technologies that scientists, mathematicians and engineers use.Fall/SpringYesSMT 3100 and SMT 4301
RED 4325
(3)		Subject Area Reading. Skills, techniques and strategies for reading in content areas.Fall/Spring/SummerYes
TSL 4324
(3)		ESOL Issues and Strategies for Content Teachers. Analysis, application and adaptation of ESOL methods and materials to enhance instruction for linguistically and culturally diverse students. Fulfills META requirements.Fall/Spring/SummerYes
SCE 4944/
MAE 4942
(6-9)		Student Teaching. Supervised teaching in a middle school or high school.Fall/SpringYesAll courses

Opportunities


  • Robert R. Bellamy Scholarship: Students enrolled in an undergraduate Initial Teacher Preparation Program in Education with a course load of at least 12 credits and a GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply.
  • TEACH Grant: A full-time TEACH Grant recipient may receive four scheduled awards of up to $4,000 each for the baccalaureate postbaccalaureate programs.
  • Florida Fund for Minority Teachers Inc.: FFMT offers the Minority Teacher Education Scholarship in the amount of $4,000 per year for up to two consecutive years.
  • Stafford Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Graduates who teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools and educational service agencies that serve low-income families, and meet other qualifications, may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 in Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans.
  • For more scholarship opportunities, please visit the FIU AcademicWorks portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • SMT 2661 and SMT 2044

    Who can enroll?

    FIUteach is open to all STEM majors, including in Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Earth and Environment; Mathematics and Statistics; Physics; Engineering; and Computer Science.

    How much does FIUteach cost?

    The FIUteach introductory classes are reimbursed* and never count towards the excess credit surcharge. Since the remaining FIUteach courses use your elective credits, continuing in the program does not add to the cost of your degree and will not delay your graduation.

    *Students are reimbursed the cost of in-state tuition credits upon successful completion at the end of the term.

    What happens in SMT 2661/2044?

    You experience the rewards of teaching elementary and middle school children and work with Master Teachers to prepare and practice with hands-on, inquiry-based math or science lessons.

    Should I enroll in SMT 2661 or SMT 2044?

    Freshmen and sophomores should enroll in SMT 2661. Juniors and seniors should enroll in SMT 2044. If you would like to enroll in a course that requires permission, please contact Dr. Nicole Cook.

    NOTE: Students in SMT 2661 must have fewer than 60 credits. Eligible majors include Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Earth and Environment; Mathematics and Statistics; and Physics.

    How often will I visit my Mentor Teacher/host school?

    SMT 2661 students will have 5 visits over the semester. SMT 2044 students will visit 7 times over the semester.

    What will I do on these school visits?

    You will conduct two observations of your Mentor Teacher in action, lead one team teach with your partner and assist your partner in one teach. In SMT 2044, each partner will teach an additional lesson.

    Where will I teach? Do I need a car?

    FIUteach partner schools are located across Miami-Dade County. We will work with you to provide a placement that fits your scheduling and transportation needs.

    Does SMT 2661/SMT 2044 count toward full-time status for financial aid?

    Yes!

    Does SMT 2661/SMT 2044 count toward my major?

    These courses are exploratory courses. If you choose to continue with the FIUteach program, these courses will count toward teacher certification.

  • FIUteach and Teacher Certification

    Are FIUteach students required to teach after graduation?

    No. FIUteach students are not required to teach, but completing the program gives you the option to teach.

    Do I need to take extra classes for FIUteach? Will FIUteach delay my graduation?

    No. FIUteach is strategic in using elective credits that apply toward both FIUteach and your degree in Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Earth and Environment; Mathematics and Statistics; and Physics. Visit Degrees to see how FIUteach fits with your major.

    What if I change my mind?

    There is no commitment, and you can stop taking classes at any time. None of the FIUteach classes count toward the excess credit surcharge, regardless of your decision to complete the FIUteach program. Even if you do change your mind, you can add teaching experience to your resume.

    What are the financial benefits?

    Students who decide to commit to FIUteach are eligible to receive the federal TEACH Grant and Stafford Loan Forgiveness funds through the U.S. Department of Education, and for funding from the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers. We also are pursuing additional scholarship funds such as the Noyce Scholarship and the Robert R. Bellamy Scholarship to support future teachers. See Opportunities for more information.

    I’m interested in getting a teaching certificate - now what?

    Contact our academic advisors, who will advise you on your next steps.