Top 10 Middle School Science Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for a middle school science teacher in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge in the subject that is expected by employers. Certification can also show potential employers that an individual is committed to their profession and has taken the time to pursue additional training and education. Having a certification can also open up opportunities for career advancement, as some jobs require or prefer applicants with a particular certification. Finally, certifications may be necessary to meet state requirements for teaching at certain grade levels.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Middle School Science Teachers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Middle School Science Teacher Certifications?

Middle school science teacher certification is a credential that verifies an educator has the skills and knowledge necessary to teach science at the middle school level. To obtain this certification, teachers must complete state-mandated requirements, which typically include taking classes in topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and other scientific fields. Additionally, they must pass tests related to their knowledge of these topics and demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts to students.

Having middle school science teacher certification can help a teacher stand out from other applicants when seeking job opportunities. It demonstrates that they are knowledgeable in the subject matter and have been trained in teaching strategies specifically designed for middle school students. Furthermore, it indicates that they are committed to providing quality instruction and have taken the steps necessary to ensure they have the skills and experience needed to be successful in their role as a middle school science teacher.

Pro Tip: When applying for middle school science teacher certification, make sure to research the state's requirements and take advantage of any free online courses or workshops available to help you prepare. Additionally, keep up with industry trends in order to stay ahead of the curve and maximize your chances of getting certified.

Related: What does a Middle School Science Teacher do?

Top 10 Middle School Science Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Middle School Science Teachers today.

1. National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Certification

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of science teachers in the United States. It is designed to demonstrate a teacher's commitment to excellence in science education and to provide evidence of their mastery of the content knowledge, pedagogy, and assessment practices necessary for effective teaching.

In order to obtain NSTA Certification, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete three components: a written exam, an online portfolio review, and an oral interview. The written exam covers topics such as scientific inquiry, curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment practices, and classroom management. The online portfolio review requires applicants to submit examples of their work related to science teaching. Finally, the oral interview assesses the applicant's knowledge of current trends in science education and their ability to effectively communicate with students.

The process typically takes up to six months from start to finish. Applicants should allow at least three months for preparation before taking the written exam. The cost of obtaining NSTA Certification varies depending on the state or region where you apply; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes experienced teachers who have met rigorous standards for teaching practice and student learning. The NBPTS Certification is the most widely recognized professional credential in the United States for K-12 teachers. It is designed to recognize and reward excellence in teaching, and to help improve student learning outcomes.

The NBPTS Certification process takes approximately two years to complete. During this time, teachers must demonstrate their mastery of a set of standards related to teaching practice and student learning outcomes. This includes completing a series of assessments, writing reflections on their practice, and submitting evidence of their work.

To get started with the NBPTS Certification process, teachers must first submit an application to become a candidate. Once accepted as a candidate, they will be given access to resources and tools that will guide them through the certification process.

The cost of the NBPTS Certification varies depending on the state where you live, but typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 USD. This cost covers all application fees, assessment fees, and other costs associated with becoming certified.

3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Certification

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an educational program designed for students aged 11-16 years old. It focuses on developing the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. The MYP is a five-year program that provides an international education that encourages students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners.

The MYP is offered in schools around the world and is recognized by colleges and universities as a rigorous academic program. Students who successfully complete the MYP are awarded an IB Middle Years Programme Certificate of Completion. This certificate is accepted by universities worldwide as evidence of successful completion of the IB Middle Years Programme.

In order to receive the MYP Certificate of Completion, students must complete all required courses within five years and pass all assessments with satisfactory grades. Depending on the school, this may include completing coursework related to language acquisition, humanities, sciences, mathematics and arts as well as engaging in community service activities or other extracurricular activities.

The cost of enrolling in the IB Middle Years Programme varies from school to school but typically ranges from $2,000-$10,000 per year depending on location and type of school. In addition to tuition fees, there may also be additional costs associated with examinations or other assessments required for certification.

4. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Certification

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in mathematics education. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of mastery in the field and to encourage ongoing professional development.

To receive NCTM Certification, an individual must meet certain criteria, including: holding a valid teaching license in mathematics or a related field; completing at least three years of successful teaching experience; and passing the NCTM Assessment for Professional Development. The assessment consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral presentation. The written exam covers topics such as curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and classroom management. The oral presentation focuses on the candidate's ability to effectively communicate their knowledge and understanding of mathematics education.

It typically takes around six months to complete the certification process from start to finish, depending on the individual's availability and preparation time. To get started, individuals should contact their local NCTM chapter for more information about the application process.

The cost of NCTM Certification varies by state but generally ranges from $250-$500 USD. This fee covers the cost of materials such as study guides and practice exams, as well as administrative costs associated with processing applications and administering assessments.

5. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Certification

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in their field. The AAAS Certification Program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in their field through academic achievement, professional experience, and/or related activities. The program also serves to promote the advancement of science and technology in the United States.

In order to be eligible for AAAS Certification, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a minimum of five years of professional experience in their field or a master’s degree in the relevant area. They must also pass an exam that covers a variety of topics related to their field.

The process to become certified typically takes between six months and one year, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and availability. In order to get started with the certification process, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, and other materials demonstrating their qualifications for certification. Once this material is reviewed by AAAS staff members, applicants will receive notification if they are approved for testing.

Once approved for testing, applicants will need to take an online exam that covers topics related to their field including research methods and analysis techniques. After passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants will receive their certificate within two weeks.

The cost of AAAS Certification varies depending on which type of certification you are applying for; however, it generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

6. Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Middle School Science Teacher Certification

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Middle School Science Teacher Certification is a professional development program designed to help teachers become more effective in teaching science. It is a comprehensive, multi-year program that provides teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach science effectively in the middle school classroom.

The certification process takes two years and includes four components: an online course, a hands-on workshop, an assessment and a final project. The online course covers topics such as curriculum design, lesson planning, assessment strategies and classroom management. During the hands-on workshop, teachers work with experts to develop their own science lessons and activities. The assessment component requires teachers to demonstrate their understanding of the material they have learned through multiple choice exams. Finally, the final project requires teachers to create a lesson plan based on their own research.

To get PLTW Middle School Science Teacher Certification, you must complete all four components of the program within two years. You must also pass all assessments and submit your final project for review by PLTW faculty members.

The cost of PLTW Middle School Science Teacher Certification varies depending on your location and whether or not you are part of an existing PLTW program at your school or district. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 to become certified in this program.

7. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educator

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educator is a professional certification program designed to recognize educators who demonstrate exemplary use of technology in the classroom. The certification is valid for three years and requires educators to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in using technology to support student learning and engagement.

To become an ISTE Certified Educator, applicants must complete an online application and submit it along with a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their ability to use technology effectively in the classroom. This portfolio can include artifacts such as lesson plans, assessments, videos, student work samples, and more.

Once the application has been reviewed by ISTE staff, applicants will be notified if they have been approved for the certification. It typically takes between 4-6 weeks for applications to be processed and approved.

The cost for becoming an ISTE Certified Educator is $125 USD per year for members of ISTE ($375 USD total for 3 years) or $250 USD per year for non-members ($750 USD total for 3 years).

8. Environmental Education Association (EEA) Certified Educator

The Environmental Education Association (EEA) Certified Educator is a professional certification program for educators who are interested in teaching about the environment. This certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in environmental education. The EEA Certified Educator Program is open to any individual who has completed an approved environmental education course or program and has at least one year of experience teaching about the environment.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become certified, depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment to the program. To get certified, applicants must complete an approved environmental education course or program and submit evidence of their experience teaching about the environment. Applicants must also pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of environmental topics, as well as their ability to teach effectively about them.

The cost of becoming an EEA Certified Educator varies depending on the type and length of course or program taken by the applicant. Generally speaking, courses range from $200-$1000, while programs can cost up to $3000. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the written exam and submitting evidence of experience teaching about the environment.

9. National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) Certification

The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) Certification is a professional development program designed to recognize and reward educators who demonstrate excellence in science education leadership. It is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the accomplishments of science educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the field of science education.

In order to be eligible for NSELA Certification, individuals must meet certain criteria related to their experience, educational background, and professional development activities. Applicants must also submit an application packet that includes a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their commitment to science education leadership.

The NSELA Certification process typically takes about six months from the time the application is submitted until certification is granted. During this time, applicants will be required to complete several steps including submitting a portfolio of evidence and completing an interview with NSELA staff members.

Once all requirements are met and the application has been approved, applicants will receive their NSELA Certification certificate in the mail. The cost for certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the applicant; however, most memberships cost between $50-100 USD per year.

10. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Certified Educator

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Certified Educator program is a professional development program for K-12 educators. It is designed to help teachers understand and implement the NGSS in their classrooms. The program includes an online course, which takes approximately 20 hours to complete, as well as a performance assessment.

To become an NGSS Certified Educator, you must first register for the course and pay the fee of $299. You will then be given access to the online course, which consists of modules that cover topics such as scientific practices, disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and engineering design. After completing the modules, you will take a performance assessment that tests your understanding of the content and application of the standards. Once you pass this assessment, you will receive your certification as an NGSS Certified Educator.

The benefits of becoming an NGSS Certified Educator include being able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the standards to employers or other educational institutions; gaining access to additional resources related to teaching with the NGSS; and having access to a community of other certified educators who can provide support and advice on implementing the standards in your classroom.

Do You Really Need a Middle School Science Teacher Certificate?

Yes, it is important to have a middle school science teacher certificate in order to teach science in a middle school setting. A middle school science teacher certificate shows that the individual has studied and understands the subject matter and is able to effectively teach it to students of this age group. It also demonstrates to the administration that the individual is committed to teaching and has taken the necessary steps to become qualified for the position.

Having a middle school science teacher certificate allows teachers to stay up-to-date on changes in curriculum and new methods of teaching, as well as provide guidance on best practices for student engagement, assessment, and safety. Teachers must be knowledgeable about their subject area and also be able to effectively communicate with students in order to help them learn. With a middle school science teacher certificate, teachers can demonstrate their ability to do just that.

In addition, having a certification shows potential employers that an individual is serious about pursuing a career as a middle school science teacher and has made an effort towards obtaining the necessary qualifications. Moreover, many states require prospective teachers to have at least some kind of certification or license before they can begin teaching in public schools. Therefore, having a middle school science teacher certificate can help individuals meet those requirements more easily.

Overall, obtaining a middle school science teacher certificate is essential for anyone who wishes to pursue this career path. It proves their commitment towards teaching and demonstrates their knowledge of the subject area as well as their ability to effectively communicate with students of this age group.

Related: Middle School Science Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Middle School Science Teacher Certifications

1. What certifications are required to become a middle school science teacher?

Answer: To become a middle school science teacher, you must have a bachelor's degree in either education or the sciences, along with a teaching license/certificate from your state.

2. How do I renew my middle school science teacher certification?

Answer: Renewal of your middle school science teacher certification typically requires completing continuing education credits and submitting an application to your state’s department of education.

3. Are there additional certifications available for middle school science teachers?

Answer: Yes, many states offer additional certifications that can be earned by taking specialized courses or passing additional exams. These certifications may focus on specific areas of science or teaching methods.

4. Is experience as a substitute teacher required for certification as a middle school science teacher?

Answer: Experience as a substitute teacher is not required for certification as a middle school science teacher, but it can help when it comes time to apply for jobs and demonstrate proficiency in classroom management and teaching techniques.

5. Are there any online programs available to become certified as a middle school science teacher?

Answer: Yes, several universities offer online programs that allow students to earn the necessary credentials to become certified as a middle school science teacher. These programs usually involve completing coursework and field experience requirements, just like traditional on-campus programs do.