SMATE Program Update: Interested in teaching middle or high school science

On April 15, SMATE will host a Secondary Science BAE Open House for interested students (register using this link). A few local practicing teachers and a recent Masters in Teaching graduate from WWU will be in attendance. Come for free pizza and information about becoming a science teacher!

Fall 2026 marks an exciting transition in how SMATE supports students preparing to teach science at the secondary level.

Historically, students pursuing certification as high school science teachers followed a pathway that required coordinating coursework across multiple departments before entering the teacher preparation program. While this approach produced strong educators, it could also create complexity in advising and extend the time required to complete the degree.

SMATE is now taking on a larger role in coordinating the Secondary Science BAE pathway, creating a clearer and more cohesive structure for students pursuing science teaching careers. By housing key advising and program coordination within SMATE, students receive more consistent guidance as they move through content coursework, methods classes, and practicum experiences.

This change allows students to move more efficiently toward certification while maintaining the strong disciplinary preparation that secondary science teaching requires. The revised pathway also strengthens collaboration between SMATE faculty, science departments, and Woodring College of Education. The result is a streamlined pathway designed to prepare high-quality secondary science educators while reducing time to degree.