FAQs about VSI Tier 1 - The three year program leading in a MA in Science Education degree
What will it cost?
Currently, the program is supported in part by funding through a VT Department of Education Math/Science Partnership grant. For each full calendar year of VSI courses, the VSI teacher will earn 12 graduate credits (6 in the summer, 3 in the fall, and 3 in the spring).School districts and teachers are to provide the cost of tuition for 12 credits for each year of the three year program. It is expected that district will pay for at least 6 of the graduate credits yearly. (This is often a contractual benefit for teachers in many districts.) The remaining 6 credits are the responsibility of the teacher. Current graduate tuition is $390 per credit, and an increase can be expected for the 2009-2010 academic year.
How do I apply?
Recruitment of a fourth cohort will begin in early 2009. Applications will be available in January.
Where are the courses offered?
The courses are delivered at Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon State Colleges.
What is the format for coursework?
The science content courses are delivered in two-week residential summer institutes with an additional four days of follow-up during the Fall semester. Content in physics and astronomy will be covered during the first summer to be followed by geology/inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry/biology in the subsequent two summers respectively. During the intervening academic years, the VSI teacher will enroll in one 3 credit course each semester that will continue his/her preparation for a leadership role in science education. The course meets once a month for an all day Friday/Saturday class session. Overnight accommodations and meals are provided for the teacher.
General FAQs about VSI
Who is eligible to attend?
All licensed teachers in grades K-8 are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply ?
Teachers who are (a) interested in increasing their scientific content knowledge, (b) are enthusiastic about having an influence on their school's/district's science curriculum, and (c) interested in providing ongoing professional development to their peers.
Can federal money (Title IIA or Title V) be used to support participant's tuition to VSI?
Yes. Contact the person in your district who controls the consolidated Federal program grants - usually the superintendent or curriculum coordinator.
Are VSI courses open for enrollment to teachers not enrolled in the MA or LA program ?
Yes. VSI courses are open for enrollment on a space available basis. Please see the applying section for a single course applcation form.
FAQs about the VSI Leadership Academy
What will it cost?
School districts and teachers are to provide the cost of tuition for the 13-15 credit program. It is expected that district will pay for at least some of the graduate credits yearly. (This is often a contractual benefit for teachers in many districts.) Current graduate tuition is $416 per credit.
How do I apply?
Go to the Applying page and download the application.
Where are the courses offered?
The courses are delivered at Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon State Colleges.
What is the format for coursework?
Teachers in the Leadership Academy can choose from our content course offerings. Offerings include the Tier I science content courses which are delivered in two-week residential summer institutes with an additional four days of follow-up during the Fall semester. Or, teachers can choose two week long content courses offered as part of our Tier Ii program. These content courses can be taken in the same summer or over the course of two summers. The Issues, Assessment, and Leadership courses will be offered in three Friday/Saturday class sessions per 3 credit class. Overnight accommodations and meals are provided for teachers enrolled in the full Leadership Academy.
Can I transfer credits in from my previous work with VSI?
Yes, if you have taken courses with VSI through Tier II, you can transfer in credits from the Best Practices course and VSI content courses.
FAQs about VSI Tier 2 - The one year, non-degree professional development VSI program
What will it cost?
The cost of the VSI Tier 2 program for 2009-10 will be established by February 2009. Teachers will receive four graduate credits upon completion of the program.
How do I apply?
VSI staff work with science curriculum specialists at the district/regional level in offering the Tier 2 program. Interested teachers should contact their curriculum coordinators or the VSI staff.
Where are the courses offered?
The summer courses are offered at an institution of higher education in Vermont. These courses are five day courses offered at the instructor's home institution. Academic year coursework is offered regionally.
What is the format for coursework?
The Best Practices in Science Education Course is offered at your school, district, or regional center in a variety of formats depending on your site (after school sessions, release days, in-service, etc). The content courses are held at an Institute of Higher Education near the Tier II site.
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