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About iSMART

Purpose & Focus

Integration of Science, Mathematics, and Reflective Teaching (iSMART) is a 2-year online graduate program for middle school science and mathematics teachers in Texas. The program will focus on the integration of science and mathematics while fostering in-depth content and pedagogical knowledge and leadership skills through reflective collaboration with on-line classmates. Program activities include analyzing and writing curriculum, analyzing theories of learning and models of integration of science and mathematics, studying children’s thinking of content, and reflecting on video of own practices.

Eligibility

An eligible candidate: 

• Meets M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction Science Education or Mathematics Education admission requirements
• Has a minimum of three years teaching middle school science or mathematics
• Has Texas teacher certification
• Intends to continue teaching middle school science/math for the duration of the graduate program

iSMART Curriculum Topics

• Principles of Curriculum Development in Science & Mathematics
• Models of Teaching & Learning in Science & Mathematics
• Developing Proportional Reasoning in Science & Mathematics
• Reflective Practice in Science and Mathematics Education
• Science & Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching
• Leadership in Science & Mathematics Education
• Teaching Science & Mathematics with Technology
• Electronic/Video-based Portfolio Development Thesis Defense

iSMART Course Activities

• Participating teachers will:
  • Work online collaboratively in groups of three-to-five science and mathematics teachers
  • Engage in analyzing and writing curriculum/lessons
  • Examine theories of learning and models of integration of science and mathematics
  • Study children’s thinking of science and mathematics
  • Reflect on video of own and peers’ practices
  • Participate in leadership activities

Application Process

• Application must complete TWO application procedures for this program. ALL MATERIALS MUST BE IN BY MARCH 1:
  • CUIN M.Ed Procedures - On item 16 of the ApplyTexas form, please identify ‘iSMART’ as your specific area of interest.
  • Additional iSMART Procedures
    • iSMART online application
    • Send the following materials to Jarah Blum, Graduate Admissions Advisor, University of Houston, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Farish Hall, STE. 112, Houston, TX 77204-5027; mark all materials as "iSMART"
      • Service record (proof of employment)
      • Copy of Texas teacher certification
      • Administrator letter of recommendation
      • A favorite lesson with a one-page reflection
  • After all of an applicant’s materials are received and reviewed, selected candidates will be contacted to schedule a Webcam interview with iSMART program administrators.
• Selection Details
  • For each cohort of 25, we are seeking 12 or 13 science teachers and 12 or 13 mathematics teachers – preferably math/science pairs at each school. Cohort members will be spread out geographically across the state of Texas.