Teacher Prep Program in Forensic Science

The NJIT Forensic Science Initiative (FSI) Teacher Prep Program helps teachers prepare to teach forensics to high school students. Teachers completing the program will be qualified to teach FRSC 201 Introduction to Forensic Science as a dual enrollment course using the NJIT syllabus.

Forensic Science as a high school course can open many options in higher education for students. And, thanks to the many TV shows featuring forensic science, it’s attractive to them, too. Students who might not otherwise see themselves as capable scientists can benefit, especially, from the science they’ll learn in the foundation course in our BS in Forensic Science program: Introduction to Forensic Science.

The FSI Teacher Prep Program is open to high school teachers who teach Juniors and/or Seniors. Teachers need a Masters Degree in an appropriate science field or equivalent experience, NJ teacher certification in one of the sciences, and a passion for learning.

Professional development in a cohort model takes place on the NJIT campus in the summer with on-going support during the school year. It includes content lessons in several branches of forensic science, curriculum mapping, and lesson development tailored to high school students’ needs.

The initial phase of the program was underwritten by a Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF II) grant from the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

Barbara E. Weller, Ed.D., Senior Director of Program Development and the Forensic Science Initiative, weller@njit.edu