Questions and Answers
Categories: Program | Scholarship | Service Obligation
Q - Who is the online teacher prep program designed for?
A - The OPBCSE program appeals to multiple audiences including:
- undergraduate students with competency in Math or Science who will graduate prior to the start date in the program;
- working professionals with competency in Math or Science who are making a career change;
- emergency-hire teachers and other professionals already working in schools who have a bachelor's degree and competency in Math or Science but do not have teacher certification.
Q - I live and work in Hawai'i, am I eligible for this program?
A -
Yes. The program is designed for anyone with a bachelor's degree and demonstrated competency (PRAXIS) in Math or Science who wants to teach in Hawai'i.
Q - When can I register for classes?
A - Registration for classes will generally start one week before school begins. However, you may be notified prior to this depending on when the program receives information about the course reference number (CRN).
Q - During the multiple terms of online coursework, can I realistically work simultaneously?
A -
Yes, this program is intended to accommodate individuals continuing to work while taking the online courses.
Q - What if Math or Science is not my strongest content area but I would like to teach in Hawai'i?
A - The College of Education (COE) at the University of Hawai'i provides other accredited teacher preparation programs. See the COE's Institute for Teacher Education website.
Q - For the program sessions in Hawaii, who arranges the travel if I'm coming from the mainland or a neighbor island?
A - All students must make their own travel arrangements.
Q - The Requirements section says that I must have a laptop. What is the required machine configuration and operating system?
A - Refer to the COE's ITE Laptop Initiative.
Q - If I'm unable to complete the program, what are the consequences?
A - Admitted students who withdraw must pay back the scholarship amount to date according to U.S. Department of Education's Scholarship Terms and Conditions, Authority 20 U.S.C. 1024(e), OMD Control #1840-0753.
Q - If I'm unable to fulfill the teaching obligation, what is the consequence?
A - Graduates who do not teach in a high-need school must pay back the scholarship amount according to U.S. Department of Education's Scholarship Terms and Conditions, Authority 20 U.S.C. 1024(e), OMD Control #1840-0753.
