How To Become A Science Teacher
A science teacher works in schools, teaching students a variety of science topics. Some teachers just teach one class, such as biology, earth science, or chemistry, while some teachers handle a wide array of science classes.
In order to become a science teacher you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree through a teacher certification program. You will need a degree in a science field such as biology, chemistry or other fields. You will need to pass exams and receive your license.
Why Become A Science Teacher
Everything that we know about science was probably first taught to us by a science teacher. In elementary school students learn about the basics of the solar system, all about animals, plants and trees. In high school students start to explore more abstract concepts like density, electromagnetism, chemical reactions, and more.
Science teachers are an essential part of any school district. They are responsible for teaching many classes throughout the day. Some teachers lead five or six classes on a daily basis. They make lessons for the classes they are going to teach. They hold lectures and use textbooks for their classes. Much of science classes involves laboratory and group projects. Some students may not enjoy science or school in general, and teachers must motivate and encourage these students to learn.
Science teachers will always be needed within our school systems. This is a great career choice for somebody who is passionate about teaching, enjoys science, and wants to work directly with children on a daily basis
Science Teacher should possess the following qualities and skills:
- Teaching skills
- Good communicator
- Enjoys science
- Patience
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
Science Teacher Work Environment
Science teachers work in local schools, usually middle and high schools. They may work in either public or private schools. Science teachers work in classrooms, giving classes regarding various science topics. These classes may have a lecture component or also include laboratory work. Class sizes vary depending on the size of the school, ranging anywhere from 10 to 50 students in a class.
Some students naturally enjoy science, while others are unmotivated to learn. Science teachers need to be able to give a good learning experience to all of their students, juggling the many responsibilities of their classrooms. Teachers spend time outside of class, grading homework and tests, and also preparing lessons and activities for their classes.
Science Teacher Salary
The median annual salary for high school teachers was $59,000 in 2016. This category includes science teachers.
Salaries are determined by the school districts in which teachers work. Because public schools are part of the state government, salaries are budgeted for ahead of time. There is often not much room for negotiation for salary.
Teachers may be able to earn higher salaries depending on the number of years they have worked inside of the school district. Teachers with more experience and education tend to earn high salaries. Private schools tend to pay lower wages than public schools, on average.
Average Science Teacher Annual Salary
$93,010
The average annual salary for science teachers is $93,010 a year. Salaries start at $43,160 a year and go up to $162,470 a year.
Stats were based out of 49,910 employed science teachers in the United States.
Highest Paying States For Science Teachers
- 1. District of Columbia $145,750 / yr
- 2. California $121,310 / yr
- 3. New Mexico $117,100 / yr
- 4. Utah $112,540 / yr
- 5. New Hampshire $105,160 / yr
Top Paying Cities For Science Teachers
- 1. Salt Lake City, UT $140,730 / yr
- 2. Anaheim, CA $135,960 / yr
- 3. Los Angeles, CA $130,110 / yr
- 4. Camden, NJ $130,890 / yr
- 5. Sacramento, CA $128,770 / yr
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Science Teacher Career Outlook
Science teacher employment opportunities are expected to increase by 8 percent from 2016 to 2036. That is an average rate of growth compared to other jobs in the United States.
School districts have strict budgets to work with and often today are strapped for cash.
Many school districts attempt to cut back hiring more teachers in order to make their tight budgets work. This means that there may not be as many positions available in high schools.
One way to become a more competitive candidate is to gain as many background skills and certifications as possible. For example, if you want to become a science teacher, it would be recommended to be skilled at teaching chemistry, biology, and physics. Being able to coach a sport or advise an extracurricular club will make you a more attractive candidate as well.
Science Teacher Degree
Teachers that work inside public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree. It takes four years to receive a bachelor’s degree. Science teachers are required to have majored in their subject during college. Majors may include biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and more.
Students enroll into a teacher education program during college, where they take classes about education and also student teach in classrooms. Students must successfully pass teacher certification exams as well as a science certification exam.
Once a person completes a program, receives their degree and passes exams, they receive their teaching license.
Science Teacher Coursework
There are many courses that teachers take as part of their teacher certification program. Below are listed just a few of the classes that are taught during a typical teacher certification program. There are many other classes that students may take in a teaching program as well.
Classroom Management It can be difficult to have a room full of 30 students and keep them all focused on the lesson. This class focuses on how to successfully manage a room of students.
Student Assessment Techniques This course focuses on the many ways teachers can assess student performance in the classroom
Principles of Teaching This class focuses on the basics of teaching and how to become successful teacher.
Science Teacher Career Path
Teaching is a wonderful, rewarding career. Tenured teachers are able to spend their lifetime teaching. There are also numerous advancement opportunities available within this profession. Here we take a look at a few of the paths the science teachers can advance themselves professionally.
| Career | Overview | Responsibilities | Education Required | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School Principal | A school principal is the leader of a high school. | A principal’s responsibilities include overseeing the school budget, maintain the vision of the school, using data to achieve educational outcomes, and providing a facility that promotes learning for students. | Principals need a masters degree and certification. They must have several years of leadership experience. | A great job for somebody who enjoys the administrative side of education |
| Superintendent | A school superintendent is in charge of maintaining the operations for all schools within a school district. They are essentially the CEO of a school system. | They are in charge of making any and all policy decisions that affect their school system, including finances, educational programming, hiring and more. | Superintendents must hold a doctoral degree in a field such as educational leadership, policy, or a related field. | This is a good career choice for somebody who has worked in education and is looking to take on a high level management position. |
Related Science Teacher Careers
If you enjoy the idea of becoming a science teacher, there are many other careers you might enjoy as well. Here are a few ideas of other careers you may be interested in exploring. Please note that these are only a few of the related careers.
Math Teacher Math teachers give classes in a variety of different topics including algebra, calculus and other math concepts
Elementary School Teacher Teachers work with young children approximately ages 5 to 10 years old, teaching them essential learning skills
School Counselor A school counselor meets with students on an individual basis to discuss concerns such as their educational planning for school and any personal issues they may be facing
