Learn About Becoming a Science Teacher

If you frequently read science and technology magazines and are fascinated by strange plants and animals, a career in science education might be for you. If "inquiring minds need to know" describes you, becoming a science teacher will not only allow you to continuously explore the many realms of science, but to also share that journey with young inquisitive minds.

As a science teacher with a bachelor's degree, you can find work in a middle school or high school setting. If you have a master's degree or PhD, you may be considered for teaching at the college level. Graduates with a science education degree may also find work in science museums, government institutions and private research institutions.

Secondary-school science teachers can expect to divide their teaching time between the classroom, where they lecture on textbook subject matter and lead class discussions, and the science lab, where experiments and hands-on activities take place. Occasionally, you may take your students on field trips to natural history museums or sponsor independent studies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for full-time primary, elementary and secondary teachers in the United States in 2009 ranged from $47,830 to $52,220, but the top 10 percent earned $75,210 to $82,000.

The BLS also reports that the following full-time postsecondary teaching positions earned these average annual salaries:

• biological science teacher: $87,220
• atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teacher: $83,320
• chemistry teacher: $77,350
• physics teacher: $83,320

Although entry-level, primary and secondary education positions may start at a lower rate, science teachers tend to make higher salaries than the average teacher. This is a result of two factors: the high demand for qualified science teachers and the advanced education often required to teach in the field. Public school teachers also enjoy extensive benefits, including summer and winter breaks, pension plans and comprehensive healthcare packages.

Additionally, secondary-school science teachers who serve five or more years in a Title 1 school may qualify for the Stafford Student Loan forgiveness program.

In 2004, President Bush signed the Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act, which authorizes up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness to science and math teachers who meet the specified criteria. This kind of savings can make a huge difference to your financial future.

If you've ever wondered how to become a science teacher, we've got an answer to your question. To teach science at the middle or high school level, you'll need to earn a bachelor's or master's science education degree, or get a degree in your field of science and complete a teacher certification program.

If you already have a science degree, you may qualify for an alternative licensure program that involves supervised classroom teaching and evening classes. Or you may decide to take a year of education courses to earn your teaching certificate.

Most of the coursework for alternative certification programs leads to a master's degree, which is becoming more and more desirable for the schools you'll teach in. According to the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA), more than half of surveyed science teachers have a master's degree.

Some states require all public school teachers to earn a master's within a certain time frame, so it's important to check with your state's Department of Education for complete requirement information.

Although teacher certification requirements vary from state to state, all public schools require teachers to be certified in order to teach science. Many states also ask public school teachers to take supplemental education courses to maintain a teaching license. If you accept a position at a private school, you may not need a license.

According to a 2007 survey conducted by the NSTA, more than half of high schools and a third of middle schools nationwide are experiencing a shortage in qualified science teachers.

As a result, as a science teacher you can earn a higher salary than teachers in other subjects. You'll also have a better chance of finding a job in your desired locale. And while preparation is demanding, the ability to work daily with a subject you love and enjoy sharing with others is equally rewarding.

_{Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009}

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