Become a Science TeacherTurn teaching science into a fine science Choose a Teaching Specialty | All Education Articles & Resources | Find Education Schools If you frequently read science and technology magazines and are fascinated by strange plants and animals, a career in science education may be for you. If "inquiring minds need to know," describes your life perspective, teaching science will not only allow you to continuously explore the many realms of science but share that journey with others. Science Teacher Job Description
Where Can I Expect to Teach?As a science teacher with a BS, you can find work in a middle school or high school setting. If you have your MS or PhD, you may be considered for teaching at a collegiate level. Graduates with a science education degree may also find work in science museums, government institutions and private research entities. 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 lab area, 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. Compensation Break DownAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2007 the following full-time postsecondary positions earned these average annual salaries:
Although entry-level, primary and secondary positions may start at a lower rate, science teachers tend to make significantly higher salaries than the average teaching wage. 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. What Kind of Training Do I Need?To teach science at a middle or high school level, you'll need to earn a bachelor's or master's science education degree, or a degree in your field of science, as well as complete a teaching certification program. If you've already earned 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 by schools. 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. How Do I Get Certified?Although teacher certification requirements vary by 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. Mr. Wizard Charmed Us with ScienceDavid Letterman's first guest on the Late Show was a science teacher named Don Herbert, more famously known as Mr. Wizard. Letterman, like millions of other children in the 1950s, grew up watching Mr. Wizard perform all sorts of intriguing science experiments that explained how everyday things worked. Mr. Wizard is attributed with fostering an entire generation's fascination with chemistry sets and rocket science. Related Articles: |
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