Science Teaching Careers

Those majoring in education or science may want to consider a career as a science teacher. Careers in science teaching vary widely according to the type of the school or organization and the age of the students involved. Science teachers do not have to work in public or private schools; they can become museum docents, museum education directors, education directors at lab and tech companies, professional grant writers, writers of educational materials, and science education program coordinators. Science teachers are in demand, which means that the U.S. job outlook is good in an unstable economy.

Teaching in K-12 Schools

Educators of science can work in K-12 settings with more specialization in science in the upper grades. Once individuals gain experience as K-12 science teachers, they can become science curriculum coordinators, department heads, and science curriculum consultants.

An undergraduate degree in science can be accompanied by education courses to lead to certification in a particular state, or candidates can receive an education degree and take supplemental science courses. While not required, many secondary science teachers specialize in one particular area of science (environmental, biological, physical) in their degree programs while also taking education courses. In order to teach in a K-12 public school, teachers must also have the proper certification and licensing, which varies from state to state.

Other Teaching Opportunities

Adults interested in other teaching careers at museums or other facilities may receive degrees in museum education with supplemental training in science. Those who wish to teach at the college or university level will need specialized science degrees; adult education or teaching methods courses are generally not required but are considered helpful.

Shortage

According to the College Board, one crisis in the American education system is the low numbers of undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science. As a result, there is also a shortage of science teachers. The National Academy of Science has offered several recommendations for remedying the problem, including offering an increased number of scholarships and fellowships in order to entice more undergraduates to study science in order to fill the vast career shortages in most areas of science.

The shortage of science teachers has forced some school districts across the United States to allow for flexible hiring practices. In order to employ more science teachers, some states are allowing individuals with science degrees to receive temporary certification to fulfill the need. Those with probationary or temporary certification have a grace period in which to meet "permanent" certification requirements by taking courses, taking content exams, and attending professional development seminars.

Professional Organizations

Science teachers can join professional organizations, form professional learning groups, and read academic journals to stay in touch with the latest research in both science and science education. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has a variety of opportunities for new or veteran teachers to continue their educations with degree programs or gain specialized knowledge through a workshop or conference. Additionally, organizations such as the National Science Foundation award grants to teachers to further their educations, participate in internships, or involve their students in special projects. Ongoing professional development is an important part of teaching careers, and there are many different science foundations and organizations that are willing to provide academic, financial or network support.

Job Outlook and Salary

Teachers will have increased job opportunities over the next several years, with above-average openings in rural and urban schools. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a shortage of science teachers means more opportunities for those becoming science teachers.

Salaries for K-12 teachers vary widely according to experience, location and need. However, most teachers in these settings have many opportunities to increase their earnings. By advancing their educations, completing district salary ladder requirements and sponsoring extracurricular activities, teachers can make higher salaries than the average.

Pay for private school teachers tends to be lower than that of K-12 public school teachers, while postsecondary jobs in colleges and universities typically pay about 20 to 30% more than jobs in K-12 public education.

References

• The College Board: Science Teachers
• National Science Teachers Association
• Inside Higher Ed: Calling all Science Teachers

Resources

• The College Board: Teachers and the Uncertain American Future