What Qualifications are Needed to Become a Science Teacher?

In a 2007 article titled "Higher Pay Urged to Fight Dearth of Math and Science Teachers," Washington Post writer Michael Alison Chandler wrote about "a projected shortfall of...math and science teachers across the country by 2015." Qualifications are specific but within range of many people.

Bachelor's Degree

An individual must have a bachelor's degree in a scientific field such as chemistry or biology, or she must have a bachelor's degree in a different subject and at least 30 science credits.

Subject Test

Potential teachers must demonstrate content knowledge by passing their state's required subject-specific tests. For example, New Jersey requires physics majors to pass the physics and Basic Science Praxis II tests before applying for certification.

Student Teaching or Alternate Route

Science teachers must complete a teacher education or alternate route program, which involves supervised teaching in a science classroom.

Teacher's Certificate

Teachers must obtain a science teaching certificate by completing an application and submitting transcripts and test results to the state's Department of Education.

Fingerprints and Background Check

A certified science teacher must undergo and pass fingerprinting and a background check before officially being hired by a school district.

References

• "Higher Pay Urged to Fight Dearth of Math and Science Teachers"
• New Jersey: Praxis Test Requirements
• Degree Directory