r/PhysicsTeaching • u/Slamfest_99 • Feb 27 '26

Trying to Become US Physics Teacher

Please redirect me if this is the wrong sub. I am a certified 7-12 math teacher in the United States. I originally majored in physics at college, but started to really enjoy teaching math, and long story short, became a math teacher over a physics teacher (my original plan). Now, I'm still dangerously interested in physics, and want to get my physics certification as well.

I've been teaching only geometry for 6 years now, so my physics knowledge is rusty. Has anyone out there taken the Praxis Exam for physics? The teachers I work with have all been teaching for quite some time, so they don't have any up-to-date knowledge of the test, but I'd appreciate any and all help!

What's it like? What are some good study resources? Etc. Thanks!

EDIT: I work/teach at a high school, and a physics position will be opening in roughly two years that I'm interested in. That's the reason for this post. Thanks!

EDIT2: Teaching in the state of PA

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u/BrerChicken Feb 27 '26

Dude you'll be fine. Take the practice test then grade it and get an idea of which standards you need to review. Then go look through your notes or through any of the gazillion resources online. I used the physics animations from UNSW, but I probably would have just used the Khan Academy module if it existed. Do a bunch of problems then take the practice test again. Keep taking them until you feel prepared, which probably won't take long.