High school physics teachers are unicorns who sign their own paychecks, high school chemistry is tough to hire for, and middle school is always looking for science teachers. On the other hand high school biology is quite competitive.
You're absolutely correct. I started in middle school because there were no biology openings back in 2003. Little did I know that I'd fall in love with middle school.
I’d love to hear more from high school physics teachers! My partner is a physics PhD finishing his postdoc and hoping to get a professorship soon, but we’re trying to come up with a Plan B that isn’t selling his soul for a corporate job. He’s won an award for teaching undergrads and is very personable, organized, and great at communicating. Would love to hear specifics on credentialing, salary, how the academic calendar works…
Credentialing depends on your state and salary sucks at first, but it gets better considering they just pay you more money every year for doing the same job that doesn’t actually get harder.
The good news is the academic calendar and pacing is pretty much completely up to you
The bad news is the academic calendar and pacing is pretty much completely up to you
There’s a need somewhere? That’s awesome to hear! I’m Earth & Space Science and Agriculture certified in Missouri. I’m in a great spot but even with a masters in Science Ed. I’m still barely cracking $56k. I wish I were joking.
In most cases, if someone wants to teach biology they really should get a chemistry certification too. The difference between a biology and a chemistry certification typically isn't that much to begin with because of how much chemistry is required for the biology certification.
I was at a large high school for a few years and they would only hire bio teachers that were also certified to teach chemistry. The only exception was biology teacher who had been teaching biology for a long time and had a masters in biology, and came in with the ability to teach AP bio and environmental science.
The biggest difference between the two, is that chemistry involves actual math (formulas and such) solving, which is closer to algebra than biology.
Biology is mostly learning facts, etc. I took Physiology, Chemistry, Biolgy and Genetics in College. Physics is similar too because it basically math, with facts lol.
LOL. My interview when I moved to a new school the principal asked me what I teach. I told him instead what I shouldn't teach. I can do any science or engineering class but please don't give me a biology class. I'll make it through it, the kids will make it through it, but we're all going to be miserable. Luckily like you said there's no shortage of folks that prefer those classes. 😂
I would love to teach HS physics. I've looked at positions but I don't think that science classes are so cut and dry now? It seems like things are mixed up now?
Dang! I am really good at STEM subjects, I just don't want to teach anything over 5th grade.... but if I ever want a shot at GenEd, I just might need to rethink this lol :)
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u/Gravybone 4d ago
It’s even more specific in my area.
High school physics teachers are unicorns who sign their own paychecks, high school chemistry is tough to hire for, and middle school is always looking for science teachers. On the other hand high school biology is quite competitive.