Science Teacher
Lisa Cirks
Education
Bachelor’s degree
In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
Job Description
- They generally work school hours when students are present, and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers.
- Most do not work during the summer.
- They help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult lessons they will learn in high school.
- Preparing and delivering ability- and age-appropriate curricula
- Demonstrating hands-on activities prior to assignment
- Assigning homework, including supplemental reading and science projects
- Evaluating student performance on tests, reports and lab activities
- Collaborating with other teachers, staff, students and parents to support student progress
- Staying current on the latest technology and scientific discoveries
- Coordinating school science fairs
- Mentoring students and preparing them for science competitions
Salary
- Average: $51,960 per year
- Environmental science teachers: $75,050
- Mathematical science teachers: $66,680
- Chemistry teachers: $70,960
- Physics teacher: $77,540
Job site
Middle school teachers work in public and private schools.
Job outlook
Employment of middle school teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of both declines in student–teacher ratios and increases in enrollment.