Chemistry Teacher

<h2 id="section---IsTeachingChemistryForMe">Is Teaching Chemistry for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>As a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Whats_the_Job_Description_of_a_Chemistry_Teacher.html">chemistry teacher</a>, you'll teach chemistry-related topics, such as the properties and construction of matter, chemical reactions and organic compounds. At the middle and high school levels, you'll teach students the basics of <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Physical_Science/Chemistry_Sciences/Organic_Chemistry.html">organic chemistry</a>, inorganic chemistry, chemical analysis and chemical separation through a combination of lectures, coursework and lab experiments. At the college or university level, you may conduct research, submit findings to scholarly journals and solicit research grants, in addition to working with students. </p> <h3 id="section---SalaryAndEmploymentOutlook">Salary and Employment Outlook</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted 12% growth in the employment of middle school teachers between 2012 and 2022 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). <a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Chemistry_Teacher_Education_and_Career_FAQs.html">High school</a> teachers should experience growth of 6% during that same time period. Due to the high number of expected retirements and an increase in college enrollment during this time, the BLS predicted faster-than-average employment growth of 19% for professors. As of May 2013, middle school teachers earned an average salary of $56,630, while high school teachers earned $58,260. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_Chemistry_Professor.html">Chemistry professors</a> at the postsecondary level earned an average income of $83,330 per year, according to the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAChemistryTeacher">How Can I Become a Chemistry Teacher?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateEducation">Undergraduate Education</h3> <p>There are <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Degree_Programs_in_Chemistry_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">degree programs</a> at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as certificate programs, that can train you to teach chemistry. Many schools offer programs that allow you to earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a certificate in teaching through a combination of coursework in chemistry and education. These programs usually include a student teaching component where you'll gain first-hand experience working in a classroom. In most states, licensure requirements for middle and high school teachers include completion of a bachelor's program with education courses, a teaching experience and an exam. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>According to the BLS, a few states expect newly hired teachers to obtain a master's degree. Some schools offer master's programs designed for credentialed teachers. If you have a bachelor's degree in chemistry but lack teaching experience, there are also chemistry master's programs that can prepare you for licensure. Teaching at the college level typically requires a minimum of a master's degree. However, most university <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Education_is_Needed_for_College_Professors.html">professors</a> in this field hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry. </p> <h3 id="section---NecessarySkills">Necessary Skills</h3> <p>If you have a strong background in mathematics and science combined with a desire to share your knowledge with others, teaching chemistry may be a good career choice for you. To succeed in this field, you should have patience and good communication skills, as well as a strong understanding of chemical processes and laboratory safety procedures.</p>