Take your coursework seriously. Even if you decide to pursue a different career, if you want to go to college, you will need to have good grades in order to get into the university you want. [2] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Some school districts begin with biology, then move on to chemistry and physics, while others offer physics first, and then move to the other sciences. Some high schools also offer advanced as well as introductory physics classes. You should also take as many English classes as you can in high school to improve your written and verbal communications skills; you may also want to consider a foreign language if you think you might like to teach in a foreign country.
Remember that you can always change your mind. If initially you wanted to be a high school physics teacher, but later decide you’d actually like to become a professor, you can always return to college to earn a higher degree.
This information should be available through your state board of education. You can find this by doing an internet search with the terms, “State Board of Education” and the name of your state. You can also talk with any teachers you know to see if they can give you any advice about becoming a teacher in your state.
Typically, your education coursework will include classes in general education theory and practical courses in teaching physics, concluding with either a single semester or 2 semesters of student teaching during your senior year. Most bachelor’s degree programs take about 4 years to complete. Some programs are structured so that you take your physics classes first and then your education classes, while others are structured so you take your physics and education classes at the same time. College classes in either technical writing or scientific writing may also be helpful to build on the English classes you took in high school.
Some universities will also accept master’s degree holders as professors of physics on a part-time or adjunct basis. Check the Board of Education website for the state or district in which you plan to teach to see whether and when you need to acquire your master’s degree to be a physics teacher.
You will need strong research skills to become a professor at a university as nearly all universities require their professors to publish their scientific findings on a regular basis. You may be able to teach at a university without a PhD, but your contract will likely be limited when it comes to opportunities for advancement. If you have a PhD, you can also teach at lower levels if you wish. For example, you may be a top candidate for positions at private or independent high schools.
Beware online certification programs. While there are likely some legitimate online certification options, chances are that if you simply search Google, you will come across some scams or other programs which promise certification, but do not hold the accreditation necessary to do so. If you are interested in online degrees or certification programs, be sure to consult with the board of education about what online programs are accredited.
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program offers lots of scholarship options to aspiring teachers. In addition, PhysTec offers a number of scholarships to students of physics. Many master’s and doctoral degree programs offer assistantships or other financial aid to students of their program. Be sure to look into what each program can offer you. Some programs require that you apply for the aid, so make sure that you include any required information with your application.
Be sure to include that you have been a tutor on your resume.
Student teaching will give you an opportunity to take everything you’ve learned and apply it under the guidance of a more experienced teacher. You will be required to plan lessons, teach, and answer questions in a real world environment.
An added advantage is that graduate assistantships are usually paid, so you will be able to earn a bit of extra money at the same time. If you are still an undergraduate student, but know that you would like to teach physics at the college level, then see if there are opportunities for undergraduate teaching assistantships.
Don’t be afraid to talk with the teacher who mentored you, especially if you got along well and were able to impress them. Let them know that you are ready to start your teaching career and are planning to submit an application to teach there.
Even if you have already found jobs you want to apply for, you can still visit career services to get help with improving your resume, practice interviewing skills, and extra help with writing cover letters.
Remember that you can always change careers. While it is certainly not easy, if the idea of teaching the same subject for 40 years scares you, remember that you can try something new if you really do get tired of teaching. If you enjoy talking about physics with others and have a real love for the subject, then you will probably make a great physics teacher.
Experienced teachers can give you a good idea about what to expect when it comes to teaching physics. However, remember that their advice is somewhat subjective. Try to talk to a few different teachers as you may stumble upon some teachers who have become really bitter about teaching for one reason or another.
You can advertise your tutoring by placing flyers with your name, phone number, and/or email near classrooms where physics is being taught. You can also place the flyers around your town where students typically hang out.
