Understanding the nature and purpose of the universe expands our perspectives and allows us to see things in a new way. You should consider becoming a teacher in physics if you are interested in helping young people understand energy, matter, and the forces that keep everything together.
Physics can be difficult to learn and teach. It requires mastery of mathematics as well as a deep understanding of scientific principles. Its importance is growing in an age when science educators are needed because of the discoveries that can lead to new life-changing technologies, such as curing disease and creating sustainable energy products.
This guide will help you get a feel for what it takes to be a physics teacher. It includes the education required, expected income, and pros and con of this type of work. You can browse the article or click the links below to jump to the information you need.
A quick overview: Physics teachers
| Physics teacher in high school | Teacher of physics at a community college | Professor of Physics at a 4-year college or university | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum education | Master’s preferred; Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree; doctorate preferred | Doctorate |
| Annual income | $57,200 (BLS) $55,114 (Glassdoor.com) $49,593 (PayScale.com) $43,350 (SalaryGenius.com) $57,659 (Salary.com) |
$93,950 (BLS) $50,710 (Glassdoor.com) $44,200 (Salary.Genius.com) $56,483 (AAUP) |
$93,950 (BLS) $99,130 (Salary.com) $44,200 (Salary.Genius.com) $56,483 (AAUP) |
Job description for Physics teacher
Physics teachers assist their students in exploring the interplay between mass, energy, and gravity. Calculus and higher math are essential to understanding the principles behind physics. This makes it one the most difficult disciplines to learn. According to the Cornell University Physics Teacher Education Coalition, all that hard work and knowledge can pay off in the classroom. Physics teachers report high levels of job satisfaction.
There are many opportunities to teach physics in high schools, colleges, universities, and professional schools. Private tutors and online tutors are also options for physics teachers.
There is a high demand for physics teachers in the United States and around the world. This allows them to be more flexible than other technical professionals. You may also be qualified to lecture in physics or do research if you are certified to teach it.
Physics teachers can not only teach physics in the classroom, but they can also lead experiments, create clubs, and guide through competitions like the Team America Rocketry Challenge or the Science Olympiad.
Who is a good teacher of physics?
Someone who is:
- Creative, curious, and inquisitive
- Comfortable with higher math
- Easy to get along with and social
- Passionate about connecting to students
- Be patient and be resourceful
- Time management is important.
- Devoted to learning
- Attentive to details
- Service-oriented
- Capable of laughing and having a sense humor
- Be open to interacting with people of different backgrounds
- Excellent in oral and written communication
- Expertise in the physical sciences
- A master’s degree is required in an education-related or physical science field to qualify.
Different types of Physics Teachers
It all depends on the type of employment you choose to pursue, whether it is high school, community college, or university. Let’s look at each career path in greater detail.
Physics teachers for high school
Teenagers in high school physics classes are taught the subject by high school physics teachers at both public and private schools.
Continue reading for more information about high school physics teachers
Instructors in physics at community colleges
Community college physics instructors are physics teachers who teach the subject at two year colleges.
Continue reading for more information about community college physics instructors
Four-year universities and colleges have Physics Professors
Professors of physics teach at four-year colleges or universities. They also conduct research and publish books and papers.
Continue reading for more information about university-level professors of physics
For physics teachers, professional development
You should seriously consider becoming a teacher of physics if you want to make a career out of it. An organization such as the American Physical Society or Institute of Physics can help you get involved. A professional association like the American Association of Physics Teachers is also available. These associations will keep you informed about the latest developments in physics as well as provide networking opportunities.
Consider pursuing a career as a teacher of physics if you are just starting out in your education. It will give you valuable experience that will allow you to get a job.
Benefits of continuing education
A master’s or doctorate in physics education is a good option to become a teacher of physics at any level. Although you might be able to teach high school physics with a basic degree, most jobs in physics education or research require an advanced degree.
Teaching physics is not the only job for Physics teachers
Physics teachers can become instructional coordinators, assistant principals and principals with additional education or certification.
Librarian A master’s degree is required in library science (MLS). Some states require librarians to pass a standard test.
Instructional Coordinator: In order to be an instructional coordinator, they will need to have a master’s in a subject such as curriculum and instruction. They may also require a teaching license or education administrator license.
You can become an academic advisor at the college/university or K-12 levels by obtaining a master’s degree.
Education consultant Physics teachers can be education consultants if there are challenges in their school or education system. An advanced degree in education is a must.
Education Policy Analyst: Physics teachers can become policy analysts by obtaining an advanced degree in a related field. This allows them to examine the big picture issues that affect education across the country.
School principal Physics teachers who want to be school principals should seriously consider obtaining a master’s degree. Many states require school administrators to also be licensed for public school principals.
Educational administrator: It may be necessary to have a bachelor’s, master’s, or both depending on the job. A master’s or doctorate in education leadership may be required for higher-ranking positions such as president or dean.
The best of the internet: Our favorite blogs, websites, and Twitter accounts for physics teachers
It’s easy to keep in touch with prominent physics educators and scholars via the internet. Below is a list with links to our favourite websites and Twitter accounts, in no particular order.