Physics Is Becoming a High School Physics Teacher Right for Me?

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Luke is considering a career change from grad school in physics to becoming a high school physics teacher, despite lacking a formal educational background in teaching. He is exploring the possibility of obtaining an education license and is seeking advice on the process. Participants in the discussion suggest that he might qualify for an alternative certification due to his physics degree and recommend checking local school districts for opportunities, such as substitute teaching. There is a note that many high schools may not have dedicated physics teachers, which could require flexibility in teaching other science subjects. The conversation also touches on financial considerations, with inquiries about scholarships for alternative certification programs and the potential for private schools to hire without formal credentials. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of exploring various teaching avenues and the potential benefits of gaining practical experience in the classroom.
Cluelessluke
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Hey there! My name is Luke and I got my bachelors in BS Physics last year (along with a math minor). I am enrolled in grad school but I'm starting to feel it might not be for me. So I'm trying to think of career alternatives. What sounds very interesting and rewarding is becoming a high school physics teacher.

However, I have no educational background (besides TAing undergraduate physics labs). So, I would need to go back to school and get my education license.

I'm saying all this because I'm curious if anyone has had any experience with this whole going back to school to get an education license and/or having a grad school "falling out". Any advice or personal experiences related to this would be greatly GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much for your time!

Luke
 
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You can probably get an alt-cert for teaching physics if you have the undergrad degree, and leave grad school with a masters.

You should also keep in mind that many high schools no longer have a dedicated physics teacher, but instead a general science teacher. Would you be happy teaching biology? Chemistry? I'd suggest contacting your local district, and seeing if you can pick up some shifts as a substitute.
 
Why do you suggest leaving with a masters? Is it hard to get an alt-cert with a PhD? Or maybe high schools will feel you're overqualified with a PhD?

As long as the school doesn't mind that I have little Biology/Chemistry experience, I wouldn't mind teaching them as long as I also get to teach physics :)

Also, are there scholarships that exist with alt-cert so I wouldn't have to pay as much out of pocket to get that certification?
 
Also keep in mind that many private schools do not require teaching certification. I, for one, very much want to teach math and physics in high school, AND I have no intention whatsoever of getting a teaching credential.
 

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