Is Becoming a High School Physics Teacher Right for Me?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and experiences related to becoming a high school physics teacher, particularly for individuals with a background in physics but limited educational training. Participants explore the pathways to obtaining teaching certification, the realities of teaching positions in high schools, and the implications of educational qualifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Luke expresses interest in transitioning from grad school to becoming a high school physics teacher, seeking advice on obtaining an education license.
  • One participant suggests that Luke might pursue an alternative certification (alt-cert) for teaching physics, potentially leaving grad school with a master's degree.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of leaving grad school for a master's, wondering if having a PhD might complicate obtaining an alt-cert or lead to being viewed as overqualified by high schools.
  • Concerns are raised about the prevalence of general science teachers in high schools, prompting a discussion about the willingness to teach subjects like biology or chemistry alongside physics.
  • One participant notes that many private schools do not require teaching certification, indicating an alternative pathway for teaching without formal credentials.
  • Questions arise regarding the availability of scholarships for obtaining alt-certification to alleviate financial burdens.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessity of teaching certification and the implications of educational qualifications. There is no consensus on the best path forward for transitioning into teaching, as multiple competing views remain regarding certification requirements and teaching opportunities.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the lack of clarity around the requirements for teaching certification, the variability in high school staffing, and the potential financial implications of pursuing alt-certification. Specific assumptions about educational pathways and job market conditions are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change to high school teaching, particularly those with a background in physics or related fields, may find this discussion relevant.

Cluelessluke
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Physics Is undergrad research REALLY that big on grad school applications?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Physics Need to consider my options
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Physics Is returning to school sensible for me?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
6K
Physics Grad School (and career) Work-Life Balance: Physics vs Other Fields
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Physics Lost undergrad looking for advice on career path and grad school
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Job Skills How do you become a physics teacher in highschool or gymnasium school?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Job Skills Physics Careers: Expectations vs. Reality
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Physics Going back to grad school after having finished all classes
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Physics Experimental undergrad research in SOP for theoretical grad research?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Physics [Nuclear Experiment vs Nuclear Theory] [National Lab/General Outlook]
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K