Becoming an educator is a calling. Teaching is a challenging profession that not only requires considerable subject knowledge, but patience and pedagogical skills to keep learning interesting and fun for the next generation. In some cases, teachers make less income than they would make working in the private sector or business. However, those that are committed to the profession understand that it is the right career for them.
Chemistry teachers can count themselves among a very unique group of educators. Their knowledge is highly specialized, and essential for fields that include engineering, medicine, manufacturing, environmental science, government, and so much more. Chemistry majors often come from programs that are highly competitive to get into, and even more challenging to find success in due to the stressors of the program.
So why would someone with a background knowledge choose to get into teaching? Let's look at the top reasons to become a chemistry teacher.
As challenging as chemistry teaching may be, it is one of the most fun and rewarding professions. Learn how you can start your career pathway as a chemistry teacher.
Top Reasons to Become a Chemistry Teacher or Tutor
1. You Love Presenting and Sharing Knowledge
If you have a natural love for learning and sharing information and ideas with others, teaching is probably the right profession for you. Chemistry teachers not only get to spend their days sharing the subject and discipline they love, they also get to dream up creative ways to do so. Perhaps you love the idea demonstrating cool chemical reactions through labs, creating games to help students memorize scientific facts, or leading experiential learning activities through field trips. Science and chemistry teachers have some of the best subject matter to teach.
2. You Want to Make a Difference in the World
Teachers make a big difference in the world - and that's not just a worn out cliche. As an educator, you are influencing the next generation of scientists and thinkers, and inspiring them to do the important work of innovating scientific inquiry. Teachers are critical to building the future, and the work they do to get kids to become scientists is important to society as a whole. We need more chemists and scientists to perform research, create new products and medicines, and even carry the torch of teaching. As a teacher, you may not only help a child discover their passion, but lead them down a pathway where they may be saving lives or developing a miraculous invention.
3. Have a Career with Stability and Lots of Great Perks
Teachers often enjoy one of the most stable careers, particularly if they work in a publicly funded system. Teachers are generally needed in nearly every community and province, and have plenty of international options should they desire to live elsewhere. Teachers also get to enjoy fantastic summer and winter holidays, a time during which you can get much needed rest, make extra income, or prepare for the year ahead.
Being an educator is an excellent role for those who do not want to work a typical 9-5 job. So what kinds of careers are available for science educators? Learn more about what experiences you need to prepare for a role as a chemistry teacher.
Where Can You Teach Lessons in Chemistry?
There are a number of contexts in which you can teach chemistry lessons both in and outside of schools. For those whose goal it is to become an educator, the best way to teach chemistry exclusively is to become a secondary school or high school teacher. This is the optimal environment for teachers who aren't interested in teaching other subjects, or have a very strong preference for science. Secondary school is the only level of education in most public school systems where chemistry is taught as a standalone subject for students in the older grades. However, you may have to teach another subject alongside chemistry, or a different subject altogether, when you are starting out. As you gain more experience and seniority, it may become easier to get a teaching package that is chemistry only.
You can teach chemistry to younger children in schools as well, though chemistry is typically learned as part of a broader science program. As an elementary teacher, you will also likely teach other subjects in addition to chemistry, such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Art.
If higher learning is your preference, you can always teach chemistry at the college or university level. To teach in these contexts, you will need to have a graduate degree such as a Masters or a PhD. You will not only be engaged with teaching science, but conducting academic research to advance knowledge in the field.
There are lots of career options in the sciences, such as being a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, scientist, or researcher, but getting these jobs can be tough for a variety of reasons. Is chemistry teaching the right option for you?
What are Some Alternative Ways to Teach Chemistry Lessons?
An alternative is to teach science in a private learning centre or school, or a community science center. Classes at private schools and centres are offered to students that pay for their learning. Classes may occur on a regular basis, or may be taught in the context of a school where you are a guest speaker. Sometimes these organizations offer science or chemistry themed birthday parties, which is great if you enjoy working with kids but do not want a full time commitment.
If you work at a science centre, you might perform demonstrations to the general public, or run sessions for field trips for schools. These jobs are excellent if you want to work in a fun, fast paced environment with unique resources and theatre style labs.
Tutoring
Finally, you could always work as a Chemistry tutor - this is an excellent option if you are already working full time or are looking to get started in science education. As a chemistry tutor, your work may involve helping students individually to succeed in their science classes, typically at the secondary or university level. You will help them review new learning, prepare for tests and exams, and offer feedback and support on assessments like assignments and projects. Tutoring is a great option because you can work for as much or as little as you want, during hours that align with your schedule. You can work with students safely in person at their homes or in a library, or take the option of tutoring virtually, which we will explore next.
While it is often assumed that chemistry and science majors go on to work in laboratories or as scientists, the reality is that many of these students also choose to pursue teaching. Find out more about becoming a chemistry educator.
Can You Be a Chemistry Tutor Online?
Online teaching has become a popular option in recent years. It is convenient and effective for both teachers and students, particularly for one-to-one or small group engagement. Teaching online, however, can have its challenges: some times students are not engaged, or you may find it hard to demonstrate laboratory concepts or tools in a virtual environment. To be an effective online tutor of chemistry, you will want to have a good camera and internet connection, a document camera, and knowledge of how to use different online platforms to engage your learners and check their knowledge.
Make sure you do your research to learn what pedagogical strategies work best, and with time and practice you can be an effective virtual science teacher!
While many chemistry students may imagine themselves working in a lab throughout their career, the reality is that they have many options to choose from. Learn more about chemistry educator careers.
How does a Chemistry Tutor Find Work?
Finding work as a chemistry tutor is easy thanks to Superprof Canada. Superprof Canada is a site where teachers and tutors can promote their services to students across Canada. The site is easy to use, and will provide you with all the marketing support you need so that potential clients can find you online.
Tutors can get started by goint to the site and signing up. You can post a photo of yourself on your profile, along with a background or bio that describes your academic background and qualifications as a tutor. You should also post the rates of pay yo are willing to work at, and the hours of availabilityyou have. Prospective students and their families can then explore your profile and contact you directly through the site if you are a good fit for their needs. If you can teach other subjects than chemistry, such as science, geography, or mathematics, it is highly recommended that you share these skills as well so you can get a wide range of client interest.
How Much Does a Teacher or Tutor for Chemistry Work?
A chemistry teacher working in a school will typically work 6-8 hours a day: this covers teaching, planning, assessment, and any other activities associated with the job. As a chemistry teacher, you will also have to be part of staff meetings and professional learniing sessions. Most schools in Canada run from September to June, leaving the beautiful summer months for you to enjoy or seek an additional stream of income. You will also get school holidays off - which is a huge incentive if you have or want to have a family of your own!
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