Many science and chemistry students are drawn to the prospect of a career in education. Education is one of the most popular to build a career, especially if you enjoy working with people, are drawn to academics, are creative, and enjoy sharing and presenting information. Being an educator is an excellent role for those who do not want to work a typical 9-5 job in an office and be at a desk all day. So what kinds of careers are available for science educators? And how do you prepare to work in the education field?
Which Careers Are for Science Educators?
Science Teacher
The first and most obvious career choice for a science educator is to teach in an elementary or secondary school. As a school teacher, you play a key role in building the next generation of scientists, using your subject knowledge and creativity to support kids in developing a love for the sciences. Furthermore, you help students to develop valuable inquiry, writing, and research skills that will benefit them in a wide range of professions.
Institutional Instructor
Another role you can assume as a science educator is to work in a public instutition such as a library, zoo, science centre, or museum. In this role, you may find yourself designing and implementing programs for children and adults. For example, at a science centre, you may take a role doing demonstrations for visitors, performing a lab, or presenting information to those exploring a particular exhibit. Some science educators work for private education companies, running science themed school presentations or special events.
Professor or Academic
Finally, another possibility many science graduates consider is to become an academic and teach in a university or college. This is the highest level of science education you can teach: in most cases, you will be teaching advanced level students. This is an excellent role if you want to continue doing research in the science field. As a professor, part of your role is to advance knowledge and research in the field.
Chemistry teachers are a very unique group. Their knowledge is essential for fields that include engineering, medicine, manufacturing, and government. Learn more about becoming a chemistry educator or tutor!
How do I Prepare for a Career as a Science Educator?
Now that you have a sense of what careers are like for science educators, you may be wondering how to prepare for one. The reality is that it takes years of study to earn the qualifications to be a science educator. Let's do a quick run down of what it takes to prepare for each science educator role.
To become a school teacher or work in a public institution, you will need to first earn your science degree. If you want to work in a secondary school, having multiple teachable subjects is important. For example, Chemistry and Mathematics are good combination because you will be well equipped to teach those subjects. Once you have your undergraduate degree, you can apply to a faculty of education to earn your Bachelor of Education. Bachelor of Education programs typically last 1-2 years. You will learn how to become an effective teacher, and gain experience practice teaching at a local school board. You will also get to know the curriculum of instruction in your province.
To become a professor, you will need to push your education to the highest level and earn a doctorate in your area of choice. Earning a doctorate degree will mean that you must write and defend a dissertation based on research you have completed over a number of years.
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.
Where Can I Learn How to Plan Lessons in Chemistry and Science?
Teaching science can feel very different than learning a subject or performing your own research. This is because teaching is not only about the knowing subject, but how to effectively share that knowledge to another person or group of people. You must have a solid understanding of what pedagogical strategies work, and how to assess whether or not the learner has retained the knowledge and can apply it.
When you attend a faculty of education to earn your teaching qualification, you will learn some strategies for teaching science effectively. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will be developing and evolving your pedagogical skills long into your career. You will likely find that being in the throes of teaching is the best way to learn how to do it: you will see what works, what does not work, and what you can do to enhance your practice.
Until you enter a classroom, and perhaps even while you teach, there are some other great ways you can learn how be an effective teacher. Here is a list of some of the ways.
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?
Engage in Professional Learning
While professional learning is often seen as an activity to pursue when you already have a job, you can certainly access books and content about science teaching before entering a classroom. Look for science education conferences near you, check out free webinars and workshops online, or simply pick up a book on pedagogy at your local bookstore or on Amazon.
Explore Science Teacher Videos
Teachers have completely infiltrated social media spaces, posting teaching related videos and content on their profiles and on YouTube. You will find plenty of great ideas and examples of science lessons and activities for kids!
Watch another Teacher's Chemistry Lessons
Learning from experienced teachers are one of the best ways to develop your practice. There are plenty of teachers in your area that will happily model strong pedagogical practices in the chemistry classroom, and show you how they manage their class while teaching new scientific concepts. Get started by volunteering at a local high school and connecting with the chemistry or science team to see if you can do an in-class observation or help out in their classroom. Volunteering in a school is also a great experience to share on an application for university or teacher's college!
How Does Becoming a Tutor for Chemistry Help My Career?
Another way to gain insight and valuable experience as an educator is to become a chemistry tutor. As a chemistry tutor, you do not have to have a formal teaching qualification. Extended learning and training in the subject is often enough, especially if you are tutoring students that are younger than you are. Of course, you do not have to teach chemistry exclusively - you may also want to offer tutoring services to elementary aged children or in other subjects you enjoy to ensure you get clients and teaching experience!
What does a tutor do? A tutor works with individuals or small groups to review learning and practice applying new concepts in science, math, language, or literally any subject. A tutor may help students prepare for tests and exams, and provide scaffolding and support for major assessments.
Becoming a tutor will help you get started in educator career because you will get a sense of what it means to teach others, in a much lower risk environment than a whole class. Tutoring others will also enable you to develop an understanding of your local curriculum, particularly if you are tutoring elementary or high school students. You will also have a practical, education related experience to share on your resume!
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.
Are Chemistry Tutors Hired Often?
Chemistry tutors are hired often for older students in the senior years of secondary school or in university or college. The reason is simply that these are the ages in which most students take classes exclusively in chemistry.
To find work as a chemistry tutor, look no further than Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects students and tutors by creating an easy way for tutors to post their profiles and for students to browse them. As a tutor, you can sign up for an account on Superprof to share your bio, explain the services you are offering, and what your rate of pay is. Prospective clients or their families can contact you directly through the site to see if you are the right fit.
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.
Can I Become a Chemistry Tutor Online?
Yes - you can absolutely become a chemistry tutor online! In fact, virtual tutoring has become a highly popular mode of learning. Tutors and students can work together from the comfort of their own home, using screensharing and other virtual tools. Another great benefit of online tutoring is that you can work with clients in any area of Canada.
Why delay! Start tutoring with Superprof today.
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