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What does a biology teacher do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones
What does a biology teacher do

A biology teacher specializes in teaching biology to students at learning institutions. Their duties consist of developing lesson and assessment plans, preparing teaching materials such as handouts and presentations, conducting tests and examinations, grading the students' papers and homework, and monitoring their academic progress and behavior. They must also organize laboratory activities and demonstrations, supervise the students in various procedures, and implement the laboratory rules and regulations to maintain a safe and effective learning environment for everyone.

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Biology teacher responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real biology teacher resumes:

  • Plan and instruct human anatomy & physiology, genetics, and biology courses
  • Design and instruct the following courses: biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology lab.
  • Revise plans for ESL and students with learning disabilities.
  • Help ESL students with their English and writing papers.
  • Involve in after school tutoring of mathematics for state standardize test.
  • Provide accommodations for students that have IEP's, and other learning barriers.
  • Collaborate with RSP teachers to comply with IEP accommodations and attend IEP meetings.
  • Develop a rigorous lab curriculum through the use of molecular and microbiological techniques, including DNA extraction and gram staining.
  • Prepare and deliver hands-on investigations that facilitate active learning in an outdoor setting to students k-12.
  • Coach UIL high school science and 6th grade soccer team.

Biology teacher skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Biology Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, Science Curriculum, and Student Learning. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Physical stamina.

We break down the percentage of Biology Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Classroom Management, 13%

    Provided on-site professional development training to biology teachers on classroom management and teaching strategies.

  • Science Curriculum, 7%

    Developed a consumer science curriculum for academically challenged students.

  • Student Learning, 7%

    Designed and implemented biology curriculum* Manage classroom: monitored student learning and behavior* Developed supportive relationships with students

  • Public Schools, 6%

    Credit Diploma Program, Newington Public Schools

  • Lab Experiments, 5%

    Develop appropriate and engaging curricula Create plans for students to follow during lab experiments and dissection

  • Learning Environment, 5%

    Developed a welcoming learning environment with a classroom culture that promoted scientific curiosity.

Common skills that a biology teacher uses to do their job include "classroom management," "science curriculum," and "student learning." You can find details on the most important biology teacher responsibilities below.

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a biology teacher to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "teachers must share ideas with their students, other teachers, and school administrators and staff." Biology teachers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "enforce discipline through effective classroom management and parent communication. "

Patience. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling biology teacher duties is patience. The role rewards competence in this skill because "high school teachers must stay calm in difficult situations, such as when students struggle with material." According to a biology teacher resume, here's how biology teachers can utilize patience in their job responsibilities: "helped meet educational goals through clear expectations and patience in biology and life science. "

See the full list of biology teacher skills

The three companies that hire the most biology teachers are:

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Compare different biology teachers

Biology teacher vs. Teacher and coach

English language teachers are in charge of establishing a classroom setting that advance in each student the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They assist in the development and recognition of fine literature of all types, inspire students to read extensively for information and recreation, and develop guidelines for analytical judgment of written and oral communication. Also, they attend to students' exceptional needs as well as find out and develop their special talents.

The annual salary of teacher and coaches is $3,308 lower than the average salary of biology teachers.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between biology teachers and teacher and coaches are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like classroom management, student learning, and public schools.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a biology teacher are more likely to require skills like "science curriculum," "lab experiments," "learning environment," and "mentoring students." On the other hand, a job as a teacher and coach requires skills like "math," "girls basketball," "varsity football," and "student athletes." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Teacher and coaches really shine in the education industry with an average salary of $48,513. Comparatively, biology teachers tend to make the most money in the education industry with an average salary of $51,188.The education levels that teacher and coaches earn slightly differ from biology teachers. In particular, teacher and coaches are 4.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a biology teacher. Additionally, they're 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Biology teacher vs. English language arts teacher

A language arts teacher is responsible for teaching the English language to the students, improving their written and oral English communication by sharing the best practices, conducting engaging lesson plans, assigning group activities, and providing comprehensive educational materials. Language arts teachers strictly adhere to the learning curriculum, as well as monitoring the students' progress through individual evaluation, identifying their areas of improvement, and adjust learning strategies to address the difficulties. They also encourage the students to attend workshops, programs, and other extracurricular activities relating to the subject matter.

English language arts teacher positions earn lower pay than biology teacher roles. They earn a $3,238 lower salary than biology teachers per year.A few skills overlap for biology teachers and english language arts teachers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "classroom management," "student learning," and "public schools. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that biology teacher responsibilities requires skills like "science curriculum," "lab experiments," "professional development," and "mentoring students." But an english language arts teacher might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "language arts," "language," "english language," and "literature."

English language arts teachers may earn a lower salary than biology teachers, but english language arts teachers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $47,098. On the other hand, biology teachers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $51,188.In general, english language arts teachers achieve similar levels of education than biology teachers. They're 3.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for biology teachers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

Technology in the next 3-5 years -- That is a tough question because technology is continually changing. However, I would say whatever learning system their school provides (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), they should get to know. Also, the technology that involves making/editing videos of teaching would be necessary. The technique that includes exercise, fitness, sports such as heart rate monitors, Fitbits, etc. Finally, a technology that allows interactions between teachers and students and students and students.

Biology teacher vs. 8th grade teacher

On average, 8th grade teachers earn lower salaries than biology teachers, with a $458 difference per year.By looking over several biology teachers and 8th grade teachers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "classroom management," "student learning," and "public schools." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, biology teachers are more likely to have skills like "science curriculum," "lab experiments," "professional development," and "mentoring students." But a 8th grade teacher is more likely to have skills like "math," "language arts," "kids," and "mathematics curriculum."

8th grade teachers make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $49,733. On the other hand, biology teachers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $51,188.When it comes to education, 8th grade teachers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to biology teachers. In fact, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Biology teacher vs. Language arts teacher

Language arts teachers tend to earn a higher pay than biology teachers by an average of $248 per year.While their salaries may vary, biology teachers and language arts teachers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "classroom management," "student learning," and "public schools. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A biology teacher uses "science curriculum," "lab experiments," "professional development," and "mentoring students." Language arts teachers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "literature," "grammar," "language," and "learning process. "language arts teachers enjoy the best pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $48,676. For comparison, biology teachers earn the highest salary in the education industry.In general, language arts teachers hold similar degree levels compared to biology teachers. Language arts teachers are 1.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of biology teacher

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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