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What is a chemistry/biology teacher and how to become one
While most science teachers aren't quite like Ms. Frizzle, the right science teacher can spark a lifelong passion in their students. A chemistry/biology teacher is a teacher who likes science so much that they specialized in two sciences, chemistry and biology. They teach their students all about the natural world and the chemical processes that power it.
Most chemistry/biology teachers work in high schools. They prepare lesson plans and lecture students on concepts in chemistry and biology. They also design easy experiments and supervise students in the lab as they take their first steps with hands-on science. Chemistry/biology teachers are often responsible for preparing students for any standardized tests they have to take at the end of the year.
Chemistry/biology teachers need similar qualifications to all other teachers. They often have a bachelor's or even a master's degree in their subject area and a license to teach from their state. As full-time teachers, they earn on average $54,984 a year. Above all, chemistry/biology teachers need to be passionate about helping students and patient enough to work with kids of all abilities and needs.
What general advice would you give to a chemistry/biology teacher?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $57,373
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.45%
Asian 3.58%
Black or African American 8.01%
Hispanic or Latino 11.66%
Unknown 3.97%
White 72.32%
Genderfemale 57.98%
male 42.02%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Chemistry/biology teacher career paths
Key steps to become a chemistry/biology teacher
Explore chemistry/biology teacher education requirements
Start to develop specific chemistry/biology teacher skills
Skills Percentages Classroom Management 29.34% Science Curriculum 9.25% Instructional Materials 8.61% Lab Experiments 8.34% Classroom Environment 7.19% Complete relevant chemistry/biology teacher training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New chemistry/biology teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a chemistry/biology teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real chemistry/biology teacher resumes.Research chemistry/biology teacher duties and responsibilities
- Design skill-appropriate math and literacy focuse lesson plans and supportive tools.
- Develop and implement of interactive and hands-on science curriculum.
Prepare your chemistry/biology teacher resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your chemistry/biology teacher resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a chemistry/biology teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable chemistry/biology teacher resume templates
Build a professional chemistry/biology teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your chemistry/biology teacher resume.
Apply for chemistry/biology teacher jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a chemistry/biology teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first chemistry/biology teacher job
Are you a chemistry/biology teacher?
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Average chemistry/biology teacher salary
The average chemistry/biology teacher salary in the United States is $57,373 per year or $28 per hour. Chemistry/biology teacher salaries range between $39,000 and $83,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do chemistry/biology teachers rate their job?
Chemistry/biology teacher reviews
Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days
Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance
Ability to share knowledge and guide students in learning new things.
Some students' non-challant attitude towards learning.
The pedagogical autonomy. Teaching is an art and every year is (and should be) different. I recreate goals, programs and targets according to the needs of the students each year. Maine is an incredible place to teach as it doesn't require 3 page (or more lesson plans for each day. The admins are supportive and teachers are encouraged to improve and change their craft as needed.
The stress and absence of financial support are hard. I spend far too much of my own money buying notebooks because the families think I should. The lack of community support wears you down. The inflexible expectations of upper admin. The endless testing and the unrealistic demands and canned programs that do NOTHING to help students from financial and socio-economically challenged areas succeed.
Updated January 8, 2025
