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Physics teacher vs social studies teacher

The differences between physics teachers and social studies teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a physics teacher and a social studies teacher. Additionally, a physics teacher has an average salary of $54,119, which is higher than the $49,725 average annual salary of a social studies teacher.

The top three skills for a physics teacher include classroom management, student learning and instructional materials. The most important skills for a social studies teacher are classroom management, world history, and curriculum development.

Physics teacher vs social studies teacher overview

Physics TeacherSocial Studies Teacher
Yearly salary$54,119$49,725
Hourly rate$26.02$23.91
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs68,09894,087
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a physics teacher do?

A Physics Teacher prepares and delivers lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students regarding the laws of matter and energy. They may work for schools, professional schools, colleges, or universities.

What does a social studies teacher do?

Teachers that specialize in human society are called social studies teachers. Usually, they are found at a high school and secondary school level. They teach concepts of history, geography, government, economics, and civic ideals. Their duties include assigning and grading homework, writing, and grading tests and essays as well as engaging students with lectures and relevant activities. Skills needed for the job include an analytical mind, service-oriented, and organized. They must also be highly knowledgeable about social sciences and has a field related degree to social study.

Physics teacher vs social studies teacher salary

Physics teachers and social studies teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Physics TeacherSocial Studies Teacher
Average salary$54,119$49,725
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $80,000Between $36,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CityAmherst, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyVarian Medical SystemsBoston Public Schools
Best paying industryEducationProfessional

Differences between physics teacher and social studies teacher education

There are a few differences between a physics teacher and a social studies teacher in terms of educational background:

Physics TeacherSocial Studies Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorPhysicsHistory
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Physics teacher vs social studies teacher demographics

Here are the differences between physics teachers' and social studies teachers' demographics:

Physics TeacherSocial Studies Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 68.3% Female, 31.7%Male, 51.6% Female, 48.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between physics teacher and social studies teacher duties and responsibilities

Physics teacher example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a substitute teach chemistry, physics and astronomy.
  • Prepare and present lecture and exam material, supervise students, assist JV girls soccer coach
  • Aid an alternative strategy of learning basic concepts of chemistry, biology, & physiology.
  • Emphasize math and science skills in project base, standards base, and traditional classroom settings.
  • Instruct and help students with daily assignments, weekly chemistry tutoring (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
  • Participate in numerous IEP and collaborative sessions for students with special needs and at risk students.
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Social studies teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead co-taught classes with another teacher.
  • Develop and continue to manage a collaborative after-school tutoring program for middle school mathematics students.
  • Develop curricula for, and teach all , 7th & 8th grade language arts and social studies classes.
  • Prepare students for the AICE college level exam.
  • Teach theory and attitudes of leadership to the students.
  • Instruct students at various levels and abilities in civics and law.
  • Show more

Physics teacher vs social studies teacher skills

Common physics teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 15%
  • Student Learning, 10%
  • Instructional Materials, 9%
  • Public Schools, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • Laboratory Experiments, 4%
Common social studies teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 16%
  • World History, 7%
  • Curriculum Development, 6%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Classroom Environment, 4%

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