What does a science instructor do?
A Science Instructor guides the student in understanding important concepts in science, which may include problem-solving and gathering evidence in supporting concepts or ideas. Their responsibilities include presenting science demonstrations, checking assignments, grading tests, and writing lesson plans. Instructors also need to evaluate each student's performance. They are also required to be excellent in written and verbal skills and communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
Science instructor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real science instructor resumes:
- Course content ranges from medical applications to specific topics in physiology.
- Work collaboratively with program instructors to design anatomy and physiology courses to augment their curriculum.
- Plan and oversee extensive daily chemistry and biology laboratory experiments (and tasks similar to above )
- Conduct experiments ranging from general biology, chemistry, physics, geology, microbiology, genetics, microbiology, and anatomy
- Assist students to do electrophoresis lab in which they extract DNA from various fruit.
- Assist students in homework and give one on one tutoring in math, English, social studies and science.
- Utilize the ability to influence, listen, propose questions and drive students to learn math and life skills.
- Provide instructional and administration leadership for the after-school mentoring program.
- Used college approve course outlines and syllabus while providing instruction enrich with technology.
- Prepare lesson plans according to curriculum and present lesson, including PowerPoint presentations.
- Participate on academic committee for development of new departmental program for secondary mathematics teachers.
- Prepare syllabus, reading materials and homework assignments; regularly assess students through homework.
- Develop and implement a technical curriculum and program to increase student interest in science, mathematics and engineering
- Collaborate with local NOAA, NASA and university scientists to disseminate their research to the public.
- Participate in PLC meetings and other meetings as scheduled.
Science instructor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Science Instructors are proficient in Classroom Management, Kids, and Professional Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Critical-thinking skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Science Instructors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Classroom Management, 13%
Provide one-on-one mentoring to new incoming science teachers which includes observing and providing input on classroom management and engaging lessons.
- Kids, 11%
Instructed kids 3rd-12th grade in classes including plankton sampling, microscope lab, food chains, proper animal handling and biology.
- Professional Development, 11%
Conducted professional developments on bully prevention initiatives
- Chemistry, 6%
Designed and implemented a college preparatory curriculum for general and advanced chemistry classes.
- Mathematics, 5%
Provide coaching on the implementation of problem/project-based learning in mathematics and science using SMART technology.
- Learning Styles, 4%
Employed educational strategies and techniques during instruction to understand individual learning styles and improve language, cognition, and memory.
Most science instructors use their skills in "classroom management," "kids," and "professional development" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential science instructor responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a science instructor to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what science instructors do because "teachers must share ideas with their students, other teachers, and school administrators and staff." Additionally, a science instructor resume shows how science instructors use communication skills: "maintained continuing communication with professional peers to ensure that the same student performance standards were in place across grade levels. "
The three companies that hire the most science instructors are:
- Edventure More18 science instructors jobs
- Ymca Of Metropolitan Atlanta13 science instructors jobs
- Educate!8 science instructors jobs
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Compare different science instructors
Science instructor vs. Biology teacher
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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between science instructors and biology teacher. For instance, science instructor responsibilities require skills such as "kids," "visualization," "math," and "adaptive." Whereas a biology teacher is skilled in "lab experiments," "mentoring students," "content knowledge," and "esl." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Biology teachers earn the highest salaries when working in the education industry, with an average yearly salary of $51,188. On the other hand, science instructors are paid more in the education industry with an average salary of $47,912.On average, biology teachers reach similar levels of education than science instructors. Biology teachers are 2.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Science instructor vs. Math teacher
A math teacher is responsible for instilling analytical and statistical knowledge to the learners. The duties of a math teacher include the development of a student's problem-solving skills, practical application of formulas and logical reasoning, utilization of visual materials and other learning equipment for better comprehension, and evaluation of the students' learning progress by conducting series of tests and activities. A math teacher should also support and encourage students and build their self-confidence by providing regular coachings, managing their learning challenges, and keeping engaging lesson plans.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real science instructor resumes. While science instructor responsibilities can utilize skills like "kids," "professional development," "visualization," and "science curriculum," math teachers use skills like "algebra ii," "mathematics curriculum," "learning process," and "trigonometry."
On average, math teachers earn a higher salary than science instructors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, math teachers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $51,152. Whereas science instructors have higher pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $47,912.In general, math teachers achieve similar levels of education than science instructors. They're 0.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for science instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Rebecca Sarver
Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College
Science instructor vs. Peer teacher
A peer teacher is a student teaching another student, typically at college or university level. It is a concept that can be traced back to ancient Greece as used by philosophers such as Aristotle. Peer teaching is often giving more knowledgeable advanced undergraduates or graduate students a faculty teaching responsibility for undergraduate students. It is also referred to as surrogate teaching or proctor program and can be tutoring one student or a small group.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a science instructor is likely to be skilled in "kids," "chemistry," "visualization," and "learning styles," while a typical peer teacher is skilled in "learning process," "k-8," "iep," and "kindergarten."
Peer teachers earn the highest salary when working in the education industry, where they receive an average salary of $48,974. Comparatively, science instructors have the highest earning potential in the education industry, with an average salary of $47,912.Most peer teachers achieve a lower degree level compared to science instructors. For example, they're 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Science instructor vs. Teacher and coach
Types of science instructor
Updated January 8, 2025
