How Do I Become a Science Teacher? The Road to Igniting a Passion for STEM in Students

Curious about how to become a science teacher? Now is the perfect time to pursue that path. With a growing need for STEM literacy and a nationwide shortage of qualified science educators, there's a clear opportunity to make a meaningful impact in classrooms nationwide.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aspiring educators can choose from several programs designed to prepare future teachers to confidently meet challenges. Whether you're interested in elementary, middle, or high school teaching, this guide walks you through the steps to become a science teacher—and how we can help you get there. 

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Science Teacher?

There is no singular degree for becoming a science educator. Science is taught at every academic level, each with its own degree, so it is important to consider the level you want to teach and tailor your educational goals accordingly.

Elementary School

In elementary school, students are introduced to the fundamentals through basic, hands-on lessons that provide general awareness. This provides the foundation upon which middle and high school studies build.

Becoming an elementary school science teacher requires earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a science-related field and meeting all certification requirements. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an Elementary Education Bachelor's program that prepares you for a meaningful career.

Middle School

Building on principles taught in elementary school, middle school science curricula focus on the life, earth, and physical sciences while growing awareness of the scientific method. The goal at this level is for students to understand and apply the mechanisms of science.

Teachers must earn a bachelor's degree in middle grades education or a science discipline, complete all preparation requirements and seek certification. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a Middle Grades Education Bachelor's degree with a concentration in science.

High School

Unlike classes in elementary and middle school, where science topics are integrated together, high school students take individual classes in core scientific areas such as biology, earth science, physics, and chemistry. They can also take elective classes in additional areas or complete Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.

Because science courses are taught individually at this level, it's common for teachers to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen subject (e.g., chemistry, earth science, biology, physics, etc.) and either earn an education minor or complete a teacher preparation program. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, you can pursue a Secondary School Teaching minor.

Postsecondary

At the postsecondary level, colleges and universities offer general science education courses and advanced topics for students majoring or specializing in the discipline. Science courses are taught at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

To teach at this level, you will need a master's degree at a minimum, but most roles require a doctorate. College professors are not required to maintain certification or licensure, but are expected to participate in professional development throughout their tenure.

How Do You Become a Science Teacher?

Becoming a science teacher requires a commitment to education, scientific principles, and lifelong learning. As pioneers in the science of education, we are well-placed to provide a learning environment that prepares you for the rigors of the classroom and beyond.

While each state sets individual qualifications, the steps outlined below provide a good roadmap for navigating requirements in the state you plan to teach.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Earning a bachelor's degree serves as the first step in one day walking into your own classroom, and you can choose from several different paths. You may focus on a particular branch of science, such as biology, earth science, chemistry, or physics, or find that an education degree best fits your objectives.

Regardless of your chosen major, ensure that any program you select offers a teacher preparation track. Some of the topics you may cover include teaching and assessing students, school and community experiences, educational psychology, and the educator's role in special education.

Step 2: Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

Teacher preparation programs (EPPs) prepare students for entering the classroom.

If you already have a bachelor's degree but want to complete an EPP, several post-baccalaureate options qualify you for teacher certification.

Here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, we cover topics such as classroom management, curriculum design, and teaching diverse learners.

Fieldwork and Student Teaching Requirements

Whether completing concurrently with your bachelor's degree or pursuing a post-baccalaureate pathway, expect to complete fieldwork and student teaching requirements. Both of these components take place before graduation.

Fieldwork often involves observing licensed teachers in classroom settings and assisting to gain relevant skills.

Student teaching, typically completed during senior year, is a semester-long immersive experience allowing you to work directly with students under a supervising teacher. These hours also frequently count towards state licensure requirements.

Step 3: Pass Required Exams

Requirements vary from state to state, but you will likely find steps similar to those outlined below regardless of location.

Required Testing

States commonly require teaching candidates to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, and many also require a subject-specific Praxis exam.

Some states have additional tests, such as the TExES exam in Texas or the MTEL in Massachusetts, in addition to these.

Preparing and Registering

Registering for the Praxis Core exam requires you to make an account on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, select your required test(s), select a testing location, schedule your exam, and pay fees.

The Praxis Core includes three focus areas: reading, writing, and mathematics. To prepare for the exam, follow these actionable tips:

• Familiarize yourself with how the exam is formatted, including subject areas, question types, and time limits.
• Take a diagnostic test to assess areas requiring your focus.
• Create a study plan based on the weeks remaining before your exam day.
• Use resources like study guides, practice tests, and review materials.
• Arrive at the exam early with all required materials, keeping a close eye on the time to avoid unanswered questions.
  

Step 4: Apply for State Certification

Licensure requirements and specific application steps vary by state, but you can generally expect to apply, submit documents, and complete steps to renew your license as needed.

How to apply: As part of the application process, you must pass a background test. Common requirements include biographical information, educational experience, and work history.

What documents are needed: Required documents typically include official transcripts from all educational institutions attended, evidence of passing scores on all required exams, and an approved background check.

Renewing and maintaining your teaching license: Most states require licensed teachers to complete a set number of professional development hours to renew their license; you must also apply and pay a renewal fee. Check in with your state's Department of Education for specifics.

Step 5: Gain Classroom Experience

Getting your foot in the door to a first teaching job can feel challenging, but you can take several steps to improve your chances.

Working as a substitute teacher or volunteering in a school setting provides relevant experience and networking opportunities. If needed, you can also start your career as an assistant teacher, as these roles can result in lead teacher positions for qualified candidates.

When it comes to searching for jobs and interviewing for them, keep these tips in mind:

• Send your resume and portfolio to the teachers you worked with during your student teaching assignment.
• Consider parts of the state with more need for teachers, including urban and rural areas.
• Attend job fairs, conferences, continuing education seminars, and workshops to expand your skills and network.
• Research schools to learn about their values and ethos before interviewing.
• Talk about things you learned about the school, showing you've done your homework and are familiar with its nuances.
• Rehearse common interview questions to ensure your answers are clear and concise.
  

Step 6: Consider a Master's Degree or Continuing Education

After working in the classroom for several years, you may decide that an advanced degree supports your continuing career goals. These programs can provide several different benefits, including:

• Opportunities for advancement: Earning a master's degree in education or science may position you for more senior-level or specialized roles, including curriculum development, instructional design, or administration.
• Lifelong learning as a teacher: Pursuing an advanced degree can also help you continue learning more about science and the art of teaching, making you more dynamic in the classroom and beyond.
• Increased salaries: If you decide to use your master's degree for a leadership role, this can often lead to a higher annual salary. 

How to Be a Science Teacher Who Makes a Difference

Possessing a deep understanding of science subject matter makes a skillful teacher, but developing the qualities that help engage students and encourage lifelong learning is just as important.

Find out how to make a difference in students' lives and engage your classroom effectively.

Skills of an Excellent Science Teacher

Before leading your own classroom, it's important to develop the skills needed to teach scientific principles to students effectively. These skills include:

• Strong scientific knowledge: Whether teaching foundational science topics to elementary students or getting into advanced biological principles with high schoolers, understanding your subject matter is key to success.
• Communication and presentation: Knowledge of science studies is critical, but equally so is knowing how to effectively communicate topics to your classroom. Learning how to communicate clearly and present complicated concepts in an accessible manner is the mark of a great teacher.
• Positive and productive learning environments: Learning about effective classroom management techniques can help you cater lessons to multiple learning styles, meet students where they are, and create a productive setting.
  

Qualities of an Engaging Science Teacher

While skills can be taught, qualities are more inherent traits that naturally make you well-suited to a teaching role. Some of the best qualities of dynamic teachers include:

• Passion for science, education, and discovery: Teaching the same subject day in and day out, for years, requires a passion for it. Beyond loving science, having a passion for educating the next generation makes you all the more engaging.
• Enthusiasm: As a science teacher, you're at the forefront of engaging students with the material and helping them become lifelong learners. If you're enthusiastic about science, that enthusiasm will transfer to your classroom.
• Empathy: Science can feel intimidating to some learners, making an empathetic approach necessary. Being able to put yourself in the shoes of an anxious learner will go far in helping them enjoy science.
• Ability to make science engaging and accessible: When taught well, science can be an exciting and dynamic subject, full of engaging lessons. Making tougher topics understandable is the mark of a great teacher.
  

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to start the journey of becoming a science teacher? You know the steps: earning a degree, completing a teacher preparation program, passing required exams, qualifying for certification, and gaining experience.

Now that you know how to be a science teacher, what's stopping you? Decide on the best education degree program for you and start the application process. Just like that, you'll be well on your way to leading a classroom.