Science

Watch Videos of Science Teachers

John Warren John Warren: “Teaching…
is very emotionally rewarding. It’s a good creative outlet. You are allowed to create things that you can see become reality.”

Eric Bull Eric Bull: “You'll find out that investigation and experimentation are fabulous.”

Are science teachers needed?

According to the Department of Education, almost 2,000 projected hires in physical and life science were needed in 2008-09. This number, coupled with the fact that the number of new science credentials declined by 25% from 2003 to 2007 (The Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning, 2008) means that there are many jobs waiting to be filled by fully credentialed science teachers.

What assistance is available to future science teachers?

California's universities and colleges have created academic and financial support programs in order to attract and train future science teachers, including the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) new browser window icon, the California State University's Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) new browser window icon and the University of California’s California Teach new browser window icon.

The Assumption Program of Loans in Education (APLE) new browser window icon, the TEACH new browser window icon grant, and other financial aid programs are also available. The Department of Energy new browser window icon even has a Pre-Service Teacher program that features paid internships.

What do I need to do to teach?

In order to teach science, individuals need to obtain a Foundational-Level General Science Credential new browser window icon, a Single Subject Science Credential new browser window icon or Science (Specialized) Credential new browser window icon. Fully credentialed teachers can add a Supplementary or Subject Matter Authorization new browser window icon to their basic teaching credential. A checklist of all the requirements can be found in the “Understand the Requirements” section.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day new browser window icon

Cool Resources

Many federal agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) new browser window icon and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) new browser window icon provide multimedia resources (images, videos and podcasts), interactive lessons, and other materials you can use when you do your student teaching, and beyond! Teachers’ Domain new browser window icon has digital media created by public broadcasting and other partners.

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