OVERVIEW
What Is a Biology Teacher?
Biology and life science teachers typically work in middle schools or high schools. They teach students everything from evolution and ecology to genetics and cell structure, delving into the very mechanisms that make life on Earth possible. Biology teachers don’t just teach facts; they also encourage students to develop essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis. To achieve these educational goals, biology teachers employ a diverse teaching approach that combines traditional lectures with interactive, hands-on activities. A typical day in a biology classroom might involve dissections, experiments, field studies, or group discussions about general science topics. Through a blend of teaching methods, biology teachers empower students to effectively analyze information, form hypotheses, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Biology Teacher Do?
For high school biology teachers, no two days are exactly the same. Teachers must juggle a wide range of responsibilities simultaneously, including:
- Instructing students. Whether they’re leading a classroom discussion about climate change or helping students prepare for an exam, most of a biology teacher’s time is spent directly interacting with students.
- Preparing lessons. Biology teachers create informative, engaging lessons that help students break down concept concepts into understandable pieces.
- Delivering lessons. In a biology classroom, students learn about cell structure and function, ecosystems, inheritance, and a variety of other science fundamentals.
- Creating laboratory experiments and activities. Unlike some subjects, biology includes a significant amount of hands-on learning. Students use microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, and other scientific equipment to gain insights into the natural world.
- Grading tests, homework, and assignments. Biology teachers regularly evaluate student progress, providing detailed feedback to guide student improvement.
- Incorporating educational technology. Through digital tools like virtual labs, interactive simulations, and gamified quizzes, biology teachers enhance student interest and improve learning outcomes.
- Maintaining accurate student data. From grades and attendance records to behavior reports and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), teachers must regularly update student data to meet school- and state-specific standards.
- Staying up to date on scientific and pedagogical advancements. To provide students with the latest knowledge, biology teachers incorporate relevant discoveries and developments into their lessons. Many school districts offer professional development and ongoing education opportunities to help teachers stay up to date.
- Ensuring compliance. Biology teachers must adhere to state and federal guidelines, including curriculum requirements, standardized testing procedures, and student privacy laws.
- Meeting with parents. To foster a supportive learning environment, biology teachers regularly meet with parents to discuss student progress and address any concerns.
- Collaborating with colleagues. Teachers work closely with fellow teachers, department chairs, and administrators to coordinate interdisciplinary projects.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Biology Teacher?
Since the minimum education needed to be a high school science teacher is a bachelor’s degree, it typically takes approximately four to five years to become a biology teacher. However, the exact amount of time it takes to enter this profession depends on your unique situation. Your previous education, the type of degree program you pursue, and the state certification process all influence the process of becoming a licensed biology teacher. Individuals who transfer credits or complete accelerated or competency-based degree programs may earn their teaching certification sooner than those who complete traditional four-year programs.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Biology Teacher?
To teach biology in a public school, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. Many biology teachers have a bachelor’s degree in biology education or secondary education, but other educational routes can also lead to a rewarding teaching career. For example, some educators start with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related scientific field and then complete a teaching certification program to become licensed teachers. The teacher licensure process varies from state to state. Typically, an aspiring teacher must complete an accredited teacher preparation program, pass one or more state teacher certification exams, and fulfill other state-specific requirements to gain licensure.
While a bachelor’s degree is often the minimum required education for a high school science teacher job, many professionals in this field have graduate degrees. By earning a master’s in science education, biology teachers can expand their career prospects and qualify for higher-paying, senior-level positions.
Best Degrees For Biology Teacher
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 61% of students earned this online biology degree within 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Zoology
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Health Sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
- Zoology
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
What Is the Salary of a Biology Teacher?
$65,220
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for high school teachers, including biology teachers, was $65,220 in May 2023. Typically, high school teachers make $48,040 to $106,380 annually, with more experienced science teachers earning higher salaries than those just starting their careers. On average, public-school teachers earn slightly more than private school teachers. Factors such as a teacher's education, experience, location, and the type of educational institution significantly influence biology teacher salary.
What Is the Projected Job Outlook?
1%
The BLS expects the employment of high school teachers to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033. However, there will still be an estimated 64,000 openings for high school teachers each year throughout this period. The demand for teachers varies significantly by location and the type of educational institution, and many states are experiencing teacher shortages.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Biology Teacher Need?
Teaching biology requires a diverse skill set. To excel in their role, biology teachers must be proficient in:
- Subject knowledge. Being an effective biology teacher requires not only a robust understanding of scientific concepts but also the ability to explain those concepts in a way that is accessible and relatable to students.
- Curriculum development. In the world of teaching, keeping students engaged and interested in the subject matter is a top priority. Teachers use a mix of curriculum development skills and creativity to craft thought-provoking lessons that capture students’ attention.
- Classroom management. Biology teachers use conflict resolution skills, clear communication, and empathy to maintain a productive learning environment.
- Communication. Whether they’re explaining a biological process or conducting a parent-teacher conference, biology teachers rely on strong communication skills to effectively convey information.
- Patience. Teaching a classroom full of teenagers can have its ups and downs, but the strongest teachers remain calm and collected despite frustrations or setbacks.
- Collaboration. High school science teachers work cooperatively with other educators to share resources, optimize lesson plans, and develop interdisciplinary activities.
- Critical thinking. The ability to analyze complex issues and devise innovative solutions is at the heart of teaching.
- Organization. Because the job involves a diverse and evolving array of responsibilities, teachers need strong time management and organizational skills.
- Adaptability. Plans frequently change in a biology classroom, and teachers must be able to pivot and adapt as necessary.
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