OVERVIEW
What Is a Physics Teacher?
A physics teacher—sometimes referred to as a “physical science teacher”—is a professional licensed to educate students about physics principles. Physics is usually taught to students after they’ve completed courses in general science, biology, and chemistry. That means physics teachers typically work with 11th or 12th graders, preparing them for college-level physical science courses. Common concepts discussed in a physics class may include:
- Gravitation
- Electromagnetism
- Mechanics
- Waves
- Nuclear physics
- Thermodynamics
- Optics
- Laws of matter and energy
- Atomic and subatomic structure
- Kinematics
In lessons, physics teachers emphasize the properties of motion, energy, and how different kinds of forces influence objects. They rely on lectures and labs to help students understand the fundamental nature of matter and how it interacts with its surroundings. To improve learners’ understanding, physics teachers may think creatively and use visual aids or technology to illustrate their points.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Physics Teacher Do?
During their day-to-day work, physics teachers dedicate time to personal preparation, classroom instruction, and communicating with other faculty members. Physics teaching responsibilities include the following:
- Writing lesson plans
- Preparing lab activities
- Creating and administering assessments
- Assigning homework
- Grading tests, papers, and other assignments
- Developing class syllabi and expectations
- Implementing technology as a teaching aid
- Evaluating individual student progress
- Providing support to struggling students
- Managing classroom interactions
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Physics Teacher?
High school physics teachers need enough education to prepare themselves for licensure. As you work to become a physics teacher, consider these steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in physics, physics education, or a similar subject. An undergraduate degree grants a comprehensive understanding of general physics concepts.
- Earn a relevant master’s degree. While not always a requirement, a master’s degree can grant specialized knowledge in physics or science teaching. It may also increase your earning potential.
- Get certified. Nearly all physics teachers in the U.S. must be certified in order to teach at a public or charter school. Earning certification requires completing a teacher preparation program, passing an exam, and applying for licensure. Certification requirements for secondary education vary by state.
- Gain experience. Physics teachers usually gain the best practical experience via student teaching during or after their degree program. Student teaching involves aspiring educators teaching under supervision to learn how to instruct and manage students.
- Seek continuing education. For instance, you might participate in a professional development workshop, attend a teaching conference, or engage in physics education research.
Best Degrees For Physics Teacher
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – 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 physics teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.
- Time: 62% of students earn this online physics degree within 49 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Educational Psychology
- Physics: Waves and Optics
- Space, Time and Motion
- Conceptual Physics
- Physics: Mechanics
This physics teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for teaching certification.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – 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 physics to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 15 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.
How Much Does a Physics Teacher Make?
$65,220
A physics teacher’s salary depends on a number of factors, including the grade level taught, the amount of prior teaching experience they have, their location, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for high school teachers in May 2023 was $65,220. The lowest 10% of teachers earned less than $48,040 while the highest 10% earned more than $106,380. Physics teachers can expect a similar income.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
1%
According to the BLS, the employment of high school teachers is projected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033. Despite this trend, about 64,000 teacher jobs are projected each year on average over the decade. Physics teachers can expect a similar job growth trend.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Physics Teacher Need?
Successful physics teachers should be competent in their knowledge of the subject and employ various teaching styles as needed. Important skills include:
- Firm understanding of physics concepts, principles, and laws to confidently and effectively instruct learners.
- Solid understanding of mathematics, including linear algebra, calculus, and differential equations.
- Classroom management skills to keep students on task, answer questions, and clarify difficult topics.
- Evaluation skills to measure students’ progress over time.
- Curriculum development skills to create course plans complete with rubrics, assignments, and assessments.
- Lab experience to foster safe, engaging laboratory exercises.
- Willingness to innovate and use technology in the classroom as educational technology (edtech) evolves over time.
- Time management to help students prioritize, organize, and finish tasks by set due dates.
- Strong communication skills to ensure that students adequately understand course material.
- Collaboration skills to share ideas and solutions with faculty members and school administrators.
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