subject: How To Become A Chemistry Teacher For A Public School [print this page] The qualifications of being a teacher include persistence, organizational abilities, and critical thinking among other attributes. If you have these characteristics and are intrigued in improving the lives of students, you might want to think about the career. And if you posses a love of science, and because they're in such high demand, it might be in your greatest interest to learn how to become a chemistry teacher.
You will need at least a bachelor's degree in order to become a teacher. It won't hurt to get that degree in chemistry but it likely won't be a requirement either. Obtaining a master's degree, although not a requirement will help when it comes to landing better jobs and pay.
You'll also be asked to enroll in and finish a teaching program. Usually, the training involves being assigned to and learning from an experienced professor in his or her class. You will also take a year or two, depending on your area's rules, as a student teacher. Use this period to get some useful tips from your teacher and observe the best methods in dealing with the chemistry students.
Near the end of your student teaching, you will have to get a teacher's license. That can be achieved by enrolling for and passing the chemistry laced test. In many areas, this process usually also involves a criminal history check.
Spend some time to bulk up your professional resume. Include all of your references from teachers or mentors as well as your work spend student teaching. Consider spending time volunteering at public schools to help build the resume. Although you won't earn a paycheck, you will end up with resume building work experience. Your time spent volunteering will look great on a resume also.
To get a position teaching chemistry at a local school, go to both local and national teaching events. The conferences are held in early November and are good places to both meet other professionals and hear about available and soon to be open jobs. Most teachers who go to the events have luck obtaining jobs or at least acquiring interviews.
If you end up with interviews at schools that you like, you will need to show up prepared. Have your educational background, past work experience, and references with you and ready just in case. You should plan out and create a mock lesson plan also. This will let your potential employer know how much of an organized and balanced chemistry teacher you would be.
