Majoring in Physics Teaching?

[skwissgaar]

Hello everyone!

A little background on myself:
I'm currently attending my local CC majoring in physics (gave engineering a one semester try, wasn't my cup of tea). Haha. Teaching is my family business, as my dad, sister, aunt, two cousins, and great aunt are all teachers and my mom is the secretary for a local middle school.

I'm a declared physics major, and when I transfer to my local CSU, I will be majoring in physics with an emphasis in teaching (the "general option" as it is called there). I've always known I wanted to become a teacher at some point in my life even while majoring in engineering to become an engineer. Specifically, I'd like to teach the sciences because that has always been my true academic passion. I would like to become a high school physics/chemistry/earth science teacher as the program I am looking to attend fulfills all requirements for the single subject teaching credential in science with a concentration in physics for California.

I just have a few questions for those science teachers out there currently teaching at the high school levels. Firstly, if I were planning on going on to a masters program, would a graduate program for a masters in education be the optimal degree? Or rather a masters in a science education program? Or just an advanced degree in physics/geophysics? (I say geophysics because the program also prepares undergraduates for physics-related interdisciplinary fields in grad school) I've always been interested in receiving a masters degree as a promise to myself, not just for higher pay.

Secondly, I've heard that science and math teachers are in high demand around the nation. Does anyone have any knowledge about this specifically for California? Any other information that anyone has about teaching the sciences would be extremely helpful and I will be very grateful. Thanks everyone!

 

[wilsont23274]

</code>In terms of a master's degree, it really depends on the type of teaching you would like to do. If you are looking to teach at the high school level, then a Master's in Education with a concentration in Science or Math would be the more appropriate choice. However, if you are looking to teach at the college level, then an advanced degree in Physics/Geophysics would be the better option. As far as the demand for science and math teachers in California, it is definitely high. According to the California Department of Education, there is a critical need for qualified science and math teachers in the state. The demand is especially high in rural areas, as many districts lack qualified teachers to fill these positions. Additionally, due to the changing nature of technology and the advent of new courses, teachers versed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are in high demand. In terms of salary, the average salary for a high school science teacher in California is around $72,000, according to the National Education Association. It is important to keep in mind that salaries vary depending on the district, experience, and location. Overall, teaching science and math is a very rewarding and fulfilling profession and is in high demand in California. Good luck!