Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry teachers (postsecondary) teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Their work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. This includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary, are required to deliver lectures to students on topics like organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and chemical separation. They evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers and ensure compliance with safety regulations while students handle chemicals and other hazardous material. They also administer and grade exams, maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records and initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
A chemistry teacher job may at times require one to participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities, serve on committees or in professional societies, act as advisers to student organizations and perform administrative duties, such as serving as a department head.
How to become a chemistry teacher? To become a high school chemistry teacher, you need a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Some high schools may require a master's degree in chemistry. Chemistry teaching skills include oral and written expression, oral and written comprehension, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, problem sensitivity, speech recognition and clarity and near vision.
To be successful in chemistry teaching, one must build accord with students. Chemistry is a subject that provides an opportunity to engage with your students in interesting, hands-on lab experiments, so they can have fun while learning essential lab safety and scientific methods. Chemistry teacher salary increases with expereince.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Chemistry
- M.Sc. Chemistry
- B.Sc. Chemistry
Tasks
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical separation.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Progression Routes
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