College
Why did you choose this profession?
? : Always knew [he/she] wanted to do something with physical sciences, and [his/her] high school chemistry classes really inspired [him/her] to do chemistry.
Jill: Started out doing genetics, when she was going for her masters she realized she enjoyed being a TA more than doing genetics. She pivoted, getting her teaching certificate and has been teaching since.
Dawson: Always knew he wanted to do something with physical sciences, and his high school chemistry classes really inspired him to do chemistry. He is also an eagle scout, and has spent a lot of time working with younger kids which helped him realize he liked teaching.
What is your day to day schedule like?
? : Wakes up at 4:20am, gets to work around 6:45-7:00. Depending on the day [he/she] can get home between 4 and 6.
Jill: In her Algonquin district, she works on an AB block schedule, where on A days she goes between meetings with other faculty and teaching, while on B days she spends the majority of the day teaching. She only has one planning period, which she utilizes to get grading done or set up a lab for the following classes.
Dawson: Wakes up at 6:00am, is at school by around 7:00am. He spends the majority of the day teaching, with two planning periods he also uses for labs or grading.
Advice for prospective students?
Jill - For chemistry - Make sure you understand the concepts, not just the math. Understanding the math will only take you so far.
For teaching - Learning how to balance being understanding, but also being in control of the classroom. Also being able to constantly be learning, and open to new ways of doing things.
Dawson - If possible, dual major with both a teaching and science degree. While there is always going to be a need for science teachers, having a general science degree will provide a safety net if teaching doesn't work out.
What (if any) extracurricular(s) did you do that you think helped you get the job?
? : Working with teachers that would help [him/her] engage in more critical thinking and influence [his/her] interests.
Both had worked in a lab during their undergrad.
Jill: Working with teachers that would help her engage in more critical thinking and influence her interests.
Dawson: Head of a chemistry club and was an Eagle Scout which exposed him to teaching other kids.
What opportunities for advancement are there?
? : If necessary, with [his/her] degree, [he/she] has the chance to work in a lab and do research instead of teaching. [He/She] mentioned, however, there is always a need for science teachers.
Jill: Consistently shadowing other teachers and room for improvement with specific techniques/labs/ideas. Possibilities of working in a lab as well, specifically for her, after retirement.
Dawson: If necessary, with his degree, he has the chance to work in a lab and do research instead of teaching. He mentioned, however, there is always a need for science teachers.
Advice for similar interests?
Jill: As a chemistry teacher, you are in a unique spot because most students take chemistry in their sophomore year. This means that you both need to teach the chemistry, but also necessary math that they may not have learned yet.
Dawson: Understand the intricacies of what degree you are going into. Understand the differences between a bachelors of the arts or sciences.
What degree did you need to teach chemistry?
A bachelor's degree in science education, with a specialization in chemistry.
How to become a high school science teacher in Illinois. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_science_teacher_in_illinois.html
What is the average salary range?
? : Starting salary was around 25k-30k
Jill - Starting salary was around 25k-30k, seeing upwards of 55k.
Dawson - Starting salary was around 30k-40k, and expecting an increase as he works on his master degree.
Closing words?
Jill - Be open to trying new things. There are a lot of different techniques, and just because you are comfortable with one doesn't mean you shouldn't try to continue to improve. Be used to working with other people, and listen to what others have to say. Education is a difficult field right now, as the world is changing fast, making it intimidating for prospective teachers, but if you stick with it you can make it work.
Dawson - Take care of yourself, have a support system. If you aren't feeling your best mentally then you won't be able to perform your best in school. Further, try to stay on top of things. As difficult as avoiding procrastination is, your best work comes from being on top of projects and not waiting until the last minute.