.. going to change in the future. There will be more of a focus on outer space.
Currently the main focus in secondary science classes is on the earth. Many middle and high school students take biology, earth science, physical science, and chemistry. Borowiec and James agree that in the 21st century there will be more space-based sciences. They also state that the new space based science will focus on missions to Mars and will engage students in a new exciting way (Borowiec). Cindy White, an eight-grade teacher in St. Paul, Minnesota claims that, many trends in the education system recycle around and around and that major changes in education will take a long time to happen as long as money and politics run education.
But one change that White would like to see happen has to do with the education of teachers. She feels that Colleges of Education ought to raise the number of the teaching of reading course an educator must take to graduate regardless of their area of study. ADVANTAGES OF THE CAREER One of the greatest advantages of teaching science in a middle or high school setting is seeing young adults develop, master, and learn new skills (Teacher). Many teachers derive great personal satisfaction knowing that someone is a better person because of them. This is the greatest gift a person can receive.
In their own small way, teachers are doing that everyday whether they are aware of it or not. Other advantages in being a secondary high school science teacher include the working conditions and the freedom. Working Conditions Not only do teachers only work nine to ten months out of the year, but they also have longer winter and spring breaks than the average employee obtains. There is an old teacher joke that asks the question what is the best part of being a teacher? The answer replies with June, July, and August. In addition to June, July, and August, there are other aspects of the working conditions that make it an excellent choice. For instance, the physical demands of the position are fairly moderate.
A secondary educator can expect to do some light lifting, occasional reaching, frequent handling, and frequent talking and listening (Teacher). Teaching is by no means a job that requires physical labor. Freedom Although most science teachers teach in classrooms, there is still a veritable amount of freedom that goes along with the teaching profession. Secondary educators are free to choose what and how they teach within certain guidelines. Each state has there own regulations and standards for a science curriculum at the secondary level.
Teachers must make sure they follow those guidelines but are free to choose from a variety of different methods and techniques to relay the information (Teacher). DRAWBACKS OF THE CAREER As with every career, teaching science at a secondary level has its drawbacks. Some disadvantages are common among most professions. Issues like stress and long hours are disadvantages many people in a variety of professions complain about.
Teaching is no exception to these general inconveniences. Along with the stress and long hours, another common teacher complaint is the lack of supplies. Many teachers wind up buying supplies with their own money. Cindy White stated in an email that, Teaching is the only job Ive had where I have had to supply my own paper, pencils, and pens.
Stress Working with young adults is occasionally frustrating and stressful. The lack of motivation and respect from students is a big factor in the stress level of the teachers (Teacher). As stated earlier, many people choose to teach science at the high school or middle school level because they have a desire to share information. A disrespectful and unmotivated student hinders the ability to instruct the other students causing frustration to the teacher.
Another common stressor is working alone in a classroom. Much of a teachers interaction with people during the day is with students. Adult companionship is rarely available during the school day (Teacher). The lack of adult interactions may cause stress and frustration at times.
Not only are there minimal adult interactions but the volume of young adults being dealt with on a daily basis can also be stressful (White). Long Hours A common teacher complaint is the lack of prep time. This lack of prep time causes long hours on the part of the teacher. Many teachers spend numerous hours working outside of the classroom.
Much of these hours are spent grading papers, planning curriculum, and attending meetings. Many believe that the reason for the long hours stems from the large teacher to student ratio. The more students one teacher has means that he or she will have more work to do (Teacher). There will be more tests and assignments to develop and grade.
CONCLUSION SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Teaching science at the secondary level involves instructing, evaluating, and assisting students. A person must have an interest and ability to share knowledge in a way others will understand. In order to do this, one must have good oral and written communication skills. A potential teacher must also have the students interest and well being at heart. Teaching at the secondary level offers many benefits money cannot buy such as excellent working conditions, freedom, and personal satisfaction. Although teaching science at the high school or middle school level is a rewarding profession for most, it does have its disadvantages.
Stress and long hours are the two prevalent drawbacks of the career. INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS Science majors are beginning to realize the rewards of becoming a secondary science teacher. People choose to teach science for a variety of reasons as follows: It allows them the opportunity to continue working in the field of science without obtaining a masters degree. Education is an ever-changing profession, which allows new possibilities and trends to be explored. Ones knowledge and experience will be utilized on a daily basis. Numerous job openings offer variety and stability.
Rising initial salary plus pay increases for continuing education. Ternes 11 RECOMMENDATIONS The first issue an inspiring secondary science teacher should consider is the hiring requirements. Commonly, a bachelors degree in distributed science and a teaching training program is required to teach science in a secondary public school. But with the vast teacher shortage the teaching training program is no longer mandatory. Private schools have their own requirements for secondary educators; requirements vary for school to school and are not mandated by the government.
The next step in becoming a teacher is obtaining an Educator License. A license is required in all fifty states including the District of Columbia (Secondary). Bibliography Borowiec, B. Jonathan, James, K. Robert.
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