Department of Science Education - CSU, Chico
Students
Make a Difference...Become a Science Teacher!
Are you ready to take the first steps? If so, you are in the right place.
Careers in Teaching
A Rewarding Profession
Science teachers are in great demand across the country, providing you the opportunity to work where you want with a high degree of job security. You'll spend your days sharing your love of science with your school's best students. You'll find teaching to be a challenging career which will bring you personal satisfaction, making it more than worth the effort!
Teaching even at entry-level can be financially rewarding. The best new science teachers with bachelor's degrees typically earn $35,000 to $50,000 per year for a nine-month contract. Salaries often rise rapidly. In large cities, and after earning a master's degree, teachers can make more than $100,000 per year! In addition, there are many job benefits ranging from medical, dental, and life insurance, to tuition reimbursement for graduate courses, and great retirement plans.
Financial Incentives
The high demand for science teachers has led to the creation of many financial incentives for future teachers. Special scholarships and forgivable loans could actually pay for all your college expenses. Check out some of the teacher scholarships and financial support that is available.
Specific Programs Just for Future Teachers
The sciences departments in the College of Natural Sciences offer bachelor degree programs designed for your future as a secondary science teacher. As you receive your undergraduate degree and move into your career, we will continue to meet your professional development needs through our inservice programs provided through the Master's in Science Teaching (MiST) and programs provided through The Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE).
Give Teaching a Try: Student Organizations
Opportunities to pursue teaching opportunities abound. The four student organizations in the College of Natural Sciences encourage you to try tutoring:
- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
- Omicron Theta Epsilon
- Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society
- The Association of Geology and Environmental Students
- Society of Physics Students
Hands-On Lab
The lab experiences are fun and engaging, active-learning experiments in chemistry, biology, and physical science. They are offered by university students studying science and education and are held in an actual laboratory on the CSU, Chico campus. More information on Hands-On Lab.