Re: What courses do i need to take to become a chemistry teacher

The question that you have posed is an excellent question, but the answer is not simple at all. I am not familiar with the Canadian system of education, that is, how the requirements vary from province to province, or, for that matter within a given province, so I will attempt to answer your question in terms of the United States.

In the United States, each state has a department of education which sets requirements for certification of teachers within a given state according to the laws of that state. There is a movement toward a national certification of teachers, but it is a long way from full implementation. A few states do have a “reciprocity agreement” with certain other states and do recognize certificates among themselves, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Also, different school systems within a given state can set hiring requirements which may impose other requirements for teachers. For example, in the State of Georgia where I live, a public high school would generally consider hiring a teacher certified by the Professional Practices Commission which is the certifying body in Georgia. However, the teacher may or may not be hired depending on the basis of grade point average or “recency of study.” If the school is governed by the rules of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), for instance, the teacher must show that he has earned 6 semester hours of college credit within the last five year period. Some older teachers like myself who have a “life” certificate (which is no longer issued in Georgia) only have to show “recency of study” if required by the school system or SACS. A private school, depending on whether endorsed by SACS or not, may elect to hire a teacher without “recency of study” if the school is licensed to operate by the State Department of Education, but not a SACS endorsed school. Does all of this sound confusing? Well, it is and points out the need for some resolution at the national level. However, because education is an issue tied to “states rights” and, thereby, politics, it is a “sacred cow” and not likely to be resolved at any time soon. To further add confusion, individual colleges and universities, both public and private, impose their own requirements on their graduates who desire to enter the teaching profession.

In order to prepare for college or university study, you will need to take as many high level science and mathematics courses as you can, as well as the higher level courses in other subjects. You cannot be too prepared. The entrance requirements for colleges and universities varies widely so you need to check with the individual schools you are considering to see what their requirements are. Perhaps the counselor at your school has a catalog from a given school you may be considering. If so, ask to borrow the catalog and check out the entrance requirements.

My recommendation for someone desiring to enter chemistry teaching at the high school level would be to pursue a professional degree in chemistry; i. e., the B. S. Chemistry degree. Then, after achieving that degree, take whatever education courses are required by the state (or in your case, province) in order to obtain teacher certification in that state. I would also recommend checking with the provincial or state department for specific course requirements and with the college or university where you are to take your degree and see if the courses and requirements are in agreement with the provincial or state requirements.

You will need to take courses in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry, as well as courses in the other sciences such as biology and physics, as well as mathematics. It may be that you will have to stay in college for at least five years to really get a good start in teaching high school chemistry. And I would recommend continuing work towards a master’s degree that would include as many courses in chemistry as possible. Also, workshops offered during the summer by some of the science supply companies, as well as the Advanced Placement Chemistry curriculum workshop are recommended once you get that first job in teaching.

The best to you. Study hard.

Sincerely,
Charles Riner