Teaching biology is a great way to share your passion for science with others, and it can be surprisingly fun. Becoming a biology teacher easier than you think, too; with the proper education and experience, you could have your first job within just a few years.
how to become a biology teacher
Become a biology teacher, if you want a rewarding career where your knowledge and people skills are both valued. Browse our page of biology teaching jobs and see where you can go with your degree.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Individuals who want to become biology teachers will first need to complete a bachelor’s degree program, either through biology degree programs, teaching degree programs, or both. Some colleges offer a Bachelor of Science in Education in Biology, sometimes referred to as a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education.
Students in these programs can focus on areas involving life and physical sciences and learn about the plant kingdom, ecology, cell chemistry and genetics. Additional topics of study include cell biology technology, cell fractionation, plant and animal communities, microscopy and protein purification.
Students who want to become biology teachers will need to complete several courses related to education and teaching. Examples of teaching courses include contemporary issues in education, sociocultural influence on teaching, and teaching and learning.
Success Tip
Here’s a tip for success:
- Consider working as a tutor. Working as a biology tutor is an opportunity to help students learn basic biology concepts and is good preparation for becoming a teacher.
Step 2: Complete Student Teaching
In order to earn licensure and graduate from a bachelor’s degree program that has a teacher preparation component, individuals usually need to complete a teaching practicum. This is an opportunity for individuals to design lesson plans and teach students under the supervision of an experienced teacher. The specific responsibilities and duties may vary depending on the teacher supervising.
Step 3: Obtain Licensure
To teach biology in public schools, you must obtain a state teaching license to teach secondary education biology, which usually allows you to teach grades 7-12. Specific licensing requirements vary by state for teachers. However, most states require that teaching applicants graduate with a bachelor’s degree, complete teaching courses and participate in a teaching practicum. Some states require that prospective teachers pass a licensing examination. Alternative teacher certification programs are also available and allow college graduates who majored in biology and related specialties to change careers, becoming biology teachers without having studied education in college.
So, hopefully this blog post has given you a better idea of what it’s like to become a biology teacher. The best way to learn is by getting hands-on experience! If you’re still considering becoming a biology teacher, then why not give it a shot? It could be one of the greatest decisions you ever make.