Chapter 1 - Science Teacher Talk
What makes science teaching a rewarding career?
Brian Davis
Science teaching is rewarding when you can get students to overcome their fear of science. Many students walk into my classroom saying that science is hard or they are not good in science. Yet, I feel the greatest reward when the students get the science concept and realize that often times it is not that they do not have a conceptual understanding of the topic being taught; the confusion comes from attaching the scientific vocabulary with the topic. I see this most often in physical science classes.
Priscilla Cheek
The best part of teaching is always, without question, the students! The constant surprise of fascinating personalities who respond in myriad ways to the opportunity to learn the mysteries of science is a refreshing of the spirit every day. Any time the dreaded "teacher burnout" rears its ugly head, an inquisitive mind demands my very best and I am inspired to keep working. Let the students be your lighthouse to keep you sailing in the right direction.
Eric Hazelip
Science teaching is rewarding because it has been the most difficult job I've ever had, but also the one that I'm truly most proud of. It's never boring and I always take my job very seriously. I feel a certain pressure and drive to be the best teacher that I can be, and this motivates me to do my best. As a result, I see my students (for the most part) enjoy my class, and I get a real gratification when I can relate to them personally.
Michael O'Brien
Becoming a teacher later in my life has given me the opportunity to engage in my own love of learning. As a teacher I am always learning something new either about teaching or about the content.
What advice do you have for beginning science teachers?
Alexia Bultman
Don't panic! Trust that you can do the job, and when you get overwhelmed just take it one day at a time. As a first year science teacher, really try to utilize your colleagues - borrow/steal whatever you can from them. And finally, when you are doing a lab you've never done before, always, always, always, do it yourself before you do it with your students!
Brian Davis
Don't forget that teachers are students. This motivates teachers to continue to learn and always walk in the shoes of their students. When teachers realize that teaching science is just a part of the classroom experience they will have much richer teaching and learning.
Angela Gula
Any new teacher faces the challenges of developing classroom management skills while working to plan and execute quality lessons that are at a suitable level for the students in the class. As a beginning science teacher, classroom management is critical for laboratory success. Focus on the specific expectations you have for students when they are working in small groups to complete labs and/or activities. Hold them accountable to those expectations, and provide consequences for those students who do not meet them.
Eric Hazelip
One of the hardest things for me still, as a teacher, which I'm steadily improving upon, is learning to negotiate structure and order in the classroom with active engagement and inquiry, student-centered learning. I've had to learn that there are certain things that I will not negotiate in my classroom (certain behaviors), and everything else is inconsequential. The key for me is consistency, a professional demeanor, and treating my students equitably.
Michael O'Brien
Do not be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Ask for help if you need it. Teaching can be very isolating if you allow it to be that way. You will become a better teacher and have more fun if you reach out and collaborate with others. Most teachers love to share their experiences and help others.
Henley Sawicki
Make friends in the department and use them as resources. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know". Don't re-create the wheel. Almost everything you want to create has already been done. Learn to modify activities and lessons to suit your own needs.
Scott Schomer
Beg, borrow and steal. Teaching any subject is a craft. Teaching science adds the extra responsibilities of managing students and resources simultaneously with an academic goal in mind. Try to diminish the pressure of developing activities and lessons in solitude by observing fellow science teachers in action and/or getting their ideas regarding concepts that are to be taught. Your colleagues may have "been there and done that" so use their experiences to guide what you want to happen in your classroom. Taylor lessons they have done with their students to meet the needs of your students.
Elizabeth Walker
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn how to involve students when you don't know the answer or make a mistake... it is a great learning opportunity for all. If you teach science, learn how to foster dialogue amongst you and your students.