Chemistry Teacher

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A chemistry teacher could...

Overview Listen to this section

When you hear the word chemicals, you might think of laboratories and scientists in white coats; but actually, chemicals are all around you, as well as inside of you. Everything in the world is made up of chemicals, also known as matter, or stuff that takes up space. Chemistry is the study of matter—what it is made of, how it behaves, its structure and properties, and how it changes during chemical reactions. Chemistry teachers are the people who help students understand this physical world, from the reactions within our own bodies to how soaps and detergents work and why egg proteins can keep a cookie from crumbling. They prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers, including all healthcare professionals. They also help also students develop scientific literacy.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Chemistry Teacher?

1. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
2. Instructing: ? Teaching others how to do something.
3. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
4. Learning Strategies: ? Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

6. Social Perceptiveness: ? Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
7. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
8. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
9. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
10. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Chemistry Teacher might do:

• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
• Assign and grade class work and homework.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
• Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine students' strengths and areas of need.