The New Wave of Physics and Chemistry Teachers
The Problem: A Shortage of Physics and Chemistry Teachers
Time and again, school districts are finding that there is a critical shortage of high school physics and chemistry teachers. Physics, especially, is the gateway to a STEM career - it teaches students analytical and quantitative reasoning while providing an engaging application for math and is the most required prerequisite for any STEM major in college. However, only ⅓ of the students in the US even have the opportunity to take a physics course in high school. These factors combine to make the lack of physics and chemistry educators a top priority for education reform.
The Solution: Supercharge your Teaching Career with a Physics or Chemistry Certification
To solve this physics and chemistry teacher shortage, we can’t wait for traditional teaching programs to create more physics teachers. The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is approved by the NJDOE to provide physics and chemistry endorsements for already certified NJ teachers. Since 2009, CTL has created a new wave of physics educators by teaching 125 certified teachers from other content areas - biology, math, history, special ed., etc. - how to teach physics, making CTL the #1 producer of physics teachers in the country. CTL has also created a number of new chemistry teachers. This approach works because the program takes skilled teachers, teaches them content as well as methods, and provides all of the course materials needed to be successful physics teachers. While 125 new physics teachers is a great start, for all students in New Jersey to take physics we need an estimated 1200 more. There is still work to be done!
Why did you become a physics teacher?
“I am extremely happy I became a physics teacher because the content is both challenging and focuses on real life application. Students can visualize what each problem is asking and then apply analytical and mathematical skills to solve.” -Nicholas Ferriero, Malcolm X. Shabazz High School, Newark, NJ
“I decided to become a physics teacher to show my students the applications behind the math concepts they learn in Algebra class.” -Tantanya Hodges, East Orange STEM Academy, East Orange, NJ
“I became a physics teacher in order to have a good foundation for my engineering courses. What I enjoy most about teaching physics is seeing the kids succeed in a course that is commonly perceived to be very difficult.” -Nicholas Elefther, Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro, NJ
“The physics, chemistry, and associated pedagogical training further solidified my content mastery of biology, as I became cognizant of the physical science behind the topics covered in the life sciences. In addition, the PSI curriculum provided me with lesson plans that sufficiently addressed the agendas of major educational reform movements such as the Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and 21st Century Skills.” -Josef Kariuki, Technology High School, Newark, NJ
Take Action: “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World”
If you are interested in becoming part of the STEM education solution, like a new challenge, and want to add highly marketable certifications to your teaching portfolio, contact CTL to find out how to participate in our Physics and Chemistry endorsement courses. CTL has partnered with Adams State University to offer an affordable Masters in Curriculum and Instruction: Physics track for teachers interested in taking our endorsement courses and online education courses to earn a graduate degree. Courses are starting near you soon! Learn more about our endorsement programs by reading our FAQs, or get more information by calling (609) 310-1285 or emailing CTL at info@njctl.org.
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