Here are some of the best jobs for science teachers who want to leave the classroom. A science degree gives you specialized knowledge and skills that can translate into a great salary and better working conditions.
#1 Science Content Specialist
What is it?
A science content specialist has either general or specialized knowledge in the area of science. Typically, this knowledge is utilized in the areas of student assessment, curriculum development, educational products, and educational research. There are many different titles and closely related positions such as curriculum specialist, curriculum coordinator, and curriculum director. Duties can involve:
- Sharing their specialized knowledge with a team
- Developing and reviewing content
- Creating products in the area of specialty
- Implementing best practices
What does it pay?
According to Glassdoor.com, a science content specialist can expect to make an average of $48,691 per year. It’s one of those jobs for science teachers that makes a fair amount of money. Of course, salary will depend on things like the exact duties, location, degrees held, and experience. Coming into this field as an experienced teacher means that you should not be considered “entry-level”.
What is the schedule?
There are on-site job opportunities as well as remote positions. Some jobs may be team-oriented. There is potential also for project-based work. Organizations such as WestEd.org, Pearson.com, and cK-12.org have these science content specialist type positions.
#2 Homeschool/Private Teacher
What is it?
Homeschool and pod teaching are really starting to take off right now due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are more opportunities and flexibility than ever before. Whether it’s done virtually, in a client’s home, or at a mutually agreed upon location such as a library or park, it is definitely a different experience than teaching in a typical classroom. You may teach one-on-one or a small group. Students may be from one family or several. You may teach one grade level or a few different levels. Responsibilities usually include:
- Communicating with parents and possibly schools
- Developing and implementing lesson plans
- Engaging and motivating students
- Tracking and documenting student progress
What does it pay?
Like many jobs for science teachers, there are part-time and full-time opportunities. ZipRecruiter.com reports that the national average salary for a full-time homeschool teacher is $46,516. Part-time pay is in the $20 to $80 range. Insider.com cites a source who says that “Yearly rates start at $60,000 and go up to $125,000.” As always, many factors play into salary like experience and location.
What is the schedule?
It depends. You will be communicating with parents and probably a school district to figure out the needs of the student/s. It is possible that some parents are just looking for someone to teach those more advanced science courses. Sometimes materials will be provided, and other times you’ll have to lesson plan.
#3 Science Writer/Journalist
What is it?
Just like other jobs for science teachers, a science writer converts complex scientific topics into more understandable language. Similarly, a science journalist reports on scientific discoveries and advancements. Both allow you to use your science background and skills you honed through teaching. You can even specialize in a specific niche such as writing about mental health or the environment. According to Vault.com, the general expectations of a science writer are:
- Conducting research and interviews
- Translating technical information into terms the general public understands
- Writing in an appropriate format
- Knowing your audience and how to engage them
What does it pay?
The amount of money that you earn will depend on a number of factors such as who you work for (whether you’re freelancing or not) and the types of writing that you are producing. Currently, ZipRecruiter.com states that the average annual salary for a scientific writer is $83,368. This is one of the more lucrative jobs for science teachers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for scientific writers is faster than average.
What is the schedule?
Writers typically have some flexibility and freedom in their daily schedules although there are deadlines to meet. A scientific writer’s schedule will depend on factors like whether they work for an organization or freelance. Even if you work for an organization, you may still be able to work remotely.
#4 Contact Tracer/Case Investigator
What is it?
Contact tracing is an important part of slowing the spread of an infectious disease within a population. According to Indeed.com, “A contact tracer reaches out to people that have tested positive for a particular disease or infection and asks them to identify anyone they’ve recently been in contact with. With a goal of reducing the risk of spread, the contact tracer then gets in touch with those people to let them know they may have been exposed.” It’s an important position; although it doesn’t require a degree like other jobs for science teachers do. Job responsibilities typically include:
- Placing phone calls
- Utilizing a script to interview people
- Educating people on the approved protocol to reduce the spread
- Collecting and documenting important information
- Protecting people’s privacy
What does it pay?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a contact tracer is $20.66 an hour. Since the pay tends to be hourly, your bottom line is determined by the number of hours you put in (which is also affected by how many work hours you are offered by your employer).
What is the schedule?
Typically, a contact tracer works hours that are appropriate for placing phone calls. There are morning, daytime, and evening shifts. There may be weekend work, and some health departments require a training course. Also, even though permanent contact tracing positions exist, quite a few are temporary. This is another one of those jobs for science teachers that usually allow you to work remotely.
Don’t miss other great jobs for math teachers, English teachers, and social studies teachers! Or, if you’d like to consider a wider range of jobs, read 36 of the Best Alternatives for Teachers Who Want to Quit.
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