<p>Title says it all.</p>
<p>I have thought about becoming a high school science teacher as an option over a doctor or biomedical engineer. I have such a passion for science, and I want a job where I can use my knowledge in the service for others, and help many different backgrounds. It's really funny actually, I didn't even notice the option of a teacher til recently, and it's been in front of me the whole time.</p>
<p>I love both biology and chemistry, but I'd figured there would be more demand for chemistry than biology. </p>
<p>But I have also heard other things, such as the economy being bad, bad salary, outlook not good. Money is not really an issue for me.</p>
<p>But then again, some people may think I'm crazy if I turn down two amazing jobs for a teacher. The other two are so noble.</p>
<p>What I plan to do in the event that I choose to go this path is try to get hired after I earn my Bachelor's, then earn my Master's. I know some schools require a master's but my teacher has also told me that some schools are more willing to hire someone for less. </p>
<p>Also, if I had to work for a high school, it would be my high school at the moment. Is there any bias towards applicants who are applying to the school they graduated from?</p>
<p>I also thought about bringing other options, such as working on the Science Research Club, or maybe a Neuroscience Club. If I didn't pursue teaching, I'd major in Neuroscience. What can I do with this major? </p>
<p>Most importantly, what looks like a better option?</p>
<p>First, if you don’t like kids don’t become a teacher (this is just something general to help you decide haha).</p>
<p>Second, science teachers are more likely to get hired with a bachelors than an English/ history with a bachelors. The scenario of schools not hiring people without masters would probably only happen in states where you cannot get a bachelors in teaching (VA is one).</p>
<p>Third, teaching is a noble career…you’re educating the future of the country. </p>
<p>Fourth, if you do go the teaching route you will probably have to do a “practicum.” This means you shadow a teacher for about a semester. Many people do this at their old high schools-it’s not usually considered weird.</p>
<p>Fifth, many teachers work at the school they went to school at-rules about this (informal or formal) probably vary by school. If your school does not want you working for them-they’d probably just send you to another school in the district.</p>
<p>Six, if you do bio or chem and after decide you want to be a teacher-you can get a masters in administration and become a teacher-if you do chem education or bio education and decide you don’t want to be an educator- you can apply to med school.</p>
<p>In other words, you can’t really lose. It’s a win-win. You have lots of time though to decide. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks kanick,</p>
<p>If anyone else has insight or suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>High school teachers are very underpaid for the hours they put in. If you can accept the fact that you will spend your week teaching concepts to kids who refuse to learn and fail students who don’t study, then let your passion rise through the work. Breaking Bad doesn’t make the profession look good, but at my high school the happiest teachers seemed to be the ones working in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. </p>
<p>You can also go the professor route, since your passion makes you ideal for a PhD. There is a lot of politics involved, and you are silently expected to publish research about your field (the frequency and quality depending on where you work). It’s a lot more education but its a step up from high school and a great job once you gain tenure</p>
<p>I don’t know about private sector opportunities for Neuroscientists. This is something you will have to research (no pun intended)</p>