ACT-Houston
Houston 832-200-0552
Dallas 214-267-2222Austin 1-877-286-0024
Alternative Certification for Teachers
Chemistry (Grades 8-12)
For someone looking to obtain an alternative teaching certification in chemistry for grades eight through twelve, it would be an expectation that general teaching education skills are obtained in addition to gaining a firm knowledge in chemistry related topics. The ability to teach a complex scientific topic on a level that will engage upper middle school through high school students presents challenges and opportunities for a teaching professional.
Teaching Generalist Skills
For someone interested in obtaining an alternative teaching certification in chemistry, a set of basic course work is typically expected which would involve general science courses in addition to mathematics, English, speech and language communications. There is generally also a requirement for an internship or student teaching program. Alternative teaching certification candidates would have the opportunity to directly interact with students while gathering additional fundamentals and foundations for being an educator.
Coursework Expectations in Chemistry
In order to obtain an alternative certification for teaching chemistry, successful completion of principle chemistry courses in multiple genres would be required. Courses in basic chemistry principles as well as laboratory work will be expected, in addition to organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, molecular chemistry, physical chemistry as well as coursework in chemical research and analysis. Chemistry is a foundation for many other advanced science topics. The ability to create a firm foundation of chemistry related subjects for students will be imperative.
What to Expect as a Chemistry Teacher
The ability to teach a complex topic such as chemistry is combined with teaching constraints involved with students having adequate foundations to support the complexities of the subject such as mathematics and physical science along with safety concerns and expenses involved with supplies and equipment. These challenges are something a chemistry education professional must truly keep in mind as they create lesson plans and design projects.