"Physics is the only real science." -Ernest Rutherford
Education is necessary in so many ways. Firstly, through education, we better understand the world around us. Secondly, by educating ourselves, we can become professionals in a specific type of career. Thirdly, a good education causes us to become more well-rounded people.
Therefore, no matter the culture, language, age, or situation a person goes through, we all need an education.
To make the learning process more organised, necessary topics of education are divided into disciplines like maths, the sciences, English literature, history, geography, economics, art, and the list goes on and on. Although all educational topics are worthwhile, some are more important than others. Such as? Well, it's important to state that the sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology prepare individuals for outstanding careers and provide them with a better understanding of the world around us.
Also, because of a passion for education and an affinity for a scientific topic such as physics, a person may consider a career as a teacher.
Therefore, without further delay, in today's article, we shall examine how curious individuals may find work as physics teachers in cities and towns across the United Kingdom.
How to Find a Job as a Physics Teacher at a Secondary School
Though there is considerable demand for physics teachers across all educational sectors, it's worth stating that secondary schools are the primary location for physics educators to find employment. But, how are jobs found at high schools?
It's worth stating that there are several ways for persons to find a job at a secondary school, such as the following:
- Through Word of Mouth: by speaking with other educators and creating a network with professionals in the sectors of education and physics, you might be able to locate a job at a high school through word of mouth. In addition, having connections means that they will let you know about upcoming employment positions that might interest you before they are posted.
- By Searching Job Hunting Websites: in today's world, the most common way to look for a job is by searching through the postings on job-hunting websites such as Indeed, Reed, or Monster. Many sites boast information about physics teacher positions at schools throughout the country. Essential details such as the salary, the job responsibilities, and the location are included in the online post.
- Through Training Programmes: in the last year or two of university, students of education or physics have training programmes at secondary schools where they shadow teachers and learn from their examples. Sometimes, if the training programme or internship goes well, a job is promised at the end.
To work at a high school in the United Kingdom, a Bachelor's degree in any field goes without saying that. However, physics is highly recommended, is needed along with a training qualification to work as an educator.
Also, since secondary school physics teachers usually work in the public sector, they must follow the curriculum set out for them by the Department of Education in the United Kingdom. In the private sector, at schools that are privately run, the lesson plans may slightly deviate from those taught at public schools; however, the same necessary topics of physics are studied, such as the following:
- Electricity and magnetism,
- Energy and work,
- Forces,
- Motions and mechanics,
- Thermodynamics,
- Waves, sound, and light.
In a high school setting, teachers work full-time and boast a schedule that requires them to come into work from Monday to Friday. Depending on when classes are conducted, teachers may have afternoons or mornings free of teaching, yet planning and preparation may be required.
It's important to state that the yearly salary for a physics teacher in the UK is approximately £35,000. In some cases, based on seniority, the type of school, and the tasks required of the teacher, the salary may vary and be higher or lower.
But, what about physics teachers at the university? Take a look at the following subheading to learn more.
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Do I Need Special Education to Work as a Physics Instructor at University?
To work at a reputable and well-known university in the UK as a professor of physics, a certain level of education must be completed. Such as? In most cases, most universities won't even consider the application of a potential candidate to instruct physics if they haven't completed a Doctorate in physics. Why's that? Achieving a Master's or PhD in physics demonstrates to universities that you are fully dedicated to the field of physics and have a passion for instructing others about the topics it encompasses.
Therefore, after a Bachelor's in physics, or a similar subject, has been completed, aspiring professors will continue their further education studies to receive both a Master's and a PhD degree. All the schooling is worthwhile in most cases since the salary of a physics professor is much higher than it would be if a person were instructing physics at a secondary school level. For instance, based on data collected, professors in the UK may make nearly £90,000 per year or more.
Nonetheless, becoming a professor in physics means that you have conducted and published original research in the field of physics and that you have garnered the respect of your colleagues. You may be able to find physics professor employment positions by searching on job hunting websites or through word of mouth.
Universities tend to hire physics professors who have had experience teaching; therefore, it might be necessary to have taught a few years at a secondary school before working at a college.
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Is it Possible to Get a Job as a Physics Tutor?
While it's important to state that working in either a secondary school or university is the most common place to encounter employment as a physics teacher, many experienced physics educators have found jobs elsewhere. Where may that be? As private tutors.
Since the early 2000s and the rise of the internet, private tutoring has become commonplace and not solely reserved for students with deep pockets. Persons of all ages and skill levels are now receiving private tuition with personal tutors who instruct various topics of interest and academic disciplines.
But, how does an aspiring physics teacher enlist their academic services and become a tutor? First, take a look at the list below that features chronological steps to start working as a physics tutor:
- Select a Tutoring Community: in today's world, the only way to find new students is by marketing yourself online; therefore, that entails finding a tutoring community/website where you wish to create a profile. We remarkably suggest choosing Superprof since you'll quickly find students!
- Create a Virtual Profile: once the tutoring website has been chosen, the next step is customising your profile and adding essential details such as your experience, the type of physics topics you excel at teaching, past accreditations, the price you charge per hour, a profile picture, your location, whether you want to teach in-person or virtually, and, most importantly, your availabilities.
- Wait For Students to Hire You: the final step is waiting for pupils to hire you for your services. On most tutoring sites, such as Superprof, private instructors receive messages or notifications when students have booked a class.
It's worth mentioning that new tutors should be prepared by having the right technology such as high-speed internet, a functioning PC, a headset, and an HD webcam; that's if you've decided to conduct physics classes online.
Also, a career as a physics tutor is extensively suggested for those who have professional qualifications and those who do not. And, though it may take a few months to become an established physics educator on a tutoring site with returning students week after week, the patience is worth it for the following reasons:
- Flexible schedule,
- A salary that you choose,
- The possibility of working from home,
- A rewarding career helping others understand new things.
While it's true that a stable schedule and steady paycheck may take time to achieve, and they are the result of marketing yourself and having regular students, an above-average salary can be earned as a physics tutor. Such as? Without qualifications, you can charge between £15-25 per hour; nonetheless, with a university degree in physics to back up your skills, you can expect anywhere between £30-50 per hour.
Some physics tutors may earn even more if they are specialising in a particular area of physics that is considered niche.
A career as a physics tutor is fantastic for physics teachers who don't want to be tied down to a 9-5 job at a secondary school or university. Also, it's worth stating that some individuals teach remedial physics lessons on the side to increase their income.
In conclusion, we are sure that you will enjoy a prosperous career by considering all three options or pathways of where to find work as a physics teacher.
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