Ignite Your Passion for Science: Thrilling Careers in Science Education Await!
Science education faculty jobs are at the heart of preparing tomorrow's STEM leaders, blending deep scientific knowledge with innovative teaching strategies. With national emphasis on STEM proficiency—fueled by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) adopted across 20+ states—demand for science education professors has risen 12% since 2020 (BLS data). Universities seek experts to train K-12 science teachers, develop curricula, and pioneer lab-based pedagogies. Students eyeing this path often start with a BS in biology, chemistry, or physics, advancing to MS/PhD in science education. Career trajectories span classroom teaching, educational research, and administrative roles in higher ed.
Aspiring faculty find openings in faculty positions, lecturer jobs, and adjunct roles. Median earnings hover at $85,670 (BLS 2023), with top earners in urban hubs exceeding $120k—details at professor salaries. Before committing, rate science education professors on our platform to gauge teaching excellence. Parents and job seekers, discover prestige programs via university rankings.
Launch your journey: Search Science Education Jobs Today
Guide for Students: What to Study in Science Education
Science education majors master inquiry-based learning, equipping them to teach complex concepts like quantum mechanics or ecology engagingly. Key coursework includes methods in biology education, physics pedagogy, and assessment design. Graduates pursue scholarships for advanced study, leading to roles in teacher prep programs.
Emerging Career Paths
- K-12 science instructor with district leadership potential.
- Curriculum specialist for edtech firms like those partnering with Google Scholar resources.
- Informal educator at science museums or outreach centers.
Fringe quirk: Programs like Oregon State's outdoor science education integrate wilderness labs, training teachers for immersive field studies unique to Pacific Northwest locales.
Top Programs: Penn State (top-ranked for STEM ed), UC Berkeley—check Ivy League schools for elite peers.
Evaluate courses: rate science education courses.
Professor Opportunities and Prestige in Science Education
Science education departments at research universities like Vanderbilt offer tenure-track roles focusing on equity in STEM. Community colleges seek adjuncts for hands-on labs—browse community college jobs. Prestige peaks at institutions advancing NGSS implementation, with faculty publishing in journals like Journal of Research in Science Teaching.
Anecdote: In 2022, a fringe case at University of Alaska Fairbanks hired a professor specializing in Indigenous knowledge systems for science ed, blending Yup'ik traditions with Western methods—highlighting locale-specific innovation in Arctic regions.
Find mentors: Search top-rated science education professors and rate your science education faculty.
Higher ed career advice covers resumes—grab our free resume template.
Salaries, Earnings, and Location Trends
Science education professors earn competitively, with 2023 BLS data showing medians from $77,000 at small colleges to $110,000 at R1 universities. Trends favor growth in diverse hires amid equity pushes.
| Role/Location | Avg Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor (National) | $85,670 |
| California | $105,200 |
| Texas | $92,500 |
| Adjunct (National) | $45,000 (part-time equiv.) |
Drill deeper: professor salaries by role and state. High-demand spots include Florida for coastal marine science ed.
Future Outlook and Unique Insights
Job growth projects 8% by 2032 (BLS), accelerated by post-pandemic hybrid labs and AI tools like virtual dissections. Quirky trend: Micro-credential programs in climate science education boom in vulnerable areas like Louisiana. International angles via UK jobs.
Stay ahead with academic calendar and SAT scores for admissions. Recruitment tools for departments.
Associations for Science Education
National Science Teaching Association
A U.S.-based organization dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.
Association for Science Education
The largest subject association in the UK supporting science educators through professional development and resources.
International Council of Associations for Science Education
A global network that promotes science and technology education worldwide through collaboration and advocacy.
National Association for Research in Science Teaching
An international organization focused on improving science teaching and learning through research.
European Science Education Research Association
A European association that advances research in science education and supports researchers across the continent.
Australian Science Teachers Association
A national body representing science teachers in Australia, providing resources and professional development.
International Organisation for Science and Technology Education
A global organization that fosters international collaboration in science and technology education research and practice.









%20academic%20jobs%20logo.png&w=128&q=75)