CAREER GUIDE B.S. Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)

Earth science is big news these days, with our increased focus on critical issues like conservation, renewable energy, mineral resources, and water availability. In fact, earth science (also referred to as geoscience) is recognized for having such a profound effect on our everyday lives that in 2015, then-Congressman Mike Honda introduced The Earth Science Week Resolution to highlight the importance and broad impact earth science research has on American individuals, municipalities, industries, companies, economy, and quality of life.

"Geoscientists and researchers in our country continually push the frontiers of human knowledge, help develop and incubate the concepts and programs that keep us at the innovative forefront of the world’s economy, and inspire future generations of researchers, scientists, and informed citizens," said Congressman Honda.

So who's going to teach future generations of students how to help solve some of the world's biggest challenges and improve our quality of life? It could be you if you decide to become a geoscience teacher! The field is fertile with opportunities for educators who have the up-to-date knowledge, skills, and credentials to help young minds develop a passion for understanding the physical aspects of the Earth, including its composition, structure, and processes.

According to an article published in Correlator, the newsletter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, "Geoscientists are needed to address societally important problems related to energy, water, natural hazards, natural resources, climate, environment, and geological engineering, to educate students and the public, to use sound science to inform public policy decisions, and to conduct fundamental research. We need a multifaceted, sustained effort to build a diverse and sustainable geoscience workforce."

Significantly, “the majority of the geoscientist workforce is within 15 years of retirement age, and about 20–30% of the workforce is already retirement eligible, yet the projected need is greater than the number of those employed today.”

Good geoscience teachers can help kids find a passion for earth science during their formative years. "Students usually are not exposed to the geosciences at [an] age when they are considering future careers, while teachers, counselors, and parents are not aware that it is a high-paying, high-tech profession that requires strengths in the basic sciences and high-level math and computational skills."

Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of middle school teachers and high school teachers to grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026, which is near the average for all occupations.

The BLS reports the median annual wage for middle school teachers was $56,720 in May 2016. High school teachers earned slightly more – $58,030. The average salary for geoscience teachers, according to SimplyHired.com, is $45,000. As with most professions, earth science teacher salaries can vary due to location and experience.