Inspire Curiosity About the Universe

Are you interested in uncovering how things work, from tiny particles to planets and galaxies? Would you like to use your passion to inspire future scientists and engineers? As a high school physics teacher, you can help students understand the wonders of the physical world.

Physics teachers help students understand gravity, energy, forces, motion, and more. They help students see how the laws of physics come to life in the real world, impacting everything from engineering to electronics, space travel, and more.

As a high school physics teacher, you will create lesson plans and assignments that teach students how to apply the laws of physics to solve problems in engineering, motion, and the study of the universe. You will deliver lectures, grade tests and assignments, as well as communicate with parents, caregivers, other teachers and school staff.

In order to become a physics teacher, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in physics secondary education from a four-year college or university.

The Secondary Education Physics A.A.T. degree will cover the first two years of a physics teacher education program. From here, you will be able to transfer to a Maryland four-year school to complete your degree.

The Secondary Education Physics A.A.T. degree program is for students who:

  • Plan to transfer to a Maryland four-year college to complete a bachelor’s degree in physics secondary education
  • Want to become high school physics teachers
  • Are interested in completing the first two years of a physics teacher education program

When you complete this program, you will know how to:

  • Apply the essential principles and concepts of physics
  • Communicate physics concepts using appropriate words, visuals and symbols
  • Distinguish the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive states of development of children from infancy through adulthood.
  • Understand history and current trends in education and what they mean for today’s teachers
  • Support individual students’ development, learning, and motivation through understanding of adolescent development
  • Effectively observe and work with high school students.
  • Understand how diverse backgrounds and experiences influence student development and learning.
  • Create appropriate learning experiences and environments for high school students
  • Think about and reflect on teaching experiences to improve instruction and behavior management.
  • Use existing knowledge and new learning to write, speak, think, and problem-solve in teaching
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior
A teacher helps a student during a class.

With real-world professional experience, a hands-on approach to learning, and excellent departmental collaboration, we’re committed to your education - and your career.

Let’s Get Started!

Follow the steps outlined here to get started in this program. We know the process can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know that we’re here to help! Please call or email us if you have any questions, whatsoever. It’s what we’re here for!

  • 1

    Apply Online

    Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. If you’re planning on attending during traditional fall or spring semesters, make sure to allow your self time to complete the necessary steps outlined here in advance. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details (check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox).

  • 2

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

    It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

  • 3

    Placement & Transcripts

    We now offer many ways to “place” into courses. These include GPA, high school standardized testing and the ACCUPLACER placement exam. Find out if you need to schedule placement testing (exemptions listed here). If so, please don’t worry! We want you to succeed, and together we can get you positioned for achieving your goals. Contact [email protected] to get a testing slip. Then, request that your high school send your official transcript to the Chesapeake College Registration office. In the meantime, you may use an unofficial transcript to work with an Academic Advisor.

  • 4

    Advise & Register

    Meet with an Academic Advisor to select courses in your program, and to register for the upcoming semester. If you are planning to transfer to a specific four-year school after graduation, it’s important to start the conversations early! Our advisors are here to help, every step of the way.

  • 5

    Pay & Prep

    Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

A secondary education physics associate degree can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore education and child development careers, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

you belong HERE

Build your skills outside the classroom—join one of our clubs and organizations, or create your own!

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