Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

What the job really is

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

At a glance

• Sector: Education & Library
• O*NET-SOC code: 25-1054
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Supervise students' laboratory work.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, C, C++, Google Docs, Learning management system LMS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Perl

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
• Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
• Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
• Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Physicists
• Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Physics Teachers, Postsecondary — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.