Can I teach high school science with a BSN?

[HuShi]

Hi all,

I would like to be a high school science teacher after a while of nursing, or if I burn out (whichever comes first). Does anyone know about or have experience with teaching high school with a nursing degree? I know there is a teacher shortage, especially for science and math teachers, but I'm not sure if I'll have the right qualifications to get a teaching credential.

Thanks!

[Dr. Kate, BSN, RN]

As someone who taught briefly in a private high school the year before I went to nursing school, back in the days when kids were a bit better behaved than they are now, nursing was a whole lot easier. At least most sick people want what you have to offer. Most high school students don't want anything you have to offer and you have to make it appealing to them.

Sorry to be negative on the subject. I really like teaching. However, I am a rotten policeperson. I was very young then and saw myself as ridiculous in the position, that had a lot to do with the difficulty I had as a teacher.

I do agree if you want to teach go through certification classes. I know that would have helped me immeasurably.

Good Luck.

[mattsmom81]

My SOL is a teacher and I believe she deals with as much political bullshit or more than nurses. The system makes it almost impossible to get tenure...much in the same way hospitals don't want to give nurses raises...the evaluations are never good enough and you can't possibly do enough to please them.

I agree good teachers are worth their weight in gold...but as a whole they are unappreciated much the same as nurses, IMHO. I do have friends that sub-teach and enjoy that...but they say they wouldn't want to do it fulltime! Subs in my area need only pass a background check. No degree required to sub.