6 Reasons to Become a Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths Teacher

One of our favourite teaching quotes is: 

“…A teacher affects eternity, they can never tell where their influence stops…” (Henry Adams). 

We love it because it encapsulates the profound difference teachers make each and every day. There is no more important job than that of a teacher and a teacher of STEM subjects is truly shaping the next generation and inspiring young people to take on careers that could change the world and the lives of people across the globe.

So if that wasn't enough to inspire you, then here are 6 further reasons to become a Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths teacher:

1) You will be supported by some great support staff – Science and IT Technicians are often trained scientists and IT professionals who have chosen to work in a school setting perhaps to fit around family life. So, you will be surrounded by like minded people who share a passion for your subject. 

2) STEM has never been so important, and you will be at the forefront of inspiring the next generation of scientists, astronauts, engineers, coders, and tech superstars! Perhaps you will be teaching the next Tim Peake, Bill Gates, or Mark Zuckerberg!

3) Bursaries – there are some really amazing bursaries and scholarships available to teach the sciences or mathematics. Up to £24,000 (2022-2023) is currently available to teach Chemistry, Computing, Physics or Mathematics and up to £10,000 to teach Biology. 

4) Share your passion and interests with others. Do you remember an inspirational teacher from when you were at school? You can be that teacher and share your passion for the sciences with your students and be remembered for a lifetime. 

5) Female educators can demonstrate to their students that science, technology and engineering careers are accessible to women and girls. It is important to highlight to young women the types of STEM careers available and how to apply to university courses to study STEM, as these fields are still male dominated industries. However, more girls and women are entering STEM careers, so it is an exciting time for educators to encourage girls into STEM. According to the STEM Women website, women make up 24% of STEM workers and it is predicted that by 2030 women will make up between 29% of the STEM workforce. 

6) You will help children to understand the world around them. In a technology driven society, the skills and knowledge that STEM teachers have are vital to ensure that children and young people are equipped to flourish in a modern world and are learning the skills that will help them progress in the type of careers that will be available in the future.

We ran a quick poll on the Kent-Teach website asking existing teachers why they loved teaching STEM subjects and what drives you to teach in science, technology, engineering, and maths. Here's what our job-seekers said: