WE STRONGLY SUPPORT STUDENTS INTENDING TO BECOME HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS TEACHERS!
Each physics teacher has their own reason for choosing their career, but most of them agree on these "Seven Reasons to Become a High School Physics Teacher."

You really should check out this information and video from the Physics Teacher Education Coalition.

A Unique Degree Program Designed Just For You
Our General Physics degree was the first physics degree in the state of California approved under the new standards by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing! It was specifically designed with their criteria in mind. In addition, special we have obtained special waivers that allow you to complete courses required by the credentialing program and have them count toward your general education units.

Scholarships and Other Financial Support
  • The Paul G. Hewitt Scholarship for Future High School Physics Teachers is offered directly by our department.
  • Noyce Scholarships of up to $12,000 per year! The Robert Noyce Scholarship program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The program provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and programs for students who commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts.
  • The Society of Physics Students has a $2000 Future Teacher Scholarship.
  • The American Association of Physics Teachers offers the Barbara Lotze Scholarship for future high-school physics teachers for up to $2000 for each of four years.
  • The Teacher Recruitment Project (TRP) in conjunction with the Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) at California State University, Chico is focused on recruiting students to become math and science teachers. They have a special scholarship program that awards scholarships up to $3000. Here is their application.
  • The Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE) is a teacher incentive program designed to encourage students to become California teachers. Administered by the California Student Aid Commission, the program assumes up to $19,000 in outstanding educational loan balances in return for four consecutive years of qualifying teaching service. THIS PROGRAM NOT AVAILABLE 2012-13.
  • The Knowles Math & Science Teaching Fellowships are for students who have received a bachelor's or advanced degree in science and are committed to teaching high school science. The fellowship supports them professionally and financially for up to five years through a teacher preparation program to eligibility for tenure.
Additional Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Programs are listed at the CSU Teacher Education Website.
 
Program Deadline
AAPT Barbara Lotze Scholarship December 1
Paul G. Hewitt Scholarship for Future High School Physics Teachers January 1
Knowles Math & Science Teaching Fellowships January 14
SPS Future Teacher Scholarship February 15
Noyce Scholarships March 24
CSU Chico Teacher Recruitment Project Scholarship March 24
Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE) open

Personal Placement in a Local High School Physics Class
One of the requirements for the General Physics program and for the teacher Credential program is an early field experience. We know the local high school physics teachers and will place you in one of their classrooms. We will choose a teacher that is matched to your personal and professional goals.