A physics teacher is a person who instructs students in the subject of physics. A physicist with a teaching credential is usually required to become a physics teacher. Physics teachers work in a variety of settings around the world, and many are members of professional organizations dedicated to promoting excellence and high standards in physics education, such as the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in the United States.
A high school is a common place for a physics teacher to work. Introductions to very basic concepts designed to help students fulfill science requirements, as well as advanced instruction for gifted and talented students who want to advance their physics education as much as possible before going to college, can be found in high school physics. Because students in lower grades often lack the prerequisite courses needed to begin taking physics classes, high school physics teachers usually deal with third and fourth year students.
Physics teachers can also work in elementary schools, where they can introduce students to scientific concepts. This is more common in schools that have aggressive academic programs and want to provide as many opportunities to their students as possible. Physics teachers who work with students before they reach high school work primarily with exceptionally gifted students who have demonstrated an aptitude for science.
A physics teacher can also work as a tutor, helping students with specific physics topics. Physics tutors can be found at all levels of education, including high school, college, and university. Some tutors are advanced physics students who tutor as a source of supplemental income while attending university. As their curricula progress, students who are homeschooled may hire a tutor.
Some physics teachers specialize in providing a generalized physics education that introduces students to key concepts, familiarizes students with fundamental physics laws, and provides a solid foundation that will benefit students later in life whether or not they pursue a scientific education. Other physics teachers may provide advanced topics instruction to their students, and science-focused schools may offer a variety of physics electives so that students can explore specific topics of interest.
In some workplaces, physics programs can be offered as part of a continuing education program. In this case, the physics teacher is working with adults who want to further their education in order to expand their career options. In the workplace, physics instruction can also include physics-related safety topics, such as laser-working courses.