Finding a Science Teacher Has Never Been Harder

It’s never been tougher for schools to find good science teachers.

Even large, well-funded public schools face significant recruitment problems. A national shortage of teachers trained in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is leaving many schools without the science teachers they desperately need. According to estimates from a major 2025 review article published in the International Journal of STEM Education, “a third of states are experiencing a STEM teacher shortage.” Figures from the US Department of Education are even worse, showing shortages of science teachers in a staggering 82% of states (source: Learning Policy Institute).

Number of students completing teacher preparation programs, 2008-2018

Chart showing the number of students completing teacher preparation programs from 2008 to 2018

Source: The 74

The situation isn’t likely to get better any time soon. The above chart tells a dismal story: Enrollment in teacher preparation programs across all subjects dropped by well over a third between 2008 and 2018, and completion rates also fell significantly during this period. The Learning Policy Institute reports that “interest in teaching among high school and college students is at the lowest level it has been in decades.” As a result, schools across the country are seeing “persistent teacher shortages” in science and math (Center for American Progress), and it’s not clear where the next generation of teachers will come from.

The outlook for small schools is even more bleak... How can small schools provide advanced science teaching without a specialist science teacher?

The outlook for small schools is even more bleak. Many small schools know first-hand the challenges of finding – and keeping – the great teachers they want to teach and mentor their children. The teachers in these schools work incredibly hard for long hours, devoting themselves to their calling. When schools can’t find a specialist teacher in a particular subject, other teachers rise to the challenge, doing the best they can with limited resources. But it’s a daunting task for anyone to teach outside their area of expertise, especially as the high school years begin. How can small schools provide advanced science teaching without a specialist science teacher?

Axiom Science is here to help. Our courses are specifically designed for schools without a specialist science teacher. We provide the teaching; you provide the encouragement and supervision, guiding your students from start to finish.

We handle the teaching

Our step-by-step video lessons take care of all the teaching, while our automatically-graded quizzes remove a huge burden from supervisors. Students receive instant feedback and full explanations, building their confidence and deepening their understanding.

Hands-on labs

Our labs use everyday household materials, and can be completed at school or at home. With clear demonstrations, sample lab reports, and simple grading guidelines, supervisors can quickly and accurately assess student work.

Full supervisor dashboard

The supervisor dashboard makes it easy to track the progress of your students. You can view quiz results, manage multiple classes, send group messages with our built-in tools, and export detailed reports. We give you the tools you need to encourage your children, and you’ll always know if a student is falling behind.

Great value

Only $149 per student for a whole year, plus $15 discount per course on multiple purchases.*

Supervisors also receive free access to the entire course, including all lessons, videos, and quizzes. You can follow along with your children as much or as little as you wish.

Sign up for a free supervisor account today and explore our free sample course.

We handle the teaching — you stay connected every step of the way.

* IGCSE courses: $199 for 2 years.

We handle the teaching — you stay connected every step of the way.

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