Physics teacher responsibilities are to compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others; evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers; initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions; keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences; prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts; select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.

Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues; serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues; advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues; prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics; write grant proposals to procure external research funding; conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media; maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records; maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students; plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction; participate in campus and community events; supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work; participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities; act as advisers to student organizations; compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments; provide professional consulting services to government or industry; supervise students' laboratory work; maintain and repair laboratory equipment; perform administrative duties such as serving as department head.