High school teachers essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $55,050
- 2012, number of jobs: 959,770
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 7 percent
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
High school teachers; what they do:
A high school teacher career attracts people who have excellent communication and listening skills, a great deal of patience, and want to make a difference in teenagers’ lives. High school teachers work with students in 9th-12th grade and prepare them for careers after high school.
A high school teaching career includes planning lessons in line with administrative, state and national curriculum objectives, supporting students through personal and academic difficulties and enforcing rules both in and out of the classroom. A high school teaching career also involves monitoring and reporting student strengths and weaknesses through regular tests, exams, parent conferences and report cards.
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High school teachers job titles:
- Secondary Teacher
- High School English Teacher
- History Teacher
- Science Teacher
- Math Teacher
- Physical Education Teacher
- Social Studies Teacher
High School Teachers Education, Certification and License Requirements
People seeking a high school teacher career must have a bachelor’s degree in one or more content areas such as English or science as well as a state issued license or certificate. In most states in order to remain certified high school teachers must attend continuing education classes. However, High school teachers in private schools don’t need certifications.
While taking the mandatory college classes to fulfill secondary education requirements, high school teachers also gain real life classroom experience through participating in local school practicum instruction. In some states, attaining a master’s degree may also be necessary after becoming certified.
High school teachers programs cover subjects such as:
- Foundations of education
- Learning and instruction
- Teaching experience
- Content literacy for secondary students
- Adolescent psychology
- Teaching students with exceptional needs
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Career Advancement Opportunities
Through advanced training, education or certification, high school teachers can advance in their career to an administrative role such as a principal or an assistant principal. Some teachers also go on to become high school counselors or instructional coordinators.
High School Teachers Job Outlook
Forecast: 7 percent employment growth for high school teachers from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. This percentage is due to declines in student-to-teacher ratios, retirement and enrollment growth.
The Southern and Western regions of the country have a higher forecasted employment growth for high school teachers than the rest of the nation. Budget deficits also play a role in high school teacher employment and can result in nationwide layoffs.
High School Teachers Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $55,050
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $69,310
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $44,220
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High School Teachers Major Employers
- Public schools
- Private schools
Related Degrees
Learn about an Online
M.A.T. with Teaching Credential Degree
Learn about an Online
M.A.T. – Secondary Education Degree
Learn about an Online
M.Ed. – Secondary Education Degree
