High School Teacher Career Info
High school teachers, also known as secondary school teachers, instruct students in subjects through classroom discussions, lectures, and other methods and then evaluate a student's progress in a subject through examinations and coursework. Those interested in being a high school teacher must be proficient not only in the subject matter but also in the administrative and technological aspects of the classroom. High school teachers should also be able to communicate effectively with parents, students, and other staff members. Working with demanding and sometimes unruly teenagers can be tiring and often requires a great deal of patience. Teachers are often able to observe their students' accomplishments, however, and may earn great satisfaction. Any person seeking to know how to become a secondary education teacher must be prepared to equip themselves with such abilities in order to succeed in a high school teaching career.
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Secondary education, subject-specific field |
| Experience | Student teaching internship |
| Licensure/Certification | High school certification and/or state teaching license required for public schools |
| Key Skills | Patience, instructional abilities, flexibility, communication skills, computer and basic technical skills, and development techniques |
| Median Salary (2019) | $61,660 (for all high school teachers) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ONET Online, Teach.org
Becoming a High School Teacher Guide
1. Get a Bachelor's Degree for Teaching High School
Understanding state requirements for high school teachers, especially with regard to educational requirements, is important in answering the question of how to become a high school teacher. Students have multiple options when it comes to pursuing a degree for teaching high school. State requirements or preferred degree for teaching high school programs can vary. Generally, students will complete a major in the subject area they intend to teach, with a minor in education or with concurrent enrollment in a teacher preparation program. However, some schools have students major in secondary education and minor in the particular subject area in which they plan to teach. Whether a student is enrolled in a teacher preparation program or another type of education degree, they generally complete a student teaching or mentorship teaching component in the program.
Most teacher preparation programs include student teaching which gives the teachers hands-on experience on how to teach high school. However, there will likely be additional opportunities to gain field experience or complete volunteer work through the school or community. Students should consider these opportunities to gain an understanding of their subject matter as well as to round out and populate their resumes for obtaining positions after graduation. Experience is important in becoming a high school teacher so that the teacher can get to class and teach effectively when hired.
Students who show proficiency in subject areas, demonstrated by grades in related classes and cumulative GPA, are likely also eligible to tutor these subjects through the school or university. These positions are often paid and students can specialize in one subject area or tutor in several.
Alternative teacher programs generally take 1-2 years to complete and are available to students who already possess a bachelor's degree that is closely related to the subject area in which he or she wishes to teach. This can be an expedited route to begin teaching for students who already hold a relevant bachelor's degree.
2. Earn Teacher Credentials
After the bachelor's degree attainment, there are additional exams and requirements necessary to complete in order for a student to obtain his or her initial teaching credentials. These additional requirements on how to be a highschool teacher do vary by state. Generally, the student will have a basic skills exam in addition to an exam specified to the subject in which they intend to teach. These test scores in conjunction with transcripts showing completion of the bachelor's degree and teacher prep program as well as state and federal background checks must be submitted with a completed application to the State Board of Education.
States also require teachers to complete several requirements to obtain permanent credentials and get what is needed on becoming a highschool teacher. This can include additional coursework, exams, and tests. Some teachers may be required to earn a master's degree, as well as a minimum amount of teaching experience.
Most teachers' associations offer programs that teachers can utilize to gain additional teaching techniques and other skills in addition to staying current on technology commonly used in the classroom.
3. Get Voluntary Certification
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pursuing additional credentials, such as those offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) , can increase job prospects for teachers. The NBPTS offers the National Board Certification, which is an advanced teaching credential. These certificates are available in a variety of areas, including health, library media, mathematics, physical education, and science, for secondary teachers.
4. Consider a Master's Degree
Getting a Master's Degree in teaching is a smart move for someone aspiring to advance their career as a high school teacher. The knowledge of relevant pedagogical theory on learning and teaching that the student would learn in such programs are important in improving on lesson planning. It is also an established path for attaining one's teacher credentials, especially when one gets the Master of Arts in Teaching or any other relevant graduate program. A Master's Degree also comes with higher pay.
5. Choose what you want to teach
Becoming a high school teacher requires one to be a major of a given subject. While one can teach different levels in high school, they need to choose the subject they will be teaching. One needs to pick a topic that they love and get a degree or a master's degree in it. Specializing in a given subject not only makes one effective in the classroom but also makes them attain a higher level of fulfillment. Some of the subjects in high demand include math, science, special education, and bilingual education. Teachers who have great knowledge in a given subject are more impactful to the students in the class.
6. Get enrolled in a teacher education program
The teacher education program is for those aspiring to pursue a career as high school teachers but who do not have an undergraduate degree or a Master's Degree. The requirement for these programs is different in different states. This means that once one goes through the teacher education program, they will probably be given teaching credentials in the state that they are assigned to.
7. Review difference in schools as you search for your first teaching job
A student looking for their first teaching job after graduating should consider such institutions as private schools, subject-specific schools, public schools, charter schools, or magnet schools. Consideration of individual school characteristics is important because it prepares the teacher on what to expect. Some schools may be endowed with more resources than others, while some may also have a higher demand for teachers than others. Thus, different schools will differ in terms of the amount they pay teachers, the size of classes, and teaching credential requirements among other factors. The students should search carefully for the school they would want to apply for their first job. The choice will determine career growth in terms of salary, skills, experience, and exposure. One should pick a school whose requirements at least match with the credentials that one has.
| National Teacher Exams | ||
| _ Name of Test | Subject Tested _ | Cost Incurred |
| National Evaluation Series (NES) | Essential Academic Skills, professional Knowledge, K12 Assessment, Elementary, Middle & Secondary Assessment | $95/test, Essential Academic Skills Test vary |
| _ Praxis | Core Academic Skills, Subject Assessments, and Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments _ | $90/Test, $150 per single subjects when taken together. |
To recap, aspiring high school teachers must earn at least a bachelor's degree that contains both a teacher preparation program and courses covering the subject area the individual wishes to teach. Upon graduation, gaining hands-on experience and licensure are required. It is also important to pursue a Master's Degree in teaching.
