Would I Make a Good High School Teacher?
High school teachers have the immense task of preparing students for graduation and the challenges they will face in the real world. To some this idea might be scary, but for those who teach this responsibility is incredibly rewarding. Wondering if this could be the right path for you? Take the self-assessment quiz below and find out if you have the potential to be a great high school educator!
| Do you love working with students? | Yes or No |
| Are you organized? | Yes or No |
| Are you determined and committed? | Yes or No |
| Are you passionate about the subject you'd like to teach? | Yes or No |
| Do you enjoy working collaboratively? | Yes or No |
| Are you optimistic? | Yes or No |
| Are you flexible to change? | Yes or No |
| Are you personable? | Yes or No |
| Are you patient? | Yes or No |
| Do you often see the potential in others? | Yes or No |
| Are you an effective disciplinarian? | Yes or No |
| Do you have strong communication skills? | Yes or No |
Why Does a High School Teacher Need to Have These Traits?
Do you love working with students?
Teachers at any level must be energized by helping students, as this will be their driving motivation to continue on difficult days.
Are you organized?
Teachers must keep track of each student's progress, as well as lesson plans, assignments and teaching materials. This requires high levels of organizational skill.
Are you determined and committed?
Teachers must be committed to engaging with their students each day and face each class with renewed determination. Because teaching is a major time commitment, teachers must also be generous with their time outside of class.
Are you passionate about the subject you'd like to teach?
Having a love for the subject you teach will help get students excited about that topic and keep them engaged in class.
Do you enjoy working collaboratively?
Great teachers understand they are part of a team and work with other teachers to bring out the best in students and create an integrated learning community.
Are you optimistic?
A positive attitude goes a long way, especially when teaching high school age students, and will help teachers connect with their students.
Are you flexible to change?
Because no two classes are exactly the same, high school teachers need to be able to adapt their lesson plans to suit the needs of each class and that day's specific challenges.
Are you personable?
An approachable personality will help teachers build trusting and positive relationships with students and their families. Being amiable can make a big difference, particularly when working with teenagers.
Are you patient?
Teachers need to be patient in their approach and willing to start fresh each day with students who have behavioral problems as well as those who are having trouble grasping the class material.
Do you often see the potential in others?
An ability to see students' potential can help motivate high school teachers to find the instructional techniques and tactics that will reach each student.
Are you an effective disciplinarian?
Great teachers know how to use disciplinary approaches in a way that motivates and encourages positive behavior in their students, without making the classroom a dreaded environment.
Do you have strong communication skills?
Students need to be able to understand the materials being presented in class and also feel that they can go to teachers to get the help they need. Being an effective communicator will go a long way in achieving this goal.
Beginning Your High School Teaching Career
Did you answer yes to most of the above questions? If so, you may be a great fit for a high school teaching career. Aspiring high school teachers generally need to attain a bachelor's degree in their subject area and complete a teacher training program before they can qualify for a license in their state.