Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for High School Teachers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for High School Teachers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 5%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Becoming a high school teacher is a fulfilling career path that allows you to contribute significantly to the development of young adults. If you're considering this profession, here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process and what it takes to succeed in this rewarding field.
Each state has its own specific requirements for becoming a high school teacher. Generally, you will need:
For accurate information on state-specific requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Education or your state's department of education website.
To become a high school teacher, pursue a bachelor's degree in one of two ways:
Education Major: Enroll in an education program with a focus on secondary education. These programs cover teaching methods, curriculum design, educational psychology, and include a student-teaching internship.
Subject-Specific Major: If you have a passion for a particular subject such as mathematics, science, or history, earn a degree in that field. Then, complete a teacher preparation program afterward to learn pedagogical skills.
A vital step in becoming a high school teacher is completing an accredited teacher preparation program. This program covers:
Gaining experience in a real classroom environment is crucial. Most teacher preparation programs include a student-teaching component where you will:
Before you can teach in most public schools, you must pass certification exams. These exams typically include:
After passing the required exams, apply for state certification or licensure. This process generally involves:
Remember to check the National Education Association for updates on licensure requirements.
Once you become a high school teacher, continuing education is important for maintaining your license and staying current with educational best practices. This can include:
As your career progresses, consider pursuing further education to enhance your teaching skills or qualify for new roles within education. Options include:
By following these steps and staying committed to your professional development, you can establish yourself as an effective and inspiring high school teacher. Keep in mind that while the path to becoming a high school teacher requires dedication and hard work, the impact you can make on students' lives is immeasurable.
To become a high school teacher, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
The timeline to become a high school teacher usually looks like this:
Yes, holding a master's degree can be beneficial for teaching at the high school level. Some reasons include:
Continuing education is often required for high school teachers:
High-demand subjects vary by region but often include:
Alternative certification programs are available in many states for those who hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These programs typically involve:
For more detailed information on alternative certification, visit the U.S. Department of Education.
The job outlook for high school teachers varies by location and subject but is generally stable. For the most current data, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Opportunities for advancement can include:
Furthering your education or gaining additional certifications can enhance prospects for these roles.