Teachers at this level, high school, instruct students in specific subject areas such as English, science, or mathematics. They usually teach four or five different classes each day and may teach different areas of their specialty to different grades. For example, a mathematics teacher might teach algebra to two ninth-grade classes, geometry to one tenth-grade class, and have two classes of seniors studying trigonometry.
The teacher must prepare lesson plans and examinations for each class and try to meet the needs of individual students. This could mean arranging tutoring for slower students or providing extra work for fast learners. Secondary school teachers also take students on field trips, attend faculty meetings and workshops, and supervise extracurricular activities such as sports, school plays, and student clubs.
Some teachers, called vocational teachers, train junior and senior high school students in specific job skills such as carpentry, auto mechanics, or distributive education (retail, production, and marketing training). They work with the actual tools of the particular trade.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Secondary school teachers work in all parts of the country with job concentrations in the most populated areas.
The average workweek is about 37 hours, but meetings, lesson preparation, and grading papers increase the working hours to about 48 per week. Most teachers work a nine-month school year with a three-month summer vacation. In school systems with a year-round schedule, teachers usually work eight weeks and have one week off with a longer midwinter break.
Many states provide tenure after a certain number of years in a position; this provides teachers with some job security.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Secondary school teachers should enjoy working with adolescents, be interested in a specific subject area, and have the ability to motivate people.
A broad high school background with preparation for college is necessary. Courses in the student's specific area of interest should be included.
A bachelor's degree from an approved secondary teaching education program, with course work in the specialty area, is the minimum requirement. Some states require a master's degree or a fifth year of education within a certain time period after beginning employment.
All states require certification, and requirements vary. Recommendations from college instructors, a health certificate, or U.S. citizenship may be required in addition to education and student-teaching practice. Local school systems may have still more requirements.
Teachers who intend to work as nonacademic specialists such as guidance counselors, school psychologists, and reading specialists need additional special education as well as separate certification in the specialty.
Potential and Advancement
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth in this field will be roughly 6% between 2014 and 2024, providing average job opportunities to people in this profession. There will also be more jobs as a large number of teachers reach retirement age and have to be replaced. Job opportunities are expected to be best in the South and West and in inner cities and rural areas.
Income
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a high school teacher in 2015 was $57,200. Salaries are highest in the Mid-Adantic states and the West.
Additional Sources of Information
Information on certification for local school systems is available from individual state departments of education. Other sources are:
- American Federation of Teachers
- National Education Association
