What is a High School Teacher?
High school teachers educate students, typically in grades nine through twelve, in a specific academic or vocational subject. They prepare students for postsecondary education and careers by developing and delivering curriculum, managing classroom behavior, and assessing student progress. High school teachers are subject matter experts who inspire critical thinking and help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed after graduation. In addition to classroom duties, they may also serve as club advisors, coaches, or mentors.
Typical Education
A bachelor's degree in education or a related academic subject is required. Aspiring teachers must also complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, which includes student teaching. All states require high school teachers to be licensed or certified to practice, which often involves passing a professional teaching exam. A master's degree is not always required but can lead to higher pay.
Salary Range in the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for high school teachers was $65,220 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,400, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,000. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, years of experience, and level of education.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023)
Day in the Life
How to Become a High School Teacher
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Earn a bachelor's degree in the subject you wish to teach, or in education.
- Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: This program, often part of your bachelor's degree, includes coursework in educational psychology, teaching methods, and classroom management.
- Complete Student Teaching: Spend a semester or a full year in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher to gain hands-on experience.
- Get Certified: Pass your state's required professional teaching exams and apply for a teaching license or certificate.
- Seek a Position: Apply for jobs in public or private high schools.
Essential Skills
- Subject Matter Expertise: A deep and comprehensive knowledge of your academic discipline is essential.
- Communication: The ability to explain complex concepts in a way that is understandable to high school students and to communicate effectively with parents and colleagues.
- Classroom Management: The ability to create a structured and respectful learning environment.
- Creativity: The ability to design engaging and innovative lesson plans that capture students' attention.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust teaching methods to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver lessons: Develop and teach lessons in a specific subject, following a curriculum.
- Assess student progress: Grade homework, tests, and projects and provide feedback to students and parents.
- Manage classroom behavior: Establish and enforce rules to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
- Communicate with parents: Provide updates on a student's progress and discuss any behavioral or academic concerns.
- Collaborate with colleagues: Work with other teachers and administrators to address student needs and improve school-wide programs.
Common Interview Questions
- How do you handle a student who is unmotivated or disengaged from your class?
- What the interviewer is looking for: They want to see your classroom management skills and your ability to motivate students. A good answer will outline a clear, consistent, and respectful process for addressing student disengagement, emphasizing a focus on building a positive relationship.
- Describe your teaching philosophy. How do you prepare students for life after graduation?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This question gauges your passion for teaching and your understanding of the high school age group. A strong answer will mention specific strategies like incorporating technology, real-world examples, or collaborative projects to make learning more relevant and engaging.
- Tell me about a time you had to handle a conflict with a parent. What was the situation, and what did you do?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This behavioral question assesses your communication and problem-solving skills. The ideal response will use the STAR method to describe a situation where you listened respectfully to the parent, explained your perspective, and worked together to find a solution that was in the student's best interest.
- How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners in your classroom?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This question evaluates your pedagogical knowledge and ability to teach a diverse group of students, including those with different learning styles or special needs. A strong answer will provide specific examples of how you would adapt your lessons, assignments, and assessments.
- Why do you want to teach high school?
- What the interviewer is looking for: They want to see your genuine interest in this specific age group. A good answer will express your love for working with students during this period of growth and your passion for helping them prepare for their future.
Questions?
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