What Does it Take to Be a High School Teacher?
Job Description: Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
High School Teacher Responsibilities
- Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
- Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students’ progress.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
- Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
- Observe and evaluate students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
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High School Teacher Needed Skills
High School Teachers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of High School Teacher
- Health and Physical Education Teacher
- Guitar Teacher
- High School Mathematics Teacher (High School Math Teacher)
- Business Teacher
- Orchestra Teacher
High School Teacher Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,018,700 jobs in the United States for High School Teacher. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 76,800 new jobs for High School Teacher by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 79,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for High School Teacher are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Connecticut, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a High School Teacher
The salary for High School Teachers ranges between about $39,740 and $97,500 a year.
High School Teachers who work in California, New York, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for High School Teachers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $51,180 |
| Alaska | $77,920 |
| Arizona | $48,610 |
| Arkansas | $51,780 |
| California | $80,510 |
| Colorado | $55,110 |
| Connecticut | $76,980 |
| Delaware | $65,040 |
| District of Columbia | $65,180 |
| Florida | $54,120 |
| Georgia | $58,050 |
| Hawaii | $60,810 |
| Idaho | $51,170 |
| Illinois | $72,370 |
| Indiana | $53,030 |
| Iowa | $56,510 |
| Kansas | $51,490 |
| Kentucky | $56,200 |
| Louisiana | $51,810 |
| Maine | $54,240 |
| Maryland | $72,610 |
| Massachusetts | $80,020 |
| Michigan | $62,950 |
| Minnesota | $64,610 |
| Mississippi | $47,190 |
| Missouri | $54,280 |
| Montana | $50,670 |
| Nebraska | $57,500 |
| Nevada | $57,910 |
| New Hampshire | $61,510 |
| New Jersey | $76,390 |
| New Mexico | $55,380 |
| New York | $85,300 |
| North Carolina | $47,580 |
| North Dakota | $55,400 |
| Ohio | $61,930 |
| Oklahoma | $42,540 |
| Oregon | $72,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,830 |
| Rhode Island | $71,440 |
| South Carolina | $54,400 |
| South Dakota | $42,960 |
| Tennessee | $53,620 |
| Texas | $58,190 |
| Utah | $59,070 |
| Vermont | $65,850 |
| Virginia | $68,770 |
| Washington | $67,550 |
| West Virginia | $47,050 |
| Wisconsin | $58,360 |
| Wyoming | $60,620 |
What Tools & Technology do High School Teachers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that High School Teachers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Google Drive
- Blackboard
- Video editing software
- Logo
- Instructional software
How do I Become a High School Teacher?
What education is needed to be a High School Teacher?
What work experience do I need to become a High School Teacher?
Where High School Teachers Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those who work as a High School Teacher sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Professors
- Communications Professors
References:
Image Credit: Janderk via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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