All About High School Teachers
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.
Life As a High School Teacher
- Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
- Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a High School Teacher?
High School Teachers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of High School Teacher Jobs
- Theater Teacher
- Secondary Teacher
- Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor)
- Social Science Teacher
- High School Mathematics Teacher (High School Math Teacher)
What Kind of High School Teacher Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 1,018,700 jobs for High School Teacher in 2016. 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.
Do High School Teachers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a High School Teacher ranges between $39,740 and $97,500.

High School Teachers who work in California, New York, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do High School Teachers make in each U.S. state?
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 to Become a High School Teacher
Education needed to be a High School Teacher:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where High School Teachers Work

High School Teachers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Are you already one of the many High School Teacher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- 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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