A high school teacher teaches students in grades 9–12 in subjects like math, science, history, and English, helping them succeed academically and prepare for their future careers.
But teaching high school isn’t just about lessons and tests—students at this age (14–18) are going through adolescence, a crucial time of growth and self-discovery. They face academic, social, and personal challenges, making the teacher’s role even more important.
Many teachers find guiding and supporting students during this important time in their lives incredibly rewarding. Watching students learn new things, develop critical thinking skills, and become confident young adults makes teaching a fulfilling job.
High school teachers are also mentors who make a lasting impact. They help students find their interests and reach their potential.
If you’re considering becoming a high school teacher, you must understand all the steps involved. You must get the right education to earn your teaching license and pass other key requirements.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your teaching journey.
Let’s dive in.
High School Teacher Job Description
A high school teacher’s main job is to help students prepare for college or other future opportunities.
If you choose this career, you’ll spend most of your time in the classroom teaching a specific subject, like music, history, math, science, or English. However, the role doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have responsibilities outside class, such as meeting with students during office hours and grading exams or essays.
Before becoming a high school teacher, it’s important to determine whether this job is a good fit for you.
You should enjoy helping others learn and be eager to keep learning yourself. Professional development is important for staying updated on new teaching methods and subject matter.
A passion for a specific subject is key because you’ll share that passion with your students. Unlike elementary school teachers, who teach various subjects to one class, high school teachers focus on specific subjects and become specialists in them.
Benefits of Being a High School Teacher
Becoming a high school teacher comes with many rewards beyond the classroom. Here are some of the key benefits.
- Making a difference: Shape young minds and inspire students to achieve their full potential.
- Job stability: Teaching provides consistent demand, offering long-term job security.
- Lifelong learning opportunities: Teachers constantly learn and grow alongside their students.
- Sharing your passion with others: Impart knowledge and enthusiasm for subjects you’re passionate about.
- Long vacations: Enjoy extended breaks during summer and winter holidays.
- Flexible hours: Many schools operate on a set schedule, allowing teachers to have regular hours with weekends and holidays.
- Working in a dynamic environment: Every day brings new challenges, experiences, and opportunities for creativity.
Responsibilities of High School Teacher
Being a high school teacher involves much more than delivering lessons. Teachers are crucial in guiding students through their academic and personal growth, helping them succeed inside and outside the classroom.
Below is a list of key responsibilities that highlight the daily tasks and expectations of a high school teacher:
- Developing lesson plans that align with curriculum objectives: Creating structured and effective lesson plans is essential for helping students understand the subject material and gain confidence in their knowledge.
- Setting classroom rules and safety regulations: Establishing clear rules helps maintain order and teaches students responsibility. These guidelines ensure a safe and respectful learning environment.
- Using diverse teaching materials and methods – Not all students learn in the same way. Teachers incorporate various teaching strategies, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and group discussions, to engage a wider range of learners.
- Providing extra support for struggling students and additional resources for advanced learners: Offering office hours or additional help ensures that all students receive the support they need.
- Preparing students for assessments: Teachers prepare and guide students through tests, exams, presentations, and projects, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in key assessments throughout the year.
- Grading assignments and offering constructive feedback: Providing timely feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to progress and grow academically.
- Attending staff and parent meetings: High school teachers communicate with colleagues and parents to discuss student performance, address concerns, and offer recommendations to support student success.
- Building relationships with students, staff, and parents: Developing strong professional relationships helps teachers create a positive and respectful learning environment while fostering a sense of community within the school.
- Supervising students during class, school events, and field trips: Teachers are responsible for ensuring the safety of students during all school-related activities, in and out of the classroom.
- Monitoring students’ well-being and collaborating with school counselors: By monitoring students’ behavior and performance, teachers can identify issues early on and work with counselors to provide the necessary support.
- Participating in professional development: Teachers must continually improve their teaching skills and stay updated on new educational practices by attending workshops, conferences, or additional training.
Requirements to Become a High School Teacher
There are various requirements for becoming a high school teacher, one of the most important of which is obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
If you want to teach in a public school, you must also obtain a state teaching license or certification. This can be done online through an alternative teacher certification and preparation program, like Teachers of Tomorrow.
You can also choose to go through a traditional program; however, it may take longer and will likely be more expensive.
If you want to teach in private schools, you may not be asked to have a certification. However, it is still preferred. Preparation programs contain a wide variety of helpful courses and will require a student teaching internship, providing individuals with classroom experience.
How to become a high school teacher
Becoming a high school teacher involves meeting specific requirements that vary from state to state. It’s important to check with your state’s Department of Education for detailed guidelines because the process can differ depending on where you plan to teach.
You can become a high school teacher through two pathways: the traditional university route and the Teachers of Tomorrow alternative certification program.
Let’s look at both routes in detail:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Both Routes)
- Traditional route: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in education or a specific subject area to qualify for teacher certification. You will complete teacher education coursework, including child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
- Teachers of Tomorrow route: If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can bypass additional university coursework and enroll directly in our alternative certification program. Our program offers extensive online training that you can complete at your own pace from home. This training is designed to cover everything you need to know about pedagogy, classroom management, and subject-specific instruction, saving you time and money.
2. Complete a Student Teaching Internship
- Traditional route: You will complete a semester or more of student teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher in a school.
- Teachers of Tomorrow route: You can start as a paid teacher while completing your certification through an internship. Instead of an unpaid student teaching assignment, you’ll be teaching in your own classroom with support and mentorship from experienced educators.
3. Take the Teaching and Subject-Area Tests for Teacher Licensure Required in Your State
Once you’ve completed your degree and student teaching using either of the routes,the next step is to take the required teaching and subject-area tests to become licensed.
These exams vary by state but typically include a general teaching skills test and a subject-specific test based on the subject you want to teach.
For example, many states require prospective teachers to take the Praxis exams, which include both general teaching skills and subject-specific tests. Other states may require different exams like the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), or the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE).
The tests are designed to ensure that you are well-prepared to teach high school students effectively. Check with your state’s Department of Education to find out which tests are required and to prepare adequately.
4. Apply for Your Teaching License
After completing your education, student teaching, and passing the required exams, the next step is to apply for your teaching license. This license is mandatory in every state to legally work as a high school teacher.
To apply, you’ll need to submit your test scores, proof of completing your degree and student teaching, and pass a background check.
The exact process and requirements vary by state, so it’s important to follow the guidelines set by your state’s Department of Education.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your teaching license, allowing you to officially begin teaching.
5. Begin Applying for Open Positions in Your Subject Area
With your teaching license in hand, it’s time to start applying for open teaching positions in your subject area.
Look for job openings in high schools, district websites, and job search platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your education, student teaching experience, and any specific skills related to the subject you want to teach.
Be prepared for interviews by practicing answers to common questions and discussing your teaching philosophy.
Why Choose the Alternative Certification Route by Teachers of Tomorrow?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, alternative certification can be your best option for you to become a teacher in 2024. Here’s why:
- Less expensive: The alternative certification program is more affordable than the traditional university route.
- Time-saving: You can complete training faster and start earning sooner by teaching while completing your certification.
- Flexible and on-demand: Complete your coursework online, at your own pace, and from home—perfect for those balancing other responsibilities.
- Paid internship: Unlike the university route’s unpaid student teaching, you can start earning a salary immediately while gaining real-world teaching experience.
Salary for High School Teachers
The salary for high school teachers varies based on different criteria. The district, state, and grade level can all determine the amount a teacher is paid.
The annual median salary of a high school teacher is $65,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The salaries vary, with the top 75% making $83,340 and the lowest-paid 25% making $54,290.
The table below shows the highest-paying states for high school teachers in the country:
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $96,400 |
| California | $105, 540 |
| Massachusetts | $87,000 |
| New Jersey | $83,590 |
| Connecticut | $84,290 |
Job Outlook for High School Teachers
The job outlook for high school teachers is positive and growing. Currently, there is a national teacher shortage, which means that teachers are in high demand now and will continue to be for many the next decade. This situation provides job security for teachers.
The demand for high school teachers is expected to remain constant between 2023 and 2033. On average, there will be about 64,400 job openings for high school teachers each year during this decade.
Additionally, there are high-need fields to consider if you are looking to pursue a career as a high school teacher. If you specialize in one of these high-demand areas, you may have a better chance of being hired more quickly.
Below is a list of these high-need fields:
- Mathematics
- Science, including, but not limited to, computer science
- Foreign language
- Reading Specialist
- Bilingual education
- English language acquisition
- Special education
Some states are facing significant high school teacher shortages due to population growth, increased student enrollment, and specific subject area needs.
Aspiring educators should consider teaching opportunities in these regions.
| State | Teachers Needed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 105,890 |
| California | 94,550 |
| New York | 66,360 |
| Ohio | 57,610 |
| Florida | 49,420 |
Starting Your Teaching Career
Becoming a high school teacher is a fulfilling and impactful career choice. There are many job opportunities and various subjects to choose from.
As you consider becoming an educator, take advantage of the high-need areas we’ve mentioned, especially in states where teachers are in high demand.
The first thing you should consider when starting your teaching career is getting a teaching certificate. Without this certificate, you will not be able to start teaching.
Consider the support Teachers of Tomorrow can give you while you are pursuing your teacher certification. Doing this will bring you one step closer to becoming a high school teacher!
