Most of the aspiring candidates don’t know how to become a high school teacher in their respective states. Teaching is more than just a career! This is the best profession if you have a passion to help young people learn. In my article, I will help you to start your journey as a high school teacher. High school teachers are usually specialized in various subjects. I have discussed several stages one has to undergo to get their first teaching job. Let us now study how to become a high school teacher in various subjects today.
How To Become A High School Teacher?
To become a high school teacher you need several requirements. Here are the most common steps you can follow to learn how to become a certified high school teacher.
- Earn A Bachelor’s Degree
- Complete Student Teaching Internship
- Pass State Examination
- Obtain Licensure
- Advance Education
- Update Your Teacher Resume
- Apply For Employment
Continue reading to discover more about how to become a high school teacher in detail. But do remember it totally depends on your state’s requirements and educational background.
Click here – Innovations in Desert Safari
Guide For How To Become A High School Teacher
You must be curious where to start. Below, I have discussed an outline of essential steps for how to become a qualified high school teacher in depth. However, most aspiring teachers follow the same path. Let us begin now!
- Earn A Bachelor’s Degree
You require a bachelor’s degree in the subject that you want to teach. You can major in teachable subjects such as English, Math, or Biology while simultaneously preparing for a teacher preparation program. Most of the universities recommend students wait until the junior year before they start applying to teaching programs. In your degree program, you will learn about topics such as education development, curriculum, and methodology.
- Complete A Student Teacher Internship
Many teaching programs include student teaching internships in their programs. Desiring teachers are recommended to take these internships. They take about one semester or 8 to 12 weeks to complete it. During this internship, students get to apply their knowledge by integrating theory and practice into teaching. Candidates also get to work under the supervision of an experienced educator. This internship will help you to discover, grow, and develop their teaching identities.
- Pass State Examination
Many states require their future high school teacher to pass the certification test before they can apply for certification. The general requirements for certification may differ depending upon the state you live in. But remember all the states require the candidate to pass a subject matter competency exam and basic skills exam.
- Obtain Licensure
After passing the state examination, you need to apply for a license to teach in your state. Below I have mentioned the necessary requirements for obtaining a license.
- A Bachelor’s Degree
- Scores from the State Examinations
- Scores of the Teacher Education Program
You may also need to undergo a background check before being approved as a high school teacher.
- Advance Educational Degree
You can also go for an advanced degree program. This will help your resume stand out from other potential employers. Some states will ask you to get a master’s degree to keep your teaching license alive. Sometimes, to teach specialized subjects you need to have a master’s degree. You can consider obtaining your Master’s Degree in Education to advance your career in education along with teaching.
- Update Your Teacher Resume
Finally, after all these stages it is time to update your teacher resume. Here are the necessary items you can include in your resume.
- Education: Mention your list of Degrees, Institutions, or programs
- Certification: Include all the essential certifications and any relevant licenses
- Skills: Add this section to the job description
- Experience: Briefly describe your duties and achievements
This format will help your resume to stand out from the other candidates.
- Apply For Employment
Ultimately you are now ready to apply for the post of a high school teacher in your state. Look for vacancies available in various high schools. You can also add a cover letter along with your resume to express your enthusiasm for this role.
Many people are unaware of exactly what an S corporation is. This is a tax classification created by the IRS to help small businesses avoid the problem of double taxation. This is when business income is taxed once at the corporate level and then once more on the individual level. For more information, consider this resource on how to start an S corporation in Virginia.
How To Become A High School Teacher Without An Education Degree?
Candidates need a bachelor’s degree to become a high school teacher. But there is a possibility you can still become a high school teacher without having an educational degree. In most states, candidates can complete an alternative teacher preparation program. This program is approved by the state’s board of education.
Different Areas Of Specialization For A High School Teacher
Teachers can practice and show their teaching skills in various subjects. Above, you have understood how to become a high school teacher in detail. I have mentioned a list of different types of basic subjects you can specialize in the field of teaching.
Continue reading to know how to become a high school teacher in different areas of subjects in detail.
High School English teacher
English is the most common language spoken worldwide. Becoming a high school English teacher is a great step to get into this profession. But do you know how to become a high school English teacher? This is a great profession for those who have a passion for the English language.
Below I have mentioned the basic path for becoming an English high school teacher.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in English.
- You can also go for a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship in English.
- Individuals can also apply for a master’s degree if necessary.
- Apply and pass in state’s required tests for teacher certifications.
- Further, apply for your teaching license.
- Lastly, start applying for open positions for English teachers.
To gain a job as an English teacher one must have a lot of patience.
High School History Teacher
A history teacher educates students about the events and lessons of history. A teacher specializing in this field must have proper knowledge about all the historical events of the world. This guide provides you in-depth information on how to become a high school history teacher.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in History.
- You can also go for a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship.
- Individuals can also apply for a master’s degree if necessary.
- Apply and pass in state’s required tests for teacher certifications.
- Further, apply for your teaching license.
- Lastly, start applying for open positions for History teachers.
High School Math Teacher
Do you know that math teachers are considered STEM teachers! Here STEM stands for Science, Statistics, Engineering, and Mathematics. Generally, a math teacher instructs students to learn the broad field of mathematics. Are you thinking of becoming one? Below I discuss how to become a high school math teacher in your state.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Math.
- You can also go for a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship.
- Individuals can also apply for a master’s degree if necessary.
- Apply and pass in state’s required tests for teacher certifications.
- Further, apply for your teaching license.
- Lastly, start applying for open positions for Math teachers.
High School Biology Teacher
You could become a future biology teacher if you have a passion for the systems of plants and animals. Here, they are expected to be proficient in the use and implementation of the latest technologies. My below guide on how to become a high school biology teacher can help you in securing your position in this field.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
- You can also go for a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship.
- Individuals can also apply for a master’s degree if necessary.
- Apply and pass in state’s required tests for teacher certifications.
- Further, apply for your teaching license.
- Lastly, start applying for open positions for Biology teachers.
High School Psychology Teacher
If you are fascinated with human behavior you might think of becoming a psychology teacher. They hold the most important position in a high school. Teaching the principles of psychology is considered a rewarding career. Here are the steps on how to become a high school psychology teacher.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
- You can also go for a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship.
- Individuals can also apply for a master’s degree if necessary.
- Apply and pass in state’s required tests for teacher certifications.
- Further, apply for your teaching license.
- Lastly, start applying for open positions for Psychology teachers.
High School Art Teacher
Everybody knows that art teachers instruct students on drawing, art history, and painting. This class helps students to build their skills and show personal expression through art. Let us now learn how to become a high school art teacher.
- Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Art or Art Education.
- You can also go for a related subject that includes a teacher preparation program.
- Complete a student teaching internship.
- Individuals can also apply for a master’s degree if necessary.
- Apply and pass in state’s required tests for teacher certifications.
- Further, apply for your teaching license.
- Lastly, start applying for open positions for Art’s teachers.
Click here – How to prepare your assignments without plagiarism?
Eligibility Criteria To Become A High School Teacher
I assume that by now you have learned how to become a high school teacher in detail. Every profession has certain eligibility criteria an individual needs to follow. Like that even high school teachers have the below eligibility criteria one must follow. Let us have a look at the list.
- A B.Ed. degree with a minimum of 55%.
- Diploma in Education (D.Ed.)
- Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.)
- Basic Training Certificate (BTC)
- Teaching Training Certificate (TTC)
- Pass in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
Skills Required To Become A High School Teacher
You must have now understood how to become a certified high school teacher. Now let us see what are essential skills you must master that will help you to brush up your skills even more. I have listed down some of them for you, have a look at them.
- Able to work in a professional way all the time.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Must possess leadership qualities.
- Be an active listener.
- Must have a deep knowledge of every subject matter.
- Good at time management.
- Have the ability to create the best conditions for teaching new things.
- Need to have patience and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Must be flexible and open to change.
- One must have great administration skills.
Responsibilities Of Being A High School Teacher
Here arrives the actual task of being a high school teacher! As you have studied how to become a high school teacher, let us see their duties now.
Below I have listed down some responsibilities you need to know by being a high school teacher.
- A high school teacher helps students to prepare for life after graduation.
- These experts teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need in order to attend college.
- Planning lessons for your students.
- Helping out students to overcome their weaknesses.
- Work with individual students.
- Help students to improve their academic process.
- Prepare students for competitive exams.
- Develop and enforce various classroom rules.
- Grade students’ assignments and examinations.
- Assess a student’s abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Supervise students outside the classroom.
- Talk to parents about their children’s progress report.
How Much Time Does It Take To Become A High School Teacher?
It takes nearly five to seven years to become a high school teacher. Candidates take four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. In the remaining one-year high school teachers must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. If necessary, you can also apply for a master’s which takes additional two years to complete. But do remember the time taken to be a high school teacher varies from state to state.
Pros And Cons Of Becoming A High School Teacher
In my guide, I have discussed how to become a high school teacher in detail. Before stepping into this profession, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of being a high school teacher. I have presented the list of pros and cons of this profession you must know.
Pros
- You get high-level job security in this career.
- You receive vacation benefits.
- Superior health insurance benefits.
- High school teachers get paid sick leaves.
- You get to be a source of strength and inspiration for other people.
Cons
- Your salary may not be high in some areas.
- Receive less administrative support when needed.
- You can sometimes get stuck in your district during the training period.
- Need to work for long hours every day during the school year.
Employment Opportunities For A High School Teacher
There are several job opportunities available out there for a high school teacher in private, private, and charter schools. But there are also some additional careers you can pursue by being a high school teacher. Let us check out the list then!
- Adult Literacy And High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers.
- Career and Technical Education Teachers.
- Kindergarten School Teachers.
- Elementary School Teachers
- Middle School Teachers
- Postsecondary Teachers
- Preschool Teachers
- Principals of – Elementary, Middle, and High School
- School Counselors
- Career Counselors
- Special Education Teachers
- Teacher Assistants
Best Universities To Become A High School Teacher
I have hand-picked some of the best universities to enhance your teaching skills by simultaneously earning a degree in education.
- Michigan State University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Teachers College, Columbia University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Vanderbilt University (Peabody)
- University of Virginia
- Indiana University-Bloomington
- University of Washington
- Stanford University
- University of Georgia
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas-Austin
Salary Of A High School Teacher
The annual salary of a certified high school teacher was $61,600 according to the BLS. Entry-level teachers earn less than $40,540 per annum. While the experienced teachers earn more than $99,660 per annum. Certified teachers usually earn more with each year of teaching experience. The high school teachers in private schools earn an average of $10,000 per annum.
FAQ
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A High School Teacher?
You need the below-given qualifications to be a high school teacher.
- A B.Ed. degree with a minimum of 55%.
- Diploma in Education (D.Ed.)
- Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.)
- Basic Training Certificate (BTC)
- Teaching Training Certificate (TTC)
- Pass in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
How Many Years Does It Take To Become A High School Teacher?
It takes roughly four to five years to be a high school teacher. Candidates take four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. In the remaining one-year high school teachers must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. If necessary, you can also apply for master’s which takes additional two years to complete.
How Much Does A High School Teacher Make On Average?
The annual salary of a certified high school teacher was $61,600 according to the BLS. Entry-level teachers earn less than $40,540 per annum. While the experienced teachers earn more than $99,660 per annum. The high school teachers in private schools earn an average of $10,000 per annum.
What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A School Teacher?
Following are the qualifications you need in order to be a school teacher.
- A B.Ed. degree.
- Diploma in Education (D.Ed.)
- Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.)
- Basic Training Certificate (BTC)
- Teaching Training Certificate (TTC)
- Pass in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
- Take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course.
Conclusion
You might have understood how to become a high school teacher by now. Once you have decided it’s the right career for you then there is no need to turn back! Basically, you need to earn your credentials and gain experience by working in a reputed high school. There are certain duties you need to perform when you work as a high school teacher. Without any doubt, you can start your teaching journey with the help of this guide. Feel free to share this guide on how to become a high school teacher among the needy ones!
