How to become a high school teacher

Is becoming a high school teacher right for me?

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Overview
What do high school teachers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are high school teachers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are high school teachers like?

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How to become a High School Teacher

Becoming a high school teacher involves a combination of education, certification, and practical experience. Here are the general steps to become a high school teacher:

  • Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Obtain a bachelor's degree in the subject area you wish to teach. For example, if you want to teach high school English, you should have a degree in English or a related field.
  • Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: Enroll in a teacher preparation program, which may be part of your bachelor's degree or a separate post-baccalaureate program. These programs include coursework and a student teaching component to provide hands-on experience in the classroom.
  • Obtain State Certification: To become a certified teacher, you must meet the requirements set by the education department in the state where you plan to teach. This often includes passing a series of exams, such as the Praxis tests. Check with your state's education department for specific certification requirements.
  • Student Teaching Experience: Complete a student teaching or internship experience. This practical component is a crucial step in gaining real-world classroom experience under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
  • Earn a Teaching License: After completing your teacher preparation program and meeting state requirements, you can apply for a teaching license or credential from the state education department. This license allows you to legally teach in public schools.
  • Consider Additional Certification: Some teachers choose to pursue additional certifications or endorsements to enhance their qualifications. For example, you might seek certification to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or special education.
  • Continue Professional Development: Stay informed about educational trends and best practices by engaging in professional development opportunities. Many states require teachers to participate in ongoing professional development to maintain their certification.
  • Apply for Teaching Positions: Once you have obtained your teaching license, you can start applying for high school teaching positions. Look for job openings in school districts that align with your career goals and preferences.
  • Interview and Demonstrate Teaching Skills: Prepare for interviews where you may be asked to discuss your teaching philosophy, experiences, and how you would handle various classroom situations. Some interviews may also include a demonstration of your teaching skills, such as conducting a mock lesson.
  • Secure a Teaching Position: Upon securing a teaching position, work closely with your school's administration, fellow teachers, and staff to integrate into the school community and effectively meet the needs of your students.

Helpful Resources
High school teachers can find valuable resources to enhance their teaching practices, stay informed about educational trends, and engage in professional development. Here are some helpful resources:

  • National Education Association (NEA): The NEA offers resources, professional development opportunities, and advocacy for educators at all levels, covering topics from classroom strategies to policy issues affecting education.
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT): AFT provides resources, tools, and professional development for teachers, focusing on issues such as teacher rights, student engagement, and educational policy.
  • Edutopia: Edutopia, produced by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, offers articles, videos, and resources on innovative teaching practices, educational technology, and social-emotional learning.
  • Teaching Tolerance: Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, provides resources for promoting equity and inclusion in the classroom, including lesson plans, webinars, and articles.
  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): NCTE offers resources for English language arts teachers, including lesson plans, professional development opportunities, and research articles.
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): NCTM provides resources and support for math teachers, including lesson plans, publications, and conferences.
  • National Science Teachers Association (NSTA): NSTA offers resources for science teachers, including lesson plans, journals, and professional development opportunities.
  • National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS): NCSS provides resources for social studies teachers, including lesson plans, publications, and conferences.
  • Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers a wide range of free online resources, including instructional videos and practice exercises, covering subjects from math and science to humanities.
  • Google for Education: Google for Education provides tools and resources for teachers, including Google Classroom, Google Docs, and other collaborative platforms that can enhance teaching and communication with students.
  • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Joining or creating a PLC with fellow teachers can provide a supportive environment for collaboration, sharing resources, and discussing best practices.