How to become a high school teacher?

Out of all the professions, high school teaching is one of a kind. It can be challenging in every aspect of education to blend with the rebellious yet extraordinary youth. There are both ups and down to being a high school teacher, but it has its charms. Here we try to drive you through the path of How to become a high school teacher?

Role of a high school teacher

A secondary school teacher is most commonly known as a high school teacher. They teach students from grades nine to twelve of public and private schools. The central role of high school teachers is to cover the syllabus and to guide the students. Thereby produce fruitful students for college education and the job market.

 Duties of a high school teacher

•             Teachers create the lesson plan for the term. They teach students through small groups or individual basis. Teachers assess the students’ classroom-based performances.

•             High school teacher acts as mentors for young adults. That is because they behave like role models for the youth in good behavior and discipline.  A high school teacher should have a keen eye to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of students.

•             The teacher acts as a bridge between the parents and students. A high school teacher should be creative and mindful of communication. Better communication avoids possible conflicts between parents and students.

•             Maintaining the balance of classroom and school is one of their top responsibilities. High school teachers play a vital role in law enforcement and maintaining the school’s rules and regulations. The duty and responsibility are to go beyond the classroom. The teacher should keep a close but ethical relationship with the student. It helps to guide them in the right direction without intervening in their lives.

High school teacher requirement

•             Earn a bachelor’s degree with completing the minimum grade point average. Postgraduate studies will be a bonus.

•             Complete the teacher training program and receive the certificate. These programs mainly focus on the practical-based experience of catering to the students’ needs.

•             Passing the background check. Background check focuses on criminal history, teacher certification, and drug testing. Authorized people also search about you from your previous colleagues and record of child abuse and sex offender. 

•             There are special licenses and certificates for public teachers. If you wonder about how to become a high school government teacher, these are the steps.

For example, how to become a high school teacher in California?

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) sets the standards. There are two options for obtaining the CTC license. Here we present the traditional process of being a California state high school teacher.

•             Educational requirements

A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. Of course, you can follow a teacher preparation program when have a bachelor’s degree. If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree, then you can apply for an undergraduate degree. At the same time, follow the teaching credential program.

•             Professional requirements

It’s best to follow an approved teacher training program. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) assess the quality of training programs. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) also offers some high standard teacher preparation programs.

Teachers who engaged with the special education programs must apply for an Education Specialist Instruction Credential. This program focuses on special education. They should complete a Bachelor’s degree as well.

•             Certification process

California has a unique system of certifying teachers. California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) assess teachers’ skills.

•             Background check

 Teachers must complete a 41Live Scan fingerprinting application. The application can download and print from the CTC’s website.

•             Licensing process

After completion of all the above requirements, you can apply for the licensing process.

             Transcripts from all schools attended

             Verified completion certificate of an approved teacher preparation program

             Passing scores of examinations

             Live Scan fingerprints and certificate of clearance

             A completed application for teacher credentialing

The essential documents should send to the CTC.

How to become a high school teacher in the UK?

•             Educational requirements

They also ask at least for a bachelor’s degree. In the UK, there are levels of General Certificate of Secondary Educations (GCSE). It is equivalent to a degree.

•             Professional requirements

If someone already has a degree, they can apply for the postgraduate teacher training course. It would be best if you had a qualified teacher status (QTS). This is essential to teach in a state school in England.

In Wales, you’d complete the QTS by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). The certificate is recognized in England. Scotland offers the teaching qualification. (TQ) Scotland also maintains the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) as an essential qualification for teaching.

•             Background check

 Disclosure and Barring Service is essential to certify your suitability.

High school teacher subjects

Most of the time, high school teachers tend to specialize in one or two subjects. These subjects may include math, English, sciences, art, history, Spanish, and French. Other than the core subjects, specialized courses, such as art, music, or physical education are also necessary.

How to become a high school math teacher?

The high school math teacher is responsible for teaching general math or math fields as algebra or geometry. If you are willing to become a high school math teacher, you have to hold a bachelor’s degree in math. Then you have to go through the teacher training program.

How to become a high school science teacher?

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree and teacher training program, you can start your high school science teaching career. Salary can be vary based on the field of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.

 How to become a high school history teacher?

Earn your bachelor’s degree in history or social science. Having a master’s degree will give you more opportunities to be elected as a high school teacher. There are recognized online degree opportunities to earn history degrees. Even you have a bachelor’s degree in another area, you can transfer the degree to history specific. You can complete the required credit and additional school work to do so.

How to become a high school English teacher?

A high school English teacher covers areas of English language and literature. They may teach both English speaking and non-English speaking students. In most high schools, a bachelor’s degree in the English language will ensure your position. But some states require a master’s degree. 

How to become a high school art teacher?

High school art teachers are responsible for teaching skills, theory, and history of art. These skills cover painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. Art skills help self-expression and enhanced creativity. Having a bachelor’s degree is a least requirement. The postgraduate qualifications will ensure your position. If you have an artistic profile, you have a better chance at becoming a successful high school art teacher.

How to become a business teacher in high school?

 It would help if you had a bachelor’s degree that is closely related to the business field. First, complete the teaching internship in a business classroom. Then you can focus on the state requirement for business educators.

How to become a high school psychology teacher?

High school psychological teachers develop courses schedule introducing the basics of psychology to students. They also serve as instructors and have a bit different working environment than other teachers. You are required to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. But most of the time, a master’s degree is needed in psychology. Then you have to go through the regular teacher training program and the rest.

High school teacher salary

A high school teacher at the beginning of the career earns about $ 40,500 per year. A medium-level experience teachers’ wage is around $ 60,000. However, the Top experience level and the highest ten percent earned more than $99,660.

Working environment

High school teachers regularly work during school hours. They attend parent-teacher conferences before and after school. If you are a high school teacher, sometimes you have to keep working during weekends. Lesson planning, paper grading are done during evenings and weekends. High school teachers get their break during summer, after working for around ten months.

Job progress and advancement

An experienced high school teacher can approach more opportunities. They can work as mentors to new teachers. A leading teacher is a position that helps less experienced teachers improve their teaching skills. With further experience and educational qualifications, teachers may become school counselors. When you reach the peak of the career, you can become assistant principals or principals. You can have further carrier opportunities at exam boards and local education authority.

Being a high school teacher might be challenging and fun at the same time. However, it is your passion that would give you constant energy. It opens further career opportunities at galleries, museums, and education offices. There are ample chances to work freelance as a private tutor. Here, we tried to provide you some guidance and support about How to become a high school teacher. So do some research and plan your carrier path to become a success.

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