High School Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$94K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a High School Teacher?

A High School Teacher specializes in educating students from ninth to twelfth grade, focusing on advanced subjects and preparing students for college and careers. They are responsible for delivering subject-specific content, as well as supporting the overall academic and social development of teenagers.

Sample job titles:

English Teacher, Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with High School Teacher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a High School Teacher earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is High School Teacher.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$58K per year	$75K per year	$94K per year	$105K per year	$120K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a High School Teacher do?

Work environment

High School Teachers typically work in public and private high schools. Their environment involves classrooms, labs, and sometimes outdoor spaces, depending on the subject taught. They often have duties beyond teaching, including supervising extracurricular activities, attending meetings, and collaborating with colleagues and parents.

Quick task list

Prepares and delivers lessons in a specific subject area.
Grades assignments and exams, and provides feedback to students.
Creates and enforces classroom rules and manages classroom behavior.
Assists in developing curriculum and school policies.
Communicates with parents and guardians about students' progress.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Mathematics Education: Teaching subjects like algebra, calculus, and geometry.
Science Education: Specializing in biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science.
English Language Arts: Focusing on literature, composition, and language skills.
Social Studies: Teaching history, geography, civics, and economics.
Foreign Languages: Specializing in teaching languages such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin.

Description

High School Teachers are pivotal in shaping the educational experiences of adolescents, guiding them through more complex and specialized subject matter. They are responsible for adapting their teaching methods to different learning styles and ensuring that all students grasp the curriculum. This role involves not just imparting knowledge, but also developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparing students for life beyond high school.

In addition to academic teaching, High School Teachers play a significant role in the personal development of their students. They mentor students, help them navigate academic choices, and often provide guidance on college and career decisions. Teachers in this phase are influential in helping students develop a sense of responsibility, independence, and social awareness.

Being a High School Teacher requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. It also involves a high degree of emotional intelligence, as working with teenagers can be challenging due to their developmental stage. Effective communication, patience, and adaptability are key skills for success in this profession.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Influencing and contributing to the intellectual and personal growth of students.
The challenge and variety offered by teaching diverse subject matter.
Building meaningful relationships with students and witnessing their achievements.
The opportunity for continuous learning and professional development.

You might make a good High School Teacher if you are...

Passionate about a specific academic subject and eager to share that knowledge.
Skilled in communicating complex ideas in an understandable and engaging way.
Patient and understanding, with the ability to connect with and inspire teenagers.
Organized and able to manage a classroom effectively.
Committed to lifelong learning and staying current in your field of expertise.

Pros:

Rewarding interactions with students and the ability to influence their future.
Intellectual stimulation and variety in daily tasks.
Opportunities for creativity in teaching methods and curriculum development.
Job security and benefits, especially in public school systems.

Cons:

Managing diverse classroom dynamics and student behaviors can be challenging.
Balancing teaching, grading, planning, and administrative tasks.
Dealing with pressures of standardized testing and performance metrics.
Potentially limited resources and large class sizes in some schools.

How to become a High School Teacher

Typical education

Becoming a High School Teacher generally requires a bachelor's degree in education or in a specific subject area, which takes about 4 years. Additionally, a teaching license or certification is required in most states for those teaching in public schools.

High school preparation

Courses:

Specialize in your area of interest (e.g., Math, Science, English, History).
Education or Psychology courses to understand learning theories and development.
Public Speaking or Communication to enhance presentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Tutoring peers or younger students to gain teaching experience.
Participating in or leading clubs related to your subject area.
Volunteering in community programs that work with youth.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in education or in the subject you wish to teach.
Complete a student teaching internship or practicum for hands-on experience.
Obtain state certification or licensure for teaching, which may include passing examinations.
Consider a master's degree or additional certifications for advanced teaching roles or specializations.

More resources

National Education Association (NEA) - Offers professional development and resources for teachers.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - Provides information on teaching and education policy.
Edutopia - Features innovative teaching strategies and resources.
Teachers Pay Teachers - A marketplace for educational materials created by teachers.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) - Provides accreditation and standards for teacher education programs.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.