What does a High School English Teacher do?
Published 4 min read
An high school English teacher typically teaches grammar, literature, and composition to high school students. They may also teach other subjects, such as drama or film.
High School English Teacher job duties include:
- Plan and deliver instruction in English
- Develop and implement lesson plans in line with curriculum guidelines
- Use a variety of assessment strategies to assess student learning
- Select and use appropriate instructional materials and resources
- Maintain a safe and orderly learning environment
- Manage student behavior in accordance with school rules and regulations
- Keep accurate records of student progress and attendance
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, and other stakeholders
- Participate in professional development activities
- Perform other duties as assigned
High School English Teacher Job Requirements
Most high school English teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in English, education, or a related field. Some states require teachers to have a master’s degree and/or certification in teaching English as a second language. Many high school English teachers have years of experience in other jobs before becoming a teacher.
High School English Teacher Skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Organization
- The ability to break down complex topics
- The ability to keep students engaged
- Classroom management skills
- The ability to differentiate instruction
- The ability to build relationships with students
- A growth mindset
- A love of learning
- A passion for English
Related: Top High School English Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a High School English Teacher
There are many paths to becoming a high school English teacher. Some people start out as English majors in college, while others may have majored in another subject but decide to pursue a career in teaching after completing their undergraduate degree. There are also many people who choose to go back to school to get their teaching certification after already working in another field. No matter what path you take, there are a few things you will need to do in order to become a high school English teacher.
First, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree program. If you want to teach at the high school level, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in English or a related field. Many states also require that you complete a teacher preparation program before you can be licensed to teach. Once you have completed your degree and teacher preparation program, you will need to pass any required exams and obtain your teaching license.
Once you have your teaching license, you can begin applying for jobs at high schools. Most states require that you have at least three years of teaching experience before you can apply for a job as a high school English teacher. However, some states may allow you to teach with just a bachelor's degree if you complete an alternative certification program.
If you are interested in becoming a high school English teacher, there are many resources available to help you get started on your path. You can talk to your guidance counselor about what steps you need to take and look into different degree and certification programs. You can also find information about job openings and requirements on websites like the National Education Association or your state's Department of Education website.
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