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What does a High School Teacher do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A high school teacher typically teaches academic subjects to students in grades nine through twelve. In some schools, teachers may also teach middle school students. High school teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued teaching license or certification.

High School Teacher job duties include:

  • Plan and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
  • Develop and implement lesson plans that align with state and national curriculum standards
  • Use a variety of assessment data to adjust instruction and improve student learning
  • Maintain a positive and respectful classroom environment
  • Work cooperatively with colleagues to plan and implement effective instructional programs
  • Communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel
  • Participate in professional development activities to improve instructional skills and knowledge
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the school administrator

High School Teacher Job Requirements

Education requirements for high school teachers typically include at least a bachelor's degree. Certification requirements vary by state, but most states require teachers to complete a teacher preparation program and to pass a state-issued certification exam. Many states also offer alternative certification programs for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field but would like to become certified to teach. Experience requirements for high school teachers also vary by state, but most states require teachers to complete a period of student teaching or internship as part of their teacher preparation program.

High School Teacher Skills

  • Classroom management
  • Lesson planning
  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Public speaking
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Flexibility

Related: Top High School Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a High School Teacher

There are many steps to becoming a high school teacher. The most important step is to get a degree in education from an accredited university. Once you have your degree, you will need to pass your state’s teacher certification exam. After you have passed the exam, you will need to find a job at a high school.

The best way to become a high school teacher is to get a degree in education from an accredited university. There are many universities that offer degrees in education. Once you have your degree, you will need to pass your state’s teacher certification exam. After you have passed the exam, you will need to find a job at a high school.

Related: High School Teacher Resume Example

Related: High School Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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