What does a Secondary Teacher do?
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach a student body the academic lessons and life skills they need to enter college or the job market. They plan lessons and instruct their students and assess their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. They must adapt lesson plans to change in class sizes and grade student assignments and exams. They meet with parents to communicate the students’ progress and work with individual students to challenge them and improve their abilities.
High school teachers prepare students for standardized tests as required by the state and develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies. They teach core subjects including math, science, or history, while others specialize in elective courses including art or music. They may teach several classes within their subject area and instruct students from different grades throughout the day. Some high school teachers take on additional responsibilities including coaching a sports team or advising an academic club. High school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and state-issued certification or license.
- Oversee student managers, volunteers, for the purpose of providing direction and monitoring activities.
- Implement policies, procedures, and/or processes maintain, safe and efficient school operations within district guidelines.
- Keep the parents informed as to the purposes and progress of program.
- Promote a positive culture for the school site of responsibility.
- Support students during the college recruiting process for the purpose of assisting them in achieving their college goals.
- Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 45% walking and 45% standing.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
- Prepare bulletin boards or other visual aids to enhance teaching and learning.
- Set the expectations for students and all build staff under their charge.
- Design interventions and write lesson plans detailing methods and materials.
- Assist in the evaluation of ongoing programs and make recommendations for change.
- Strive to establish cooperative relations and make reasonable effort to communicate with parents/guardians when appropriate.
- Ensure professional learning opportunities are available and delivered to promotes continued learning and growing for educators.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in related field and certification to teach.
- Demonstrable command of the topic being taught.
- A commitment to continuous improvement on the job.
- Dexterity and ease in working with students with different levels and backgrounds.
- Professionalism and solid work ethic.
- Demonstrated leadership and critical thinking skills.
- Comfortable collaborate with teams and students.
- Committed to problem solving in a timely and efficient manner.
How much does a Secondary Teacher make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$52,415
/ yrSecondary Teacher Career Path
Learn how to become a Secondary Teacher, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Secondary Teacher Insights
“great and innovative courses to teach”
Teach First“A good work life balance is challenging”
National Youth Services Corps“It mostly fun and work and would always recommend to new graduate”
Northshore School District“Good pay and well”
ES International School “Good for mid career or experienced teachers.”
New Foundations Charter School“They did increase the pay scale this year but it could still be much better.”
NSW Department of Education and Communities “Consistent days and holidays.”
Paragould SD“Good people to work with and fantastic students.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Secondary Teacher
- Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher