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Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education Career
Why Choose a Secondary School Teachers Career?
School teachers may aspire to teach in secondary school for the simple reason that teaching in higher classes entails higher pay. In addition, the environment in secondary school is more geared to the use of sophisticated technology, in-depth study of subjects, and a career orientation to study with a view to the future of students. To teach in secondary school, the teacher must therefore be comfortable using science apparatus, cameras, or computers and credentials that reflect specialization in a specific subject, such as English, Spanish, Mathematics, History, or Biology.
Secondary School Teachers Career Requirements
As mentioned above, Secondary School Teachers must have in-depth knowledge of the subject they will teach. In addition, some qualities that will make the difference between an effective Secondary School Teacher and a mediocre one include the following:
- well developed communication skills;
- ability to inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students;
- an understanding of the educational and emotional needs of students;
- an empathetic attitude that fosters apt response to individual differences in students;
- knowledge of diverse teaching methods to facilitate higher student achievement;
- organized, dependable, patient, and creative;
- able to work independently or cooperatively;
- interact effectively with peers, seniors, support staff, parents, and other members of the community.
Online Degrees for Secondary School Teachers
Teachers aspiring to become Secondary School Teachers must possess a major in the subject they plan to teach along with additional courses in education. A major in education with subject courses in topic of interest is also a good option. Having completed classes in the use of computers and other technologies will help to provide the edge in a competitive environment. Academics complemented with a teaching internship rounds off the credentials for a position in High School.
Aspirants with a bachelor's degree often opt for a 1-year program at professional development schools sponsored by universities and elementary or secondary schools. This type of program ensures professional development by combining theory with practice and providing practical experience of teaching for a year under professional guidance.
Licensure is mandatory for public school teachers of all classes. Licensure to teach a secondary education subject area (usually grades 7 through 12) may be obtained from the State board of education or a licensure advisory committee. Renewal of teacher's license requires continuing education. Some states have implemented performance-based norms for licensure; this includes passing a rigorous comprehensive teaching examination to obtain a provisional license. Once the teacher demonstrates satisfactory teaching performance over a specified period, a full license may be obtained.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards provides voluntary national certification for teachers across classes. To qualify for this national certification, it is necessary to compile a portfolio that effectively reflects the teacher’s work in the classroom; passing a written assessment and evaluation of their teaching knowledge is also equally important. This certification is recognized by schools across the US making it easy for a licensed teacher to work in any state of choice or even change jobs from one state to another. The national certification also provides special benefits to certified teachers such as higher salaries and reimbursement for continuing education and certification fees.
Accreditation to teaching institutes is provided by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It is advisable to apply for teacher education programs run by an accredited college.
Secondary School Teachers Career Fields
As the title indicates, Secondary School Teachers are subject matter experts who teach in the higher classes of a school. Some typical tasks include the following:
- design classroom presentations to meet student needs and abilities;
- work with students individually, if required;
- plan, evaluate, and assign lessons;
- prepare, administer, and grade tests;
- listen to oral presentations;
- maintain classroom discipline;
- use new assessment methods for evaluation of student's performance and potential;
- judge the student's overall progress and provide additional assistance where needed;
- prepare report cards;
- discuss a student's academic progress or personal problems with parents and school staff.
Secondary School Teachers may also hold other jobs such as:
- school librarians,
- reading specialists,
- curriculum specialists,
- guidance counselors,
- administrators or supervisors,
- teacher trainers for junior or new teachers,
- director of the center (if they have a master’s degree).
Secondary School Teachers may also perform the role of a facilitator or coach; in this capacity, use of interactive discussion module of teaching facilitates practical learning in students so that they are better able to apply concepts in complex subjects such as science, mathematics, or English. A positive movement towards less structured teaching has been discernible in recent years to instill qualities more conducive to future workforce requirements such as logical thought process, effective peer interaction and use of new technology.