All About High School Teachers
High School Teacher Job Description Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
A Day in the Life of a High School Teacher
- Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
- Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
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Skills Needed to be a High School Teacher
Below is a list of the skills most High School Teachers say are important on the job.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of High School Teacher
- High School English Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Orchestra Teacher
- Health Teacher
- High School Coach
Job Opportunities for High School Teachers
There were about 1,018,700 jobs for High School Teacher in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 76,800 new jobs for High School Teacher by 2026. The BLS estimates 79,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for High School Teacher are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Connecticut, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a High School Teacher Make?
The typical yearly salary for High School Teachers is somewhere between $39,740 and $97,500.

High School Teachers who work in California, New York, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for High School Teachers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $51,180 |
Alaska | $77,920 |
Arizona | $48,610 |
Arkansas | $51,780 |
California | $80,510 |
Colorado | $55,110 |
Connecticut | $76,980 |
Delaware | $65,040 |
District of Columbia | $65,180 |
Florida | $54,120 |
Georgia | $58,050 |
Hawaii | $60,810 |
Idaho | $51,170 |
Illinois | $72,370 |
Indiana | $53,030 |
Iowa | $56,510 |
Kansas | $51,490 |
Kentucky | $56,200 |
Louisiana | $51,810 |
Maine | $54,240 |
Maryland | $72,610 |
Massachusetts | $80,020 |
Michigan | $62,950 |
Minnesota | $64,610 |
Mississippi | $47,190 |
Missouri | $54,280 |
Montana | $50,670 |
Nebraska | $57,500 |
Nevada | $57,910 |
New Hampshire | $61,510 |
New Jersey | $76,390 |
New Mexico | $55,380 |
New York | $85,300 |
North Carolina | $47,580 |
North Dakota | $55,400 |
Ohio | $61,930 |
Oklahoma | $42,540 |
Oregon | $72,640 |
Pennsylvania | $64,830 |
Rhode Island | $71,440 |
South Carolina | $54,400 |
South Dakota | $42,960 |
Tennessee | $53,620 |
Texas | $58,190 |
Utah | $59,070 |
Vermont | $65,850 |
Virginia | $68,770 |
Washington | $67,550 |
West Virginia | $47,050 |
Wisconsin | $58,360 |
Wyoming | $60,620 |
What Tools do High School Teachers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many High School Teachers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Google Drive
- Blackboard
- Video editing software
- Logo
- Instructional software
How to Become a High School Teacher
Learn what High School Teacher education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where High School Teachers Work

Below are examples of industries where High School Teachers work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Are you already one of the many High School Teacher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Professors
- Communications Professors
References:
Image Credit: Janderk via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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