Being a High School Teacher

Rebecca Hendrix

Degree(s) needed

87% of current high school teachers have a bachelors degree

13% of current high school teachers have a masters degree

You must have at least a bachelors degree to become a high school teacher

Tasks

Create rules for the classroom to keep the students under control

Get the students involved in discussions, lectures, and presentations of the information given

Give out and grade tests and homework

Technology

Computer-based training software

Email video editing softwareMicrosoft office (excel, powerpoint, word,etc.)

Knowledge

Education and trainingEnglish languageMathBasic rules and proceduresPublic safety

Work activities

Recording informationTeaching and trainingBeing creativeCommunicationCoaching and developing skillsDocument reading

Skills and abilities

Instructing your studentsLearning strategiesSpeakingCritical thinkingTime management

State and national median pay

In the state of Georgia the average pay for a high school teacher is $53,300 per year

Throughout the United States the average pay for a high school teacher $54,300 per year

Rewards of this job

Helping students understand something that they didn’t before

Becoming a better communicator myselfGetting to use different types of

technologyGetting to show my creativity

Challenges of this job

Effectively teaching the studentsCommunicating well with the students

and staffLearning to use new technologyLearning how to deal with students of all

types

Interview

Question: What is the biggest challenge when it comes to working with high school students?

There are several big challenges in teaching high school students:  large class sizes, and varying skill/ability levels in each class come immediately to mind.  However, I think that one of the biggest challenges that ANY teacher faces is teaching the individual as opposed to being whole-class focused.  Every student comes to class with a unique set of experiences, both good and bad, and episodes of hunger, pain, disappointment, and discouragement can have a profound impact on a student’s ability and willingness to learn.  I need to meet the needs of my students on a personal level so that they can trust me to meet their needs academically.

Interview

Question: What is the most rewarding part of being a high school teacher?

High school students are eager for independence, and one of the wonderful side-effects of this phenomenon is that they are developing their own ideas/opinions and the ability to support those ideas/opinions instead of merely copying what they hear from adults.  It is amazing to observe this growth, especially in 9th grade. 

Interview

Question: Why did you chose to become a high school teacher and not a middle or elementary school teacher?

I chose high school for the exact reason I gave above.  It is very rewarding to watch my students grow, learn, and become young adults.  I did teach in middle school for 2 years, and, while it was a good experience, I missed the conversations and depth of understanding my high school students display.

Interview

Question: What advise do you have for me or anyone else that is considering a career as a high school teacher?

The best way to become a good teacher is to observe good teachers.  Watch closely and take notes when you see good teaching and discipline techniques!

Interview

Questions: What are some benefits to becoming a high school teacher over and elementary and middle school teacher?

I saw a picture on Instagram yesterday from a friend of mine who has a little boy starting Kindergarten.  The picture showed the flowers, cake, candy, and special note that my friend and her son had put together to take to the teacher during Open House.  I am sure that the teacher was VERY appreciative of those kind gifts, and she will likely receive many similar gifts from grateful parents and students this year, showing appreciation and thanks for what she does.  The rewards in high school are often based on your observation of student achievement as opposed to any outward display of affection or appreciation.  They may be far less tangible than a vase of flowers or a nicely wrapped gift, but they are certainly equally meaningful:  the “lightbulb” moments, when you can see that students understand a difficult task or concept; the group of students who have never achieved much success academically who suddenly turn the corner and realize that they have the ability (and the support) to do well; the student who makes room in his busy schedule to arrive at school for extra help every morning so that he can earn an “exceeds” instead of a “meets expectations” on a standardized test – these are the rewards, and they are pretty amazing.  

Thank you!

A very special THANKS to Mrs. Shannon McClure for letting me interview her