Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

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.

Median Annual Wage: $56,310

Education: Bachelor's degree (87%); Master's degree (10%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (2%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Teacher; Art Teacher; English Teacher; History Teacher; Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher); Science Teacher; Social Studies Teacher; Spanish Teacher; Secondary Teacher; High School English Teacher

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.

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  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
  • Assign and grade class work and homework.
  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
  • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
  • Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
  • Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  • Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
  • Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
  • Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
  • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
  • Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
  • Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
  • Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
  • Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
  • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
  • Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
  • Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
  • Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine students' strengths and areas of need.
  • Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.

  • 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.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.

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