Teachers have a huge role in educating a work force and helping shape the future. It’s a job that is often under appreciated, and therefore may not be right for anyone. High school teachers often feel an added pressure to prepare their students either to go into college or to go into the career world. The job requires people who are patient and who have excellent communication skills to be able to teach students and make them understand concepts, but also to communicate with parents. Good teachers must also be able to command respect.

As far as job stability, teachers shouldn’t have problems putting their degrees to use right away. The bureau of labor statistics estimates an average and steady job growth for all teachers. The continuing demand is a natural result of having to replace teachers as they retire, and from growing populations. In addition, demand for teachers is always high in most rural and inner city schools.

Are you Ready?

If you want to become a high school teacher, the process is similar to becoming a teacher at an elementary or middle school level.

All public schools in the United States require teachers to become licensed, usually by the state board of education. The minimum requirement to get licensed to become a teacher is a Bachelors degree, which for high school teachers can be in any subject they are interested in teaching for instance English or math. It is helpful to spend the last year as student teachers; otherwise, some places may require teaching specific programs after earning the Bachelors degree.

Teaching licenses don’t often transfer from state to state. The state must evaluate the license and determine if it is compatible. If it is not, they can ask you to take their own licensing test.

Other specific requirements to become teachers can vary by state, or school district. Private schools for instance differ in that they don’t always require a license to teach, but in turn teachers working there often earn less.

Some teachers also choose to get a national certification, but it is usually not required. The benefit however is that it often allows teachers to earn a higher pay depending on the school or district they work in. Having more credentials, certifications, a higher degree than a Bachelors, or having majored in high interest fields like special education or science can make teachers more attractive to schools, therefore increasing their pay.

Average pay for high school teachers in the United States is $54,390, but getting to that pay can take time, and considerable investment in your own education. Among the schools that average the highest pay for teachers are Illinois, New York, Connecticut, California, and New Jersey.

High school teachers can earn extra money like other teachers by working summers, taking on administrative duties, or teaching an extracurricular activity, or by pursuing other jobs during the summers off. Those interested in teaching should consider the amount of time required to get into the career with a minimum of four years, and the long hours that the job usually requires.

Are you ready to become a teacher or earn your Masters in Education to earn more at your current teaching job?  View our list of online teaching degree programs.