High School Teacher

ByMr. Long

November 2003

Nature of the Work

● Help students learn and apply concepts

● Specialize in a content area● Use a variety of techniques● Utilize educational

technologies

Nature of the Work

● Work with students of differing abilities

● With with students from different backgrounds

● Do extra “duties”● Serve on committees

Working Conditions

● Usually in a classroom or lab setting

● Usually work alone – little contact with peers

● Have to deal with behavior issues

● Have to deal with parents

Working Conditions

● Other duties:– Coaching– Clubs– Trips– Hall monitor– Lunch room– Professional

Development

Working Conditions

● The School Year● Fixed Time:

– The bell schedule● Short Day

– 7:30 to 3:30● Short Year

– 9 months

Working Conditions

● Tenure– Prevents firing

without cause– Protects academic

freedom● Unions

– Collective bargaining– Adds to profession

Training and Qualifications

● Must have a state license● Must have a bachelor's

degree● Must have passed a teacher

training program (usually 1 year)

● Must pass a test (NTE, etc.)

Training and Qualifications

● Background investigation● Technology competency● Special Education classes● Masters Degree● National Board Certification

Other Possible Requirements

Training and Qualifications

● License Renewal Requirements– In-service classes– College classes

● Mentoring new teachers

Continuing Education

Training and Qualifications

● Be Organized● Be a leader● Understand learning

difficulties● Dependability

Additional Skills

Training and Qualifications

● Have patience● Be creative● Good communication

skills

Additional Skills

Employment Outlook

● Excellent● Many retirements over

the next 10 years● Enrollment is rising● Inner-cities have highest

demand

Employment Outlook

● Highest demand by specialty– Mathematics– Special education– Bi-lingual– Foreign language– Computers

Earnings

● Median salary: $40,000● Starting salary: $23,000● Top salary: $60,000● Increase salary:

– Advanced degree– Stipends for coaching,

certification, etc.

Earnings

● Benefits– Medical insurance– Life insurance– Retirement– Liability insurance

● College Teachers● Counselors● Administrators● Librarians● Coaches● Social Workers

Related Occupations

● State Schools– U of M– MSU System

● Private– Rocky– Carroll

Sources for Training

In Montana

● Might be less expensive

● Get paid more if you teach in Montana

● Learn in a more diverse environment

Sources for Training

Out of State