What Are the Requirements to Become a High School Teacher?

The path to becoming a high school teacher requires a bachelor's degree, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, and a state-issued teaching license or credential, which includes passing specific exams and a background check. The median national salary for this role is $64,060.

What is a High School Teacher?

A high school teacher provides classroom instruction to students in grades 9 through 12, typically specializing in a single academic subject. Unlike elementary school teachers who cover a broad curriculum, high school teachers focus on areas like Mathematics, English, Biology, or History. They are responsible for lesson planning, student assessment, and classroom management. In many schools, teachers also act as homeroom advisors, taking on additional duties such as coordinating parent communication and school events. They often collaborate with specialists like speech therapists or behavioral aides to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

What Are the Steps to Get a High School Teaching License?

The specific requirements for a teaching license vary by state, but the process generally follows these key steps. A teaching license is a state-issued credential that verifies an individual has met the standards to educate students in public schools.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree: This is the non-negotiable first step. While a degree in Education is common, many states allow degrees in a specific subject area (e.g., Biology, History) coupled with a teacher preparation program.
2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: This program, which may be part of your undergraduate studies or a post-baccalaureate course, provides essential training in classroom management and teaching methods.
3. Pass Required Examinations: States require candidates to pass exams demonstrating their basic skills and subject-matter knowledge (e.g., the PRAXIS series or state-specific tests like California's CBEST and CSET).
4. Undergo a Background Check: Fingerprinting and a criminal history review are mandatory for all public school teachers.
5. Apply for the License: The final step is submitting your transcripts, exam scores, and application to your state's board of education.

For example, here is a comparison of two state processes:

How Can You Become a Teacher if You Already Have a College Degree?

If you hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, you are not disqualified. Alternative pathways are designed for career changers. These alternative certification routes allow individuals with subject-matter expertise to enter the teaching profession, often through accelerated programs.

Common options include:

• Post-Baccalaureate Certification Programs: These non-degree programs provide the necessary pedagogical training.
• Residency or Internship Models: Programs like those offered by The New Teacher Project allow you to teach in a classroom while simultaneously completing your certification requirements.
• Master's Degree Programs: Some pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), which combines graduate-level study with certification.

Based on our assessment experience, candidates with prior professional experience often bring valuable real-world context to their classrooms, which can be a significant asset.

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for high school teachers was $64,060 as of the most recent data. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, years of experience, education level (teachers with a master's degree often earn more), and whether the school is public or private. Public school teachers generally have higher median salaries due to standardized pay scales and union contracts.

To maximize your earning potential, consider the following steps:

• Pursue a master's degree.
• Gain additional certifications in high-demand subjects or special education.
• Accumulate years of service within a single district to advance on the salary schedule.
• Take on extra responsibilities like coaching or club advising.

The requirements to become a high school teacher are clear and achievable with dedication. The key steps are earning your degree, completing a preparation program, and securing your state license. For those with an existing degree, alternative pathways provide a viable route into the classroom. With a stable median salary and high demand in many regions, teaching remains a rewarding career for those passionate about guiding the next generation.