Secondary School Teacher
O*NET-SOC: 25-2031.00
Teaches one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. Instructs through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations; prepares course materials; designs and grades assessments; and manages classroom behavior.
About this Role
Secondary school teachers guide students, typically aged 11 to 18, through subject-specific learning while also helping them develop study skills, confidence, and independence. They usually arrive before students, review the day’s lesson plans, and adapt them based on how previous classes went, upcoming assessments, or school events. In the classroom they introduce new concepts, model worked examples, facilitate discussions or group work, and move around the room to check understanding, redirect off-task behavior, and give quick, targeted help.
A Day in the Life
7:00 AM
Arrive and set up classroom
Unlock the room, arrange desks or materials, write the day’s agenda and starter question on the board, and power up the projector or interactive whiteboard.
7:45 AM
Review lesson plans and resources
Scan today’s lesson plans, tweak timing or examples based on yesterday’s progress, and print or upload any last-minute worksheets or slides.
8:30 AM
Teach morning classes
Lead one or two class periods, introduce new content, facilitate practice activities, and check for understanding with quick quizzes or targeted questions.
10:30 AM
Form group or duty time
Register a tutor group, check attendance, share announcements, or supervise corridors or playground areas during break.
11:00 AM
Continue teaching and support
Teach another class, adapt explanations to that group’s needs, and note students who might need extra help after school or in the next lesson.
12:30 PM
Lunch and quick marking
Eat in the staff room or classroom, then use remaining time to mark a stack of exercise books or enter grades into the online system.
1:15 PM
Afternoon lessons
Teach remaining classes, manage energy levels, run a practical or group activity if relevant, and handle any behavior issues that arise.
3:30 PM
Planning, admin, and meetings
Respond to emails from parents and colleagues, attend a department meeting, plan upcoming lessons or assessments, and prepare materials for the next day before leaving school.
Tools & Technologies
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Presentations
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Document Management
- Microsoft SharePoint
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
Learning Platforms
- Common Curriculum
- Moodle
- Schoology
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $58K and $83K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $47K |
| 25th | $58K |
| 50th (Median) | $65K |
| 75th | $83K |
| 90th | $105K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
State Secondary Teaching License
State Department of Education
Authorizes teaching specific subjects at the secondary level after completing an approved teacher preparation program and meeting assessment and background check requirements.
Praxis Subject Assessments (where required)
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Standardized exams that measure content knowledge in subjects such as mathematics, English, or science, commonly required for licensure in many U.S. states.
Helpful
National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
A voluntary advanced credential earned through portfolio submissions, assessments, and classroom evidence demonstrating accomplished teaching practice.
TESOL/ESL endorsement
Universities or state education agencies
Provides specialized training to support multilingual learners, focusing on language development strategies within subject teaching.
Professional Memberships
Professional teacher association membership
National Education Association
Offers professional development, classroom resources, and advocacy for teachers at the secondary level.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Mostly On-site
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Moderate physical activity
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Standard work hours
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (44)
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- SpeakingStrong Match
- Learning StrategiesStrong Match
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- MonitoringGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Secondary School Teacher a good career?
Secondary School Teacher can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $65K and job outlook is stable (1% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Secondary School Teacher?
The typical education requirement for a Secondary School Teacher is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Secondary School Teacher?
Becoming a Secondary School Teacher typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Secondary School Teacher?
The work-life balance for a Secondary School Teacher is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Secondary School Teacher?
The job outlook for Secondary School Teacher is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 1% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.