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Become A High School Science Teacher

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Working As A High School Science Teacher

  • Training and Teaching Others
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Getting Information
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Coaching and Developing Others

  • Deal with People

  • Unpleasant/Angry People

  • $63,748

    Average Salary

What Does A High School Science Teacher Do

High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

Duties

High school teachers typically do the following:

  • Plan lessons in the subjects they teach, such as biology or history
  • Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
  • Teach students in full class settings or in small groups
  • Adapt lessons to any changes in class size
  • Grade students’ assignments and exams to monitor progress
  • Communicate with parents about students’ progress
  • Work with individual students to challenge them, to improve their abilities, and to work on their weaknesses
  • Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
  • Develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies
  • Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, at lunchtime or during detention

High school teachers generally teach students from the 9th through 12th grades. They usually specialize in one subject area, such as math, science, or history. They may teach several different classes within that subject area. For example, a high school math teacher may teach courses in algebra, calculus, and/or geometry.

High school teachers may teach students from different grades throughout the day. For example, in one class they may have students from the 9th grade and then in the next class they may have 12th-grade students. In many schools, students are divided into classes on the basis of their abilities, so teachers need to change their courses to match the students’ abilities.

High school teachers see several different classes of students throughout the day. They may teach the same material—for example, world history—to more than one class if the school has many students taking that subject.

Some high school teachers instruct special classes, such as art, music, and physical education.

When they do not have classes, teachers plan lessons, grade assignments, and meet with other teachers and staff.

In some schools, teachers of English as a second language (ESL) and teachers of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) work exclusively with students who are learning the English language. These students are often referred to as English language learners (ELLs). These teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and help them with assignments for other classes.

Students with learning disabilities and emotional or behavioral disorders often are taught in traditional classes. Therefore, high school teachers may work with special education teachers to adapt lessons to these students’ needs and to monitor the students’ progress.

Some teachers maintain websites to communicate with parents about students’ assignments, upcoming events, and grades. For students, teachers may create websites or discussion boards to present information and to expand a lesson taught in class.

Some high school teachers coach sports and advise student clubs and other groups, activities that frequently take place before or after school.

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How To Become A High School Science Teacher

High school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.

Education

All states require public high school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Most states require high school teachers to have majored in a subject area, such as science or history. Teachers typically enroll in their institution’s teacher preparation program and take classes in education and child psychology as well.

In teacher education programs, prospective high school teachers learn how to present information to students and how to work with students of varying abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include fieldwork, such as student teaching. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.

Some states require high school teachers to earn a master’s degree after earning their teaching certification.

Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek high school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a major in a subject area.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified. Those who teach in private schools are generally not required to be licensed. Most states require teachers to pass a background check.

High school teachers typically are awarded a secondary or high school certification, which allows them to teach the 7th through the 12th grades.

Requirements for certification vary by state. In addition to requiring a bachelor’s degree, states require teachers to complete a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching, typically gained through student teaching. States also typically require candidates to pass a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates their knowledge in the subject they will teach. Some states require teachers to have a minimum grade point average as well. For information on certification requirements in your state, visit Teach.org.

Often, teachers are required to complete annual professional development classes to keep their license. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification.

All states offer an alternative route to certification for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack the education courses required for certification. Some alternative certification programs allow candidates to begin teaching immediately under the supervision of an experienced teacher. These programs cover teaching methods and child development. After they complete the program, candidates are awarded full certification. Other programs require students to take classes in education before they can teach. Students may be awarded a master’s degree after completing either type of program.

Training

In order to receive certification, teachers need to undergo a period of fieldwork, commonly referred to as student teaching. During student teaching, they work with a mentor teacher and gain experience teaching students in a classroom setting. The amount of time required varies by state.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Teachers must collaborate with other teachers and special education teachers. In addition, teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators.

Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. High school teachers must be patient when students struggle with material.

Resourcefulness. High school teachers need to explain difficult concepts in terms students can understand. In addition, they must be able to engage students in learning and adapt lessons to each student’s needs.

Advancement

Experienced teachers can advance to be mentors or lead teachers. In these positions, they often work with less experienced teachers to help them improve their teaching skills.

With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals. Becoming a principal usually requires additional instruction in education administration or leadership. For more information, see the profiles on school and career counselors, librarians, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals.

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High School Science Teacher jobs

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High School Science Teacher Career Paths

High School Science Teacher
Educator Program Manager Education Director
Academic Dean
10 Yearsyrs
Special Education Teacher Adjunct Instructor ESL Instructor
Academic Director
8 Yearsyrs
Middle School Science Teacher Math Teacher
Assistant Principal
10 Yearsyrs
Science Instructor Educator Coach
Athletic Director
5 Yearsyrs
Math Teacher Instructor Assistant Director
Center Director
7 Yearsyrs
7th Grade Science Teacher 5th Grade Teacher Adjunct Professor
Curriculum Director
9 Yearsyrs
Adjunct Professor Faculty Chairperson
Dean
5 Yearsyrs
Instructor Program Coordinator Adjunct Instructor
Department Chairperson
7 Yearsyrs
Middle School Science Teacher Instructor
Director Of Instruction
6 Yearsyrs
Special Education Teacher Spanish Teacher Pre-K Teacher
Director Of Teacher Education
5 Yearsyrs
Adjunct Professor Instructional Designer Program Manager
Education Director
7 Yearsyrs
8th Grade Science Teacher Math Teacher Education Director
Educational Program Director
6 Yearsyrs
Math Teacher Assistant Principal
Elementary School Principal
12 Yearsyrs
Adjunct Instructor Department Chairperson Assistant Principal
High School Principal
12 Yearsyrs
Adjunct Instructor Mathematics Instructor Assistant Principal
Middle School Principal
12 Yearsyrs
Educator Long Term Substitute Teacher Kindergarten Teacher
School Director
7 Yearsyrs
Instructor Special Education Teacher Assistant Principal
School Principal
10 Yearsyrs
Science Instructor Adjunct Professor
School Superintendent
14 Yearsyrs
7th Grade Science Teacher 6th Grade Teacher Assistant Principal
Vice Principal
9 Yearsyrs
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High School Science Teacher Demographics

Gender

  • Female

    54.5%

  • Male

    43.6%

  • Unknown

    1.9%

Ethnicity

  • White

    79.9%

  • Hispanic or Latino

    9.5%

  • Asian

    7.9%

  • Unknown

    1.7%

  • Black or African American

    1.0%
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Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

    50.7%

  • French

    12.0%

  • German

    9.3%

  • Chinese

    2.7%

  • Japanese

    2.7%

  • Mandarin

    2.7%

  • Tagalog

    2.7%

  • Dakota

    2.7%

  • Swahili

    1.3%

  • Portuguese

    1.3%

  • Filipino

    1.3%

  • Vietnamese

    1.3%

  • Cantonese

    1.3%

  • Hopi

    1.3%

  • Urdu

    1.3%

  • Korean

    1.3%

  • Arabic

    1.3%

  • Hmong

    1.3%

  • Italian

    1.3%
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High School Science Teacher

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Real High School Science Teacher Salaries

Job Title Company Location Start Date Salary
High School Science Teacher Newark Public Schools Newark, NJ Sep 17, 2015 $90,000
High School Mathematics/Science Teacher & Curiculum Leader BSA Resource Solutions Charlotte, NC Dec 11, 2015 $72,624
High School Science Teacher Unique Services Associates, Inc. Savannah, GA Jan 08, 2016 $70,000
High School Science Teacher Unique Services Associates, Inc. Savannah, GA Aug 01, 2015 $70,000
High School Science Teacher Global Teachers Research and Resources, Inc. Morrow, GA May 16, 2016 $62,500
High School Science Teacher Global Teachers Research and Resources, Inc. Morrow, GA Dec 01, 2016 $62,491
High School Science Teacher Richland County School District One Columbia, SC Apr 14, 2016 $61,682
High School Science Teacher Unique Services Associates, Inc. Garden City, GA Aug 14, 2015 $60,752
High School Science Teacher Jefferson County Board of Education Louisville, GA Feb 08, 2016 $60,742
High School Science Teacher Dallas Independent School District Dallas, TX Jul 22, 2015 $60,442
High School Science Teacher Youthbuild Charter School of California Fresno, CA Jul 18, 2015 $59,511
High School Science Teacher Sumter County School System Americus, GA Jul 24, 2016 $59,385
High School Science Teacher Orangeburg Consolidated School District Four Neeses, SC Aug 16, 2016 $57,942
High School Science Teacher Mitchell County Board of Education Camilla, GA Jul 15, 2015 $51,511
High School Science Teacher Sumter County School System Americus, GA Jul 24, 2016 $51,441
High School Science Teacher Windsor Public Schools Windsor, CT Aug 03, 2015 $50,600
High School Science Teacher Dallas Independent School District Dallas, TX May 29, 2015 $50,325
High School Science Teacher Dallas Independent School District Dallas, TX Sep 01, 2015 $50,325
High School Science Teacher Dallas Independent School District Dallas, TX Jul 19, 2016 $50,000
High School Science Teacher Dallas Independent School District Dallas, TX Oct 14, 2016 $50,000
High School Science Teacher Dallas Independent School District Dallas, TX Sep 14, 2016 $50,000
High School Science Teacher Huntsville Independent School District Huntsville, TX Jan 08, 2016 $45,800
High School Science Teacher Fort Bend Christian Academy Sugar Land, TX Jan 08, 2016 $45,000 -
$47,000
High School Science Teacher Us Virgin Islands Department of Education Jan 12, 2016 $44,600
High School Science Teacher Us Virgin Islands Department of Education Dec 01, 2015 $44,600
High School Science Teacher Tyler Independent School District Tyler, TX Jul 31, 2015 $44,600
High School Science Teacher (Biology) Waco Independent School District Waco, TX Aug 13, 2015 $44,000
High School Science Teacher (Biology) Waco Independent School District Waco, TX Sep 15, 2015 $44,000
High School Science Teacher Vance County Schools Henderson, NC Jan 27, 2015 $44,000

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Top Skills for A High School Science Teacher

TaughtBiologyTaughtChemistryClassroomManagementScienceCurriculumPhysicalScienceLessonPlansEnvironmentalScienceMathematicsAnatomy/PhysiologyLabActivitiesAlgebraIIScienceDepartmentScienceFairScienceClassesScienceCoursesAdvisorLifeScienceGeneralScienceProfessionalDevelopmentSpecialEducation

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Top High School Science Teacher Skills

  1. Taught Biology
  2. Taught Chemistry
  3. Classroom Management
You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:
  • Designed curriculum and taught biology to high school students during the 2012/2013 school year.
  • Establish mutual respect in the classroom by using sound classroom management skills.
  • Work with technology coordinator to incorporate technology into the science curriculum.
  • Job Duties: Instructor for Physics, Physical Science, Integrated Math, Computers, and Calculus.
  • Design curriculum, lesson plans, and teach sections of Biology, Physics, and General Science.

Top High School Science Teacher Employers

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High School Science Teacher Videos

High School Science Teacher, Career Video from drkit.org

From Teaching Fellow To High School Science Teacher

A Day In the Life of a Teacher: The Documentary

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