Teaching high school is an exciting career choice. Teachers work one-on-one or in groups with adolescent students. There is an immediacy and importance to this work. As high school students graduate and become adult members of our society, many of the lessons of high school will help guide them and their pursuit of higher education or careers. If you are wondering about how to become a high school teacher, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help. Our M.A. in Teaching program offers an accelerated degree for pursuing your career goals.
High school teachers are required to have already earned a bachelor’s degree. This is also a requirement to apply for admission to our M.A. in Teaching program. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.00 scale. If you want to earn or complete a bachelor’s degree, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a variety of programs that include traditional, hybrid, and online learning options.
There may be differences in the regulations applied to private school teachers and public high school teachers, but most teachers must meet state requirements for licensing or certification at the high school level. Their bachelor’s degree may be in education or another major subject. In Minnesota, high school teachers must complete a supervised student-teacher experience to earn licensing and certification. They must also pass a background check and a general teaching certification test.
Many states also require public high school teachers to earn a master’s degree. There may be accommodations that allow teachers to start teaching in high school while earning an advanced degree. Working teachers must complete a specified amount of continuing education credits to maintain their employability and certifications.
The duties of high school teachers go beyond simply preparing coursework for their students. They are also tasked with assessing student ability and communicating with parents about their child’s progress in school. They may be required to supervise students outside of class, such as during the lunch hour or after-school activities, including detention. High school teachers might tutor students and must keep coursework challenging and engaging. High school teachers must be able to enforce behavior standards in the classroom and meet administrative expectations and policies. They must instruct students in material for standardized tests required by the state.
Here are some of the skills and commitments required of high school teachers:
There are many benefits to becoming a high school teacher. These jobs can offer stable employment and a respected place in the community. Teachers make a difference in the lives of their students and families. They are called upon to be creative and embrace lifelong learning as part of the job. Teachers may advance to administrative positions at public schools or school districts or in private school settings.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows the median annual wage for high school teachers in May 2023 was $65,220. Job growth is projected to include 67,000 openings for high school teachers each year through 2032.
The M.A. in Teaching is an online, remote program that can be completed in two to two and a half years. Students who complete the master’s degree program can tailor their degrees by choosing specialties and licensure areas that match their interests, whether it’s elementary or secondary education. They gain 100 hours of field experience to apply their skills in actual classroom settings. There are also unique opportunities, such as participating in the ISTEP-Noyce project. Explore the course catalog to learn more about the specific courses involved in this program.
If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, our M.A. in Teaching degree program is a great way to become a high school teacher. These educational programs are designed for adult learners and help them accommodate work and family obligations. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers virtual information sessions in which you can meet with admissions counselors and other interested students. Request information today.