Education & Library
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Also called: Art Teacher, English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Music Teacher
US median pay
$72,040
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-0.2%
declining
Openings a year (US)
63,500
1,087,500 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
What they do day to day
- Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
Knowledge
- Education and Training4.7/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.6/5
- Psychology3.4/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree77%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.