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Teaching, Secondary

Secondary school teachers work with students in grades 7 through 12 and usually specialize in one subject area. You can obtain secondary teaching certification in academic subjects such as English or mathematics, vocational subjects such as healthcare or the building trades, or special subjects such as music or art.

There are a number of routes to becoming a secondary school teacher. Bachelor’s programs in education can provide both teacher training and subject matter expertise. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in the field you wish to teach, you can complete a teacher training program. Alternatively, you can obtain teacher training through a master in education program. Ph. D. programs in education generally prepare you for administrative or research positions.

Every state, and the District of Columbia, requires that public school teachers be licensed. Some require certification for private school teachers as well. The basic requirements are a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved teacher training program, and practice teaching. Some states may also require competency testing in basic skills and/or subject matter, technology training, a master’s degree in education, or a minimum college grade point average. Your secondary teaching certification may cover only certain grade levels and subject areas.

Be sure to check with your state board of education to learn about your state’s certification classifications and requirements.