Posted on March 23rd, 2026 in Blog, Education

How to Become a High School Teacher

A high school teacher leaning against his desk talks to a group of students. High school teachers are the bedrock of many students’ educational experiences, providing critical lessons and preparing them with the knowledge and skills to enter college or the job market. Teachers also have a direct impact on their students’ lives: Roughly one-third of Americans said a high school teacher significantly changed their lives for the better in a recent survey from YouGov. Becoming a high school teacher can be a lifelong, fulfilling career that makes a difference in each new generation.

Each state requires a minimum level of education to become a public high school teacher, setting baseline standards for those entering the profession. These requirements may include earning a master’s degree. Learn how to become a high school teacher and explore salary potential and job growth opportunities.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

High school teachers are responsible for teaching students in grades nine through 12, often specializing in a specific subject, such as math, science, art, or music. While some high school teachers may teach only a single class, others may teach multiple courses within their subject area, such as algebra and calculus. Teachers may instruct students across different grade levels or class sizes, requiring them to adapt their teaching methods to meet varying academic needs throughout the workday.

In addition to providing classroom instruction, high school teachers plan lessons for each of their courses. They may need to align instruction with required standardized tests and develop lesson plans that span weeks or months, depending on the school’s academic calendar. High school teachers also grade assignments and evaluate student performance, highlighting each student’s strengths and weaknesses. They provide feedback to students and may meet with parents or guardians to address concerns.

Depending on the school, high school teachers may also supervise students outside of the classroom. For example, they may chaperone students on field trips, oversee club activities and sporting events, or monitor lunch and detention periods. They’re also responsible for enforcing administrative rules that students must follow.

High School Teacher Work Environment

High school teachers most commonly work on a high school campus, though they may travel when chaperoning students at off-campus events and activities. These high school campuses may be part of public or private school systems. Some high school teachers are employed by remote learning or home school organizations; these teachers may work out of their homes or at other private locations.

In many school districts, teachers work under a 10-month schedule that aligns with the academic year, typically followed by a summer break and with shorter breaks during the winter and spring. In some year-round school systems, teachers follow an alternative schedule, such as nine weeks of instruction followed by a three-week break before the next instructional period begins.

Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher

Prospective high school teachers must first earn the required level of education, which varies by state and school type. Additionally, they’ll need to earn state licensure to teach in public schools. These individuals can benefit from developing critical skills to succeed in the role.

Get an Education

To teach in public schools, high school teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Some states require a bachelor’s degree in education, while others require a degree in the specific subject area the teacher plans to teach, such as mathematics, English, or biology.

In select states, teachers must earn a master’s degree after obtaining teaching licensure and securing a teaching position. Many other states encourage teachers to earn a master’s degree for career advancement and skills development. In either case, an online master’s degree program may provide flexibility, allowing educators to continue working while completing the necessary coursework.

High school teachers applying to private schools don’t always need to meet state requirements, so the required level of education can vary. However, private schools typically look for prospective teachers with at least a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to teaching. Although not always required, an advanced degree can help candidates stand out by demonstrating subject-matter expertise and professional commitment.

Education expectations can also vary by region. For example, nearly three-fourths of teachers in Oregon have a master’s degree, reflecting the state’s strong emphasis on advanced preparation.

Gain Licensure

Public school teachers must obtain licensure in accordance with their state’s requirements. These requirements often include the following:

Earning a qualifying bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA
Completing a student-teaching program under the supervision of a licensed teacher
Passing a background check
Passing exams that assess general teaching knowledge and subject-area expertise

Although private schools aren’t required to hire licensed teachers, earning licensure can expand job prospects. It can potentially create opportunities to teach different grade levels, though additional coursework or endorsements may be required, especially when transitioning to an elementary school teacher role.

Develop Key Skills

In addition to meeting education and licensure requirements, prospective high school teachers benefit from developing the following skills:

Strong knowledge of their subject area
Proficiency with educational technology and digital communication
Ability to manage and interpret student performance
Adaptability
Stress management
Organization and attention to detail
Empathy
Patience

High School Teacher Salary and Job Growth

High school teachers can earn competitive salaries relative to many other occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers earned a median annual salary of $64,580 as of 2024. By comparison, the median annual wage across all occupations was $49,500. Salaries were generally higher in public schools than in private schools, although compensation varies based on experience, geographic location, level of education, and job responsibilities.

Employment opportunities are influenced by factors such as state and local government budgets, but teaching positions are expected to continue becoming available as educators retire or transition to other careers. Demand can also vary by subject area and geographic region, with some communities experiencing greater need than others.

Make a Difference as a High School Teacher

Becoming a high school teacher can be a fulfilling career that directly impacts students’ lives, but it requires meeting educational and licensure qualifications. Warner Pacific University Online’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program is designed to help prepare aspiring educators for this role.

Coursework in the MAT program covers core educational principles such as curriculum planning, student assessment, educational research, and classroom management. With flexible online or in-person learning options, the program can be completed in as little as 22 months — or seven months for the summer immersion format.

In addition, WPU Online offers a Master of Education (MEd) degree program for licensed teachers looking to gain specialized endorsements and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (BSED) degree program with a special education endorsement for those looking to become special education teachers. The university also offers in-person BSED programs.

Explore the next step in your teaching career with WPU Online.

Sources:
Houston Chronicle, “Qualifications to be a High School Teacher”
Indeed, “How to Become a High School Teacher: Requirements and FAQs”
Indeed, “Learn About Being a High School Teacher”
Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Statewide Report Card 2023-24
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, High School Teachers
YouGov, “How Are Teachers Changing Their Students’ Lives?”