High School English Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of global communication and literacy, the emphasis on high school English teachers has never been stronger.

Education continues to evolve, and with each change, the demand for skilled educators who can teach, inspire, and nurture the linguistic abilities of our next generation grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a high school English teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• An educational leader outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of high school English education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable high school English teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or school websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

High School English Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

High School English Teachers are tasked with teaching English language and literature to students, fostering critical thinking skills, and developing students’ abilities in reading, writing, and communication.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school standards
• Teach English literature and language, including grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and vocabulary
• Evaluate students’ assignments and written works, providing constructive feedback
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests to evaluate students’ progress
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet varying student needs and interests
• Encourage classroom discussions to enhance students’ understanding of the subject matter
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about students’ progress
• Participate in school events and staff meetings
• Manage student behavior in the classroom and enforce school rules and policies
• Identify students with academic troubles and provide appropriate support or refer them to specialized professionals
• Keep up-to-date with changes in the curriculum and developments in teaching resources and methods

 

High School English Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated High School English Teacher who is passionate about teaching English literature and language to students.

The responsibilities of a High School English Teacher include preparing lesson plans, teaching students, creating and marking assignments and tests, and offering extra support where necessary.

Our ideal candidate is deeply knowledgeable about English literature, proficient in classroom management, and able to inspire students to appreciate and understand the English language in all its forms.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that meet the learning needs of students
• Teach students about various aspects of English literature and language
• Assign and mark various assessments to track student progress
• Provide feedback to students and parents on student progress
• Create a positive, stimulating and encouraging learning environment
• Monitor student behavior and enforce classroom rules
• Participate in parent-teacher meetings and school functions
• Stay up-to-date with changes in the curriculum and educational practices
• Attend professional development workshops and seminars

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in English
• State teaching certification
• Proven experience as a High School English Teacher
• Strong understanding of English literature and language
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire and motivate students
• Strong classroom management skills
• Knowledge of various teaching methods and the ability to implement them effectively

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: High School English Teacher
• Work Environment: Classroom setting. Some after-hours work may be required for grading and planning.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, teaching certification, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a High School English Teacher Do?

High School English Teachers typically work in both public and private high schools, educating students between the ages of 14-18.

Their primary role is to teach English language and literature, including grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.

They prepare and deliver lectures, create and grade assignments and exams, and monitor student progress throughout the academic year.

High School English Teachers are also responsible for preparing students for standardised tests and college entrance exams that require a solid understanding of the English language and literature.

Additionally, they guide students in understanding various literary genres, including novels, poetry, drama, and short stories.

They also provide instruction on how to write effectively for different purposes, such as persuasive essays, research papers, and creative writing.

High School English Teachers also play a vital role in developing students’ communication skills, both verbal and written, and encouraging critical thinking and interpretative skills through literature discussion and analysis.

Moreover, they often take on other roles such as advising school clubs, supervising study halls, and supporting students with academic counseling or personal issues.

In all cases, the High School English Teacher is committed to creating an inclusive, engaging, and challenging learning environment to foster their students’ intellectual and social development.

 

High School English Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient high school English teacher should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Knowledge of English literature, grammar, writing, and reading comprehension to develop and execute lesson plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to students and communicate with parents, colleagues, and administrators.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, understand their individual learning needs, and foster a supportive learning environment.
• Patience and empathy to work with students of varying abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt teaching methods to individual student needs and to address any classroom or individual student issues that may arise.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple tasks such as lesson planning, grading, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Instructional skills to implement diverse teaching strategies, use various teaching aids, and incorporate technology into the classroom.
• Creativity to make lessons engaging and promote student participation.
• Assessment skills to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching strategies as required.

 

High School English Teacher Experience Requirements

High school English teachers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field, with a focus on education.

They need to complete a teacher education program where they gain both theoretical and practical classroom experience through student teaching assignments.

Entry-level candidates may have a year or two of teaching experience, often gained through student teaching assignments, substitute teaching, or tutoring roles.

These candidates usually have experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and working with diverse student populations.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of teaching experience generally have a deeper understanding of curriculum development, classroom instruction, and student assessment.

They have likely taught a wide range of English courses from literature to composition and are experienced in integrating technology into their teaching.

Those with more than 5 years of teaching experience may have some leadership experience, such as leading a department or coordinating school-wide English programs.

They are often experienced in mentoring new teachers and may have additional certifications or a Master’s degree in Education.

Candidates for a high school English teacher role are also required to have state certification or licensure for the grade level they will be teaching.

 

High School English Teacher Education and Training Requirements

To become a High School English Teacher, a bachelor’s degree in English, English Education, or a related field is typically required.

The degree program should include courses in English language and literature, as well as secondary education, teaching methods, and pedagogy.

In many states, obtaining a master’s degree in education or a related field is encouraged or required for teaching at the high school level.

All states require high school teachers to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level they will teach.

The requirements for certification vary by state but generally involve passing a series of examinations, such as the PRAXIS.

Many teachers also complete a student-teaching program where they work with a mentor teacher and get experience teaching students in a classroom setting.

Continuing education is often required to maintain teacher certification and licensure.

This can be fulfilled through workshops, seminars, online courses, or graduate studies.

Furthermore, English teachers may consider obtaining certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which can enhance job prospects and potential salary increases.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification may also indicate a teacher’s commitment to their profession and to ongoing learning.

 

High School English Teacher Salary Expectations

A High School English Teacher earns an average salary of $61,660 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on the individual’s years of experience, level of education, location, and the school district where they are employed.

 

High School English Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a High School English Teacher need?

High School English Teachers should possess a strong command of the English language, both written and spoken.

They should be adept in literature and writing techniques, and be able to break down complex literary concepts to students in an understandable manner.

The role also demands excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Teachers should be patient, empathetic, and have a passion for igniting a love of learning in their students.

 

Do High School English Teachers need a degree?

Yes, High School English Teachers need a bachelor’s degree in English, Literature, or a related field.

However, a master’s degree or PhD in English or Education can make them more competitive.

In addition, most states in the U.S. require teachers to have a teaching certification or license specific to secondary education.

 

What should you look for in a High School English Teacher resume?

In a High School English Teacher’s resume, look for their educational qualifications, their teaching certification, and any experience they have teaching English to high school students.

Also, look for any additional credentials such as TESOL certification for teaching English to speakers of other languages.

You may also want to look for any experience they have in curriculum development, assessment creation, and utilizing technology in the classroom.

 

What qualities make a good High School English Teacher?

A good High School English Teacher has a passion for literature and writing, and is able to inspire that passion in their students.

They are patient and understanding, able to work with students of different abilities and backgrounds.

They are also highly organized and communicative, keeping parents and other educators informed about student progress.

A good High School English Teacher also regularly updates their teaching strategies to engage students and improve learning outcomes.

 

What are the challenges in hiring a High School English Teacher?

The challenge in hiring a High School English Teacher lies in finding a candidate who not only has the necessary educational qualifications and certifications, but also has the passion and aptitude for teaching English to high school students.

The ideal candidate should also be adaptable to the changing educational landscape, integrating technology and new teaching methodologies into their classroom.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the conclusion.

We’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what being a high school English teacher truly entails.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching grammar and literature.

It’s about shaping the minds of future generations, one lesson at a time.

With our definitive high school English teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for designing impeccable job listings or fine-tuning your resume to the highest standards.

Keep in mind:

Every lesson you teach contributes to a larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

Reasons to Become a High School English Teacher (Cultivate Critical Thinkers)

How to Become a High School English Teacher (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a High School English Teacher (Essay Evaluation Exhaustion!)

Low Effort, High Reward: Jobs That Will Shock You with Their Salaries!

Serene and Successful: The Low-Stress Jobs of Your Dreams

Danger’s Daily Grind: The Unseen Side of Extreme Occupations

The Future of Work: The Latest Trending Jobs in the Industry