High School Philosophy Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of education, the role of a High School Philosophy Teacher has never been more crucial.

Education evolves, and with each shift, the demand for minds that can cultivate, broaden, and safeguard our understanding of philosophy escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a High School Philosophy Teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to decipher the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of teaching philosophy at the high school level,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable High School Philosophy Teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or educational career sites.

Let’s jump right into it.

High School Philosophy Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

High School Philosophy Teachers are responsible for teaching students about the fundamental concepts, theories, and debates in philosophy.

They aim to stimulate critical thinking and foster a deep understanding of moral and ethical issues among students.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and deliver engaging philosophy lessons to students
• Develop and implement comprehensive lesson plans that meet curriculum standards
• Facilitate class discussions and debates on philosophical concepts and theories
• Assess and evaluate students’ progress through assignments, tests, and exams
• Provide feedback to students and parents regarding academic progress
• Create a respectful and inclusive learning environment
• Guide students on research projects related to philosophy
• Stay updated with latest philosophical debates and incorporate them in the curriculum
• Participate in parent-teacher meetings and school functions
• Organize field trips to relevant museums or philosophical discussions
• Provide assistance and guidance to students applying for philosophy related college courses
• Maintain classroom discipline and address any behavioral issues promptly and appropriately

 

High School Philosophy Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a committed and knowledgeable High School Philosophy Teacher to join our faculty.

The ideal candidate should be capable of creating a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a deep understanding of philosophical theories and ideas.

The High School Philosophy Teacher’s responsibilities include preparing engaging and informative lesson plans, creating a stimulating environment for intellectual growth, grading assignments, and providing feedback to students.

The candidate must be passionate about philosophy and capable of inspiring the same enthusiasm in students.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an all-encompassing educational curriculum that meets national standards.
• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences.
• Develop schemes of work and lesson plans.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students’ varying needs.
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development.
• Prepare required reports on students and activities.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or a related field.
• Proven experience as a High School Philosophy Teacher.
• Deep knowledge of philosophical theories and concepts.
• Ability to create lesson plans.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Strong moral and ethical standards.
• Ability to build relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Must possess a valid teaching license.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: High School Philosophy Teacher
• Work Environment: Educational institution, classroom setting.
• 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: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 institution. 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your teaching license and academic transcripts to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a High School Philosophy Teacher Do?

High School Philosophy Teachers primarily work in high schools and are responsible for teaching students the discipline of philosophy.

They create and implement lesson plans to introduce students to various philosophical theories, ideas, and thinkers.

This includes teaching students about logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophical thought from ancient to contemporary times.

They help students develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to question, analyze, and debate philosophical ideas and concepts.

High School Philosophy Teachers often facilitate group discussions and debates in class, in which students are encouraged to express their thoughts and arguments.

They evaluate students’ understanding and progress through assignments, tests, and projects, giving feedback and grading their performance.

They might also be involved in extracurricular activities such as philosophy club, debate team, or academic competitions, helping to guide and prepare students for these events.

Furthermore, they communicate with parents or guardians to discuss student progress and address any academic or behavioral concerns.

High School Philosophy Teachers also contribute to developing the school curriculum and philosophy department by participating in departmental meetings, professional development activities, and school-wide initiatives.

 

High School Philosophy Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A High School Philosophy Teacher should possess the following qualifications and skills to effectively educate students on the principles, theories, and history of philosophy:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of philosophical theories, concepts and historical developments in the field of philosophy.
• Exceptional teaching skills to impart complex philosophical concepts in a way that is understandable and engaging to high school students.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain philosophical ideas and to encourage students to express their thoughts and engage in philosophical discussions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to connect with students and build a positive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and philosophical inquiry.
• Patience and empathy to deal with students of varying capabilities, backgrounds and learning styles, and to provide support and motivation.
• Good organizational skills to plan lessons, manage classroom activities, and keep track of student progress.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or a related field and a teaching qualification or certification.
• Experience in teaching philosophy at the high school level is often preferred.
• Ability to incorporate modern teaching aids and technology into classroom instruction.
• Problem-solving skills to handle classroom issues, conflicts and challenges in a constructive manner.

 

High School Philosophy Teacher Experience Requirements

High School Philosophy Teachers are usually required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or a related field.

They will have taken courses and gained experience in various branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology.

Prior teaching experience is highly desirable and often required, with a minimum of 1 to 2 years in a teaching role.

This could be gained as a student-teacher while pursuing an education degree, as a tutor, or as a substitute teacher in the relevant subject area.

In many cases, High School Philosophy Teachers are also required to have a state teaching certification or license, which includes successful completion of a teacher preparation program and passing state-specific exams.

Those with more than 3 years of teaching experience, specifically in philosophy, are often preferred.

They should have a proven track record of creating engaging and thought-provoking lesson plans, along with effective classroom management skills.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience teaching philosophy at a high school level may also have some leadership experience, such as departmental or grade level lead, curriculum development, or mentoring of newer teachers.

These individuals may be considered for more senior educational positions, such as Department Head or Curriculum Developer.

 

High School Philosophy Teacher Education and Training Requirements

High School Philosophy Teachers typically have a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or a related field from an accredited institution.

Many states also require a teacher’s certification or licensure for public school teaching, which includes student teaching internship experience and a certain amount of education coursework.

To enhance their knowledge and teaching techniques, many High School Philosophy Teachers may also pursue a master’s degree in Education or Philosophy.

Some positions, particularly in private schools or prestigious institutions, may require a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

Continuing education is important for Philosophy Teachers to keep up with the latest philosophic theories, teaching methods, and educational technology.

There are professional development courses and workshops available for this purpose.

Being a member of a professional organization such as the American Philosophical Association can also provide opportunities for networking and professional development.

In addition to formal education and training, strong critical thinking skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for philosophy are critical for success in this role.

 

High School Philosophy Teacher Salary Expectations

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

This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as level of education, years of teaching experience, and the location of the school.

 

High School Philosophy Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a high school philosophy teacher need?

High school philosophy teachers need strong communication and organizational skills, as they have to present complex philosophical ideas in a way that high school students can understand.

They also need to plan and deliver lessons effectively, set and grade assignments, and manage classroom behavior.

Additionally, high school philosophy teachers should have a deep understanding of philosophy, be able to stimulate critical thinking among students, and be patient and understanding, as philosophy can be a challenging subject for many students.

 

Do high school philosophy teachers need a degree?

Yes, high school philosophy teachers generally need a bachelor’s degree in philosophy or a related field.

In addition, they usually need to complete a teacher preparation program and obtain a state-issued certification or license to teach in public schools.

Some states might require teachers to earn a master’s degree after they begin teaching.

 

What should you look for in a high school philosophy teacher resume?

A high school philosophy teacher resume should showcase their educational background, including their degree in philosophy and any teaching credentials they hold.

It should also detail any teaching experience they have, including student teaching experience gained during their teacher preparation program.

Additional qualities to look for include strong communication skills, experience in lesson planning and curriculum development, and a passion for teaching philosophy to young people.

 

What qualities make a good high school philosophy teacher?

A good high school philosophy teacher should have a passion for philosophy and a genuine desire to inspire that passion in their students.

They should be able to break down complex philosophical ideas into understandable concepts and stimulate critical thinking among their students.

Patience and understanding are also essential qualities, as students may struggle with philosophical concepts.

Good high school philosophy teachers are also organized, creative in their teaching methods, and able to build a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.

 

Is it difficult to hire high school philosophy teachers?

The difficulty in hiring high school philosophy teachers can vary depending on location, school, and demand.

Philosophy is not typically a core subject in high schools, so the demand for philosophy teachers may not be as high as for teachers of subjects like English or math.

However, finding qualified candidates who are passionate about teaching philosophy to high school students can be challenging.

Schools may have to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the exciting world of a high school philosophy teacher.

And you know what?

It’s not just about teaching Plato or Kant.

It’s about igniting young minds, one philosophical discussion at a time.

With our comprehensive high school philosophy teacher job description template and authentic examples, you’re more than ready to embark on this journey.

But why halt your momentum?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating meticulously crafted listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every philosophical debate shapes the minds of the future.

Let’s ignite those minds. Together.

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

Find Your Happy Work: The Most Gratifying Jobs in the Market

Lazy Day Dream Jobs: Easy Ways to Earn Big Without Breaking a Sweat!

Trendsetting Careers: The Jobs That Are Leading the Pack

Outrageously Odd Jobs: Careers That Break the Mold