Secondary School Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of education, the role of secondary school teachers has never been more crucial.

As societies progress, the demand for insightful educators who can shape, inspire, and safeguard our educational fabric is becoming stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of secondary education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable secondary school teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Secondary School Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Secondary School Teachers have a crucial role in shaping the minds of young adults, by imparting knowledge on specific subject areas and guiding them in their personal development.

They blend instruction with experiential learning to deliver a comprehensive education that prepares students for post-secondary education and employment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering lessons to students
• Creating a positive and stimulating learning environment
• Assigning, correcting and grading homework assignments, classroom work, tests and quizzes
• Developing and implementing teaching strategies that will enhance student learning outcomes
• Communicating with parents and guardians regarding student progress
• Participating in school administration, and in school and community events
• Providing guidance and advice to students on educational and social matters
• Keeping abreast with the latest trends and changes in the curriculum and the specific subject area
• Maintaining discipline in the classroom and on the school premises
• Adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests
• Conducting extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations and academic contests

 

Secondary School Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Secondary School Teacher to educate students, develop their academic skills, and prepare them for examinations.

The Secondary School Teacher will be responsible for implementing curriculum guidelines, assessing student performance, and creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.

Our ideal candidate is an individual with excellent subject knowledge, a passion for teaching, and the ability to inspire and motivate students.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and issue educational content including notes, tests, and assignments.
• Supervise classes to ensure all students are learning in a safe and productive environment.
• Organize supplies and resources for lectures and presentations.
• Deliver personalized instruction to each student by encouraging interactive learning.
• Plan and implement educational activities and events.
• Ensure your classroom is clean and orderly.
• Prepare and distribute periodic progress reports and semester report cards.
• Attend parent-teacher meetings.
• Evaluate and document students’ progress.
• Allocate and grade homework, assignments, and tests.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a secondary school teacher
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills
• Sound knowledge of the subject and the ability to teach it effectively
• Thorough understanding of teaching methods and educational pedagogy
• Ability to manage the classroom and discipline students
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or relevant field, Master’s degree preferred
• Valid state teaching license

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits
• Opportunity to shape the minds of future generations

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Secondary School Teacher
• Work Environment: School setting. May require participation in outdoor activities and field trips.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Principal or Vice Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and school district considerations.
• Pay Range: $48,000 minimum to $78,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant teaching certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Secondary School Teacher Do?

Secondary School Teachers, also known as high school teachers, work in public or private schools where they provide instruction to students in grades 9 through 12.

They are responsible for creating lesson plans that align with the curriculum standards set by their school district or state.

These plans usually cover a variety of subjects, such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, and others depending on their area of specialization.

Their duties also include grading assignments and tests, tracking student progress, and addressing any academic issues that may arise.

They may meet with parents or guardians to discuss a student’s academic progress or behavioral issues.

Secondary School Teachers often have additional roles within the school, such as supervising extracurricular activities or offering tutoring outside of class hours.

In addition to their teaching responsibilities, they also play a significant role in building a positive learning environment, fostering a sense of community, and providing guidance to students as they prepare for their future, whether that includes college, vocational training, or entering the workforce.

They are also often involved in implementing and enforcing school policies, and ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.

 

Secondary School Teacher Qualifications and Skills

Secondary School Teachers should have a diverse set of skills and qualifications that are suited to the educational and developmental needs of teenagers, such as:

• Strong understanding and knowledge of their subject matter to teach and inspire students in the subject area.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present complex ideas in an understandable and engaging way.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Patience and emotional intelligence to handle a classroom of students with different personalities and learning abilities.
• Organization skills to plan lessons, grade assignments, keep records, and manage classroom activities efficiently.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles and needs.
• Leadership skills to maintain order and discipline in the classroom, encouraging positive behaviors and values.
• Technological proficiency to integrate digital tools and resources into the learning process.
• Continuous learning attitude to keep up-to-date with educational trends, teaching methodologies, and subject content knowledge.

 

Secondary School Teacher Experience Requirements

Secondary School Teachers are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in education or in a specialized subject such as English, Mathematics, or Science.

Some states also require teachers to earn a master’s degree after obtaining their teaching certification.

To gain practical experience, aspiring teachers often engage in student teaching, where they work in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher.

This allows them to gain hands-on experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional methods.

Entry-level secondary school teachers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through student teaching, substitute teaching, or tutoring roles.

They can also gain additional experience by volunteering or working part-time in afterschool programs, summer camps, or other educational settings.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their teaching skills and classroom management abilities.

They may have also gained experience in curriculum development, mentoring, and parent-teacher communication.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for advanced roles such as department head, curriculum coordinator, or mentor to less experienced teachers.

These roles often require demonstrated leadership skills, advanced knowledge in their subject area, and strong interpersonal skills.

 

Secondary School Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Secondary School Teachers typically require a bachelor’s degree in education or in a field related to the subject they intend to teach.

Most states also require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified in the grade level they will teach.

The licensure requirements often include having a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing a background check.

In addition to these basic educational requirements, many states require teachers to complete a master’s degree in education after they begin teaching.

This additional training helps teachers improve their teaching skills and better understand the needs of their students.

Teachers who wish to specialize in a particular area, such as special education or English as a second language (ESL), may need additional training or certification in that area.

Furthermore, many secondary school teachers choose to continue their education to stay updated with the latest educational research and teaching methods.

In addition to formal education and training, secondary school teachers should also have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a deep understanding of the subjects they teach.

 

Secondary School Teacher Salary Expectations

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

The salary can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, the subject taught, and geographical location.

 

Secondary School Teacher Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Secondary School Teacher need?

Secondary School Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree in education or in the subject they wish to teach.

Most states also require secondary school teachers to earn a license or certification.

Some schools may require teachers to pursue a master’s degree.

Familiarity with technology in classrooms and curriculum development is also beneficial.

 

What are the daily duties of a Secondary School Teacher?

A Secondary School Teacher’s typical day begins with preparing lesson plans and delivering them to students.

They assess students’ understanding through tests, quizzes, and assignments, provide constructive feedback, and address any areas of weakness.

They also manage student behavior in the classroom, enforce school policies, and maintain a clean and safe learning environment.

Teachers also participate in meetings with colleagues and parents to discuss students’ progress.

 

What qualities make a good Secondary School Teacher?

A good Secondary School Teacher is patient, understanding, and passionate about teaching.

They have a deep knowledge of the subjects they teach and can explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand.

They are also excellent communicators and are able to build strong relationships with their students.

Good teachers are also organized, as they need to manage their time and resources effectively.

 

How can one become a Secondary School Teacher?

To become a Secondary School Teacher, one must obtain a bachelor’s degree in education or in the field they wish to teach.

After that, they must earn a teaching license or certification, which typically involves a period of supervised teaching experience.

Many states also require teachers to continue their education and earn a master’s degree in their subject area or in education.

 

What are the challenges of being a Secondary School Teacher?

Secondary School Teachers often face challenges such as dealing with diverse student needs, managing classroom behavior, and addressing academic struggles.

They must also keep up with changes in educational standards and technology, maintain communication with parents, and balance a heavy workload.

Despite these challenges, many teachers find the job rewarding and enjoy the opportunity to impact young lives.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a secondary school teacher.

Surprise!

It’s not just about grading papers and preparing lesson plans.

It’s about shaping the future, one student at a time.

With our dedicated secondary school teacher job description template and relatable examples, you’re ready to step into this rewarding field.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for developing finely detailed job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every student you guide is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Secondary School Teacher (Complete Guide)

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