High School English Teacher

Mrs. SnyderMay 15, 2015

High School English Teacher

I have chosen this career for a few reasons. Among those reasons are that I always excelled in my English classes in high school. I also LOVE literature, and really enjoy sharing this passion with others. Finally, I feel fortunate that as a teacher, I have the opportunity to fill the role as counselor, advisor, friend, and mom to students, as well.

Education/Training Requirements

Required: Bachelor of Arts/Sciences in virtually any

major (it helps if your major is English- mine was Liberal Studies)

Single Subject Teaching Credential in English

16 weeks of student teaching in a high school English classroom

Education/Training Requirements

Many teachers pursue a Masters Degree for various reasons To improve their teaching practice To obtain a position at a competitive

school To move up in the salary scale (aka more

chedda)

Education/Training Requirements

Some teachers may also pursue an Administrative Credential This means they can become a principal

of a school, or hold a similar position in a school district

To move up in the salary scale (aka more chedda)

Education/Training Requirements

Some teachers may even pursue an Educational Doctorate This is the highest degree achievable To move up in the salary scale (aka

more chedda)

Education/Training Requirements

Teachers are also required to attend professional development seminars and meetings to stay current on teaching strategies and theories.

Typical Salary

Starting salary for a first year high school teacher with no experience or Masters Degree is $42,325.

The salary will increase with each year of service, and with each unit of education obtained, until you max out on the salary scale.

Working Hours

High School English Teachers do not work a typical 40-hour week.

Many teachers arrive to work an hour or more early, and stay an hour or more after the final bell- that’s 45-50 hours just in the classroom.

Working Hours

Teachers also spend many nights, weekends, and vacations working- lesson planning, grading, parent emails and phone calls, writing letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities like coaching sports or advising clubs, etc.

On average- 65 HOURS A WEEK

Working Conditions

Is teaching stressful? YES.▪ Why?▪ Kids. Deadlines. Attitudes. Responsible for educating the future. Pleasing parents. Pleasing principals. Pleasing other teachers. Dirty classroom. No air. Bad wifi. Not one second of silence. Work through your lunch period. Did I mention attitudes? Making sure kids “Get it”. What do you do when they don’t “Get it”? Is that BO that I smell? Why is there part of a weave on my floor? Can y’all be quiet and just take notes?

Working Conditions

Working conditions are usually clean and safe (except for the errant kid that barfs in class or the snot rags left behind on desks).

Teachers do get sick…A LOT. Good thing we have UH-MAY-ZING health insurance.

Specific Tasks

Planning, developing, and organizing instruction

Housekeeping and Recordkeeping Managing Student Conduct Presenting Subject Material and

Facilitating Learning Assessing Student Learning Meeting Professional Obligations

Skills and Abilities

To become and English teacher, you should Be able to understand your subject

matter Communicate effectively Emotional/Social/Interactional Abilities

Advantages of Teaching

Imparting knowledge and wisdom Making a difference in the lives of

kids Every day is new and exciting The job is actually fun

Disadvantages

Long days Stressful Often ill Little recognition Rude kids Dirty classroom

Classes to Take Now

Classes you should be taking in high school include: Your 4 years of required English Challenge yourself with Honors, AP, or

Intercultural Literature or Myths and Legends

Join clubs that peak your interest, like Poetry Club or Journalism

High School English Teacher

I feel as though I am a perfect fit for this job. I love sharing my knowledge with kids, and the feeling I get when I know my students are learning and having fun at the same time is indescribable.