How to Become a High School Teacher?

For the longest time, the teaching profession has always been preferred by many individuals. Many choose to become teachers as they like interacting with children and helping them provide knowledge. Those wondering how to become a high school teacher need to understand how the procedure is conducted. A high school teacher is someone who prepares students for college-level education from classes 9 to 12. These teachers are in charge of teaching the students, evaluating them and keeping a check on their grades. To become a high school teacher, the compulsory education that should be studied by the aspiring teachers is B.Ed. 

Candidates might be confused about how to become a teacher, there are steps involved before becoming a high school teacher. B Ed is the main degree that individuals should have to become a high school teacher. The B.Ed course can be studied after completing the UG or PG degree. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the path of becoming a high school teacher with a thorough understanding of the eligibility requirements, types of teachers, etc.

Also Read: Top 10 Teacher Training Courses in India

How to Become a High School Teacher: About

High school teachers play an important role in the lives of students. They help students develop their academic, social, and emotional skills and also prepare them for college and jobs. They have to work with students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. High school teachers must be creative and resourceful to engage students and make learning fun. High school teachers must have a strong understanding of their subject area and be able to communicate effectively with students. They must also be patient, organized, have good communication skills and be able to handle a variety of tasks. The job of a high school teacher is not gender-specific which means the career as a high school teacher is suitable for everyone regardless of gender. 

How to Become a High School Teacher: Steps

Those wondering how to become a high school teacher should first understand the steps included in the process. High school teachers have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the lives of their students. So, becoming a high school teacher is a rewarding career choice. Below are the steps to become a high school teacher:

• Complete your 10 +2

Candidates who want to become a high school teacher must complete their 10 + 2 with a minimum of 50% from any recognized board. A passing certificate of 10 + 2 is mandatory for becoming a high school teacher.

• Get a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree 

Students who want to become high school teachers must complete their Bachelor's degree mandatorily in any specialization, however, it is optional to study a master’s degree course. 

• Appear for a B.Ed Entrance Exam

Students who want to become high school teachers must have completed their B.Ed degree. The B.Ed degree prepares aspirants to develop their skills for the teaching profession. There are a list of B.Ed entrance exams that are conducted in India at state-level or institute level for B.Ed admission in various colleges. The various B.Ed entrance exams are TS EDCET, IPU CET, DU B Ed, etc that have to be taken by an aspirant to become a high school teacher. 

• Take up a Teacher Training Course

Enrolling in a teacher training course will accentuate the skills of an individual who wants to become a high school teacher. There are three types of teacher training courses that will be useful for these candidates such as Secondary and Higher Secondary School Teacher Training Courses, Special Education Teacher Training Courses and Subject-Specific Teacher Training Courses. These courses will help develop the interpersonal and analytical skills of aspiring teachers. 

• Build your Portfolio

if you are wondering how to become a high school teacher, you have to first build a portfolio. Building a comprehensive portfolio will help candidates get high school teaching jobs at one of the renowned schools in India. You need to mention your academic qualifications, teacher training certificates and relevant experience. Aspiring teachers can also provide successful student engagement evidence that they have conducted. This will provide value to their portfolio and help them during their job application process. 

• Look for Internships/ Jobs

To become a high school teacher, you need to look for internships or job opportunities in your preferred field. You can look for positions that match your subject expertise where you can showcase your communication skills, student engagement skills, etc. This will provide you with a hands-on experience.

How to Become a High School Teacher: Eligibility Criteria

To become a high school teacher, aspirants have to first get their B.Ed degree. To study BEd, some eligibility requirements have to be met as set by the NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education). If you are wondering how to become a high school teacher, you need to follow the eligibility criteria. Check below the general criteria to study B Ed in the most renowned colleges in India:

• The aspirant should have studied a BA course (Bachelor of Arts)/ B.Sc course (Bachelor of Science)/ or an equivalent degree from a recognized college.
• The candidates should aim to get at least 50% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination.
• Those who have studied the B.Tech course (Bachelor of Technology) should have scored a minimum of 55% marks.
• Before appearing for any one of the B.Ed entrance exams, students should be at least 19 years of age. 
• You can also enrol yourself in one of the teacher training courses to enhance your chances of becoming a high school teacher.

Types of High School Teachers

Thinking about how to become a high school teacher? You have options for choosing your preferred type. High school teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of young students and preparing them for a successful life. If you are planning to become a high school teacher, you should know the different types of high school teachers. Mentioned below are the types of high school teachers: 

• Core Subject Teachers

These teachers teach the core subjects that all high school students are required to take, such as English, mathematics, science, and social science.

• Foreign Language Teachers

These teachers teach foreign languages, such as Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.

• Fine Arts Teachers

As a high school teacher, you can teach fine arts, such as music, art, and dance but as a Fine Arts teacher. 

• Physical Education Teachers

These teachers teach physical education, which helps students develop their physical fitness and coordination.

• Special Education Teachers

These teachers work with students with disabilities to help them learn and succeed in school.

• Guidance Counsellors

These counsellors help students with a variety of personal and academic issues, such as career planning, choosing streams, etc.

How to Become a High School Teacher: Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a high school teacher are immense as they plan teaching methods, grade the students and conduct sessions with parents and students to improve their grades. High school teachers play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their students, both academically and personally. If you are planning to become a high school teacher, find out the responsibilities that you have to take up: 

• Curriculum Development and Delivery

High school teachers create engaging and effective lesson plans that align with state standards and curriculum guidelines. They utilize various teaching methodologies to cater to diverse learning styles and ensure that all students have the opportunity to grasp the concepts being taught.

• Assessment and Evaluation

Teachers continuously assess student progress through various methods, such as quizzes, tests, assignments, and projects. They provide constructive feedback to help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

• Classroom Management

High school teachers establish and maintain a positive and productive learning environment. They implement classroom rules and procedures to ensure order and promote respect among students. They also address behavioural issues effectively and foster a sense of community within the classroom.

• Individualized Instruction

Teachers recognize the unique needs and learning styles of each student. They differentiate instruction to provide personalized support and accommodations, ensuring that all students have equal access to learning opportunities.

• Collaboration and Communication

Teachers collaborate with colleagues, administrators, parents, and counsellors to ensure that students receive holistic support. They communicate effectively with students, parents, and guardians to keep them informed about student progress and address any concerns.

• Professional Development

Teachers remain committed to professional growth by actively participating in workshops, conferences, and professional learning communities. They continuously seek to enhance their knowledge and skills to meet the evolving needs of their students.

• Mentorship and Guidance

Teachers serve as mentors and guides for their students, providing emotional support, encouragement, and advice. They help students navigate personal challenges, develop self-confidence, and make informed decisions about their future.

How to Become a High School Teacher: Skills Required

High school teachers have a diverse set of skills that help them to create positive and engaging learning environments for their students. We have prepared the list of skills required to become a high school teacher:

• Communication skill

High school teachers should have good communication skills as they have to interact with the students in both verbal and written form. So someone who has a good communication skill will be able to interact with the students easily. 

• Time management skill

A teaching job can become quite stressful for individuals, so to maintain a healthy work-life balance, a good time management skill will be effective. High school teachers need to strategise their work plans accordingly. 

• Patience

Patience is the main skill to become a successful high school teacher. The teacher should have the patience to understand their students, listen to their questions and come up with an answer. High school teachers should remain calm and not lose their temper in front of the students. 

• Organisational skills

High school teachers should have effective organisational skills as they have to manage the study materials and assignments of their students. A well-organized classroom will help the teachers to complete their lessons on time. 

• Creative thinking abilities

High school teachers teach older students, so they can use media like films, music and the Internet to illustrate ideas and concepts in detail.

Also Read:How to Become an Education Counsellor

Working Environment for High School Teachers 

High school teachers typically work in a fast-paced, demanding environment. They are responsible for teaching a variety of subjects to students. They have to work more than 40 hours per week. They have to interact with students and solve their doubts about students having a strength of more than 30 students in one classroom. Usually, school teachers have access to limited resources for preparing study material they have to take support from the Internet or other books. High school teachers sometimes also have to deal with stressful situations daily, such as students who are struggling academically or personally. 

Top B.Ed Colleges in India

Thinking about how to become a high school teacher? First, find out the top B Ed colleges where you can get your BEd degree. The fee structure of the B.Ed colleges is different in private and public colleges. The colleges located in metropolitan areas tend to have higher BEd fees. Find below the list of the top B.Ed colleges in India with their average fee structure:

Also Read:Distance B.Ed vs Regular B.Ed

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