Maricar
What are some tips when trying to be a high school teacher in English?
Trying to become an English teacher for high school, specifically 11th/12th grade. #career #teaching #career-counseling #advice
5 answers
Stephanie Hamilton
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Maricar,
I love being a teacher and am so happy you are thinking about teaching high school English as a career. Teachers today need a Master's degree, so you'd start with a B.S. in Education/English and continue. I've located some information that might help you:
California Teaching Credential Requirements: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl560c.pdf?sfvrsn=8db75dfc_0
I have been an elementary teacher, so high school is much different. You will only teach English and will have lots of students. If you think about high school, you may have one period of English - there are lots of students just like you ..... one period of English. So, you will be preparing for and teaching many young people.
I also found this information helpful:
High school students take mandatory English classes in which they are expected to develop analytical skills. Classes generally revolve around reading novels, essays and other forms of literature, and require students to analyze, interpret and dissect written material in order to compare, contrast and discuss elements, like theme, characters and plot. Proficient writing skills are necessary at this point as these discussions of literature typically manifest in the form of an essay or research paper. High school English is a comprehensive study, combining the five skills of language arts in order to understand literature and its value.
English is also a crucial component of college preparation, getting students ready for the extensive research and analytical skills they will be expected to utilize throughout their college careers.
(this comes from the USC website)
Good luck, work hard and read many different types of books and write, write, write!
Stephanie
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embracing the role of a high school English teacher can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling journey. It's a unique opportunity to ignite a passion for literature and language in young minds, and positively influence their lives. However, this path demands commitment, readiness, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Here are some empowering tips to help you thrive as a high school English teacher:
1. Acquire the required qualifications:
Becoming a high school English teacher typically requires a bachelor's degree in English or a related field, along with a teaching certification or licensure. It's crucial to investigate the specific prerequisites in your state or country, as they might differ. Furthermore, consider pursuing higher degrees or certifications to enrich your understanding and proficiency in English literature, composition, and teaching techniques.
2. Cultivate robust communication skills:
For an English teacher, effective communication is vital. You should be capable of expressing ideas in a clear and succinct manner, both in writing and speech. Enhance your public speaking abilities by engaging in debates, presentations, or joining public speaking clubs. Also, refine your writing skills by regularly reading and writing across various genres.
3. Accumulate classroom experience:
Before stepping into the role of a high school English teacher, it's beneficial to gather practical experience in a classroom setting. Consider volunteering as a tutor or mentor for high school students or working as a substitute teacher. This will offer valuable insights into classroom dynamics, student behavior management techniques, and lesson planning.
4. Get acquainted with the curriculum:
Each state or country has its own curriculum guidelines for high school English courses. Familiarize yourself with these standards to ensure your teaching aligns with the mandated objectives and expectations. Review the curriculum documents provided by educational authorities and participate in professional development workshops or conferences related to English education.
5. Keep abreast of educational trends:
Education is a dynamic field, with new teaching strategies and technologies continually emerging. Stay current with the latest trends and research in English education by reading professional journals, attending conferences, and participating in online forums or webinars. This will enable you to incorporate innovative teaching methods and resources into your classroom.
6. Design engaging lesson plans:
To maintain student motivation and interest in learning, it's crucial to craft engaging and interactive lesson plans. Incorporate diverse teaching strategies such as group work, discussions, debates, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities. Utilize technology tools and resources to enrich your lessons and make them more interactive.
7. Cultivate a positive classroom environment:
Creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment is fundamental for effective teaching and learning. Set clear expectations for behavior and academic performance at the start of the school year. Encourage open communication, respect diversity, and foster a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas.
8. Tailor instruction:
High school classrooms often comprise students with diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. Customize your instruction to meet the unique needs of your students. Provide additional support or enrichment activities based on their abilities and interests. Use various instructional strategies, materials, and assessments to cater to different learning preferences.
9. Establish relationships with students:
Building strong relationships with your students can significantly enhance their learning experience. Take the time to understand each student individually, show genuine interest in their lives, and be approachable for any concerns or questions they may have. Building trust and rapport will foster a positive classroom atmosphere where students feel valued and supported.
10. Pursue professional development opportunities:
Continual professional development is crucial for growth as an English teacher. Attend workshops, seminars, or courses that focus on topics like curriculum development, assessment strategies, technology integration, or literacy instruction. Join professional organizations like the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to access valuable resources, networking opportunities, and conferences.
In conclusion, becoming a high school English teacher requires a blend of academic qualifications, effective communication skills, practical experience, and a commitment to continuous learning. By adhering to these tips, you can enhance your teaching abilities and create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
1. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) - www.ncte.org
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov
3. Teach.com - www.teach.com
May you be blessed abundantly!
Keith Sun, MA, NCC
Keith’s Answer
Becoming an English teacher for high school is a very admirable goal to pursue! Schools are keen on hiring internally for candidates for teaching positions. This means they prefer candidates who already work for them in some other capacity (e.g. substitute teaching) and understand the school system. Other than making sure you're up to speed on your English knowledge, I would suggest getting experience paid or volunteer teaching/tutoring students as well as writing. In terms of education, definitely consider getting a Bachelor's degree and most likely a Master's in Education with credentialing/endorsement in your subject.
Lynn Hulkow
Lynn’s Answer
Marjorie A. Goode
Marjorie A.’s Answer
I was a high school counselor for thirty years in a large public school district. Several teachers and counselors found it challenging to obtain a permanent position due to budget cuts or limited openings. If this is your situation, you might consider substituting, first, "to get your foot in the door." You will become more familiar with the district and establish rapport with administrators and others in charge of hiring prospective staff. Positive networking can be a valuable asset.
Hope this helps!