How To Become a High School Teacher in 2026

<h2 id="section---StepByStepGuideToBecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Step-by-Step Guide To Becoming a High School Teacher</h2><p>Becoming a high school teacher involves several clear steps, starting with earning the right degree depending on the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_High_School_Subjects_Can_I_Teach.html">type of high school teacher</a> you aspire to be. While each state has its own rules, most paths include getting a bachelor's degree, completing student teaching, and passing certification exams. </p><p>Here's a closer look at each step you'll need to take to begin teaching in a high school classroom. </p><h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>Becoming a high school teacher starts with earning a bachelor's degree. This degree usually includes coursework in both education and the subject you want to teach. For example, if you want to teach chemistry, you might major in chemistry with a minor or certificate in education. </p><p>Education coursework often includes classes in adolescent development, classroom management, teaching strategies, and assessment design. You'll also learn how to work with students of different learning styles and backgrounds. </p><h3 id="section---Step2CompleteAStudentTeachingInternship">Step 2: Complete a Student Teaching Internship</h3><p>Once you've completed most of your coursework, you'll move into a student teaching internship. This gives you a chance to practice teaching under the guidance of a licensed teacher. It's an important step in developing classroom skills and preparing for a full-time role. </p><p>Most programs include student teaching in the final year of college. You'll be evaluated by your supervising teacher and a faculty advisor. Feedback helps you improve your teaching before you apply for full-time jobs. </p><h3 id="section---Step3GetLicensedOrCertified">Step 3: Get Licensed or Certified</h3><p>To teach in public schools, you need to be certified or licensed by your state. The requirements vary but generally include a degree, student teaching, and passing exams. </p><p>Common certification requirements include: </p><ul><li>a bachelor's degree from an approved college </li><li>proof of student teaching experience </li><li>passing scores on required teaching exams </li><li>a clear criminal background check </li><li>submission of a certification application </li></ul><p>Some states also require additional training in areas like reading instruction, ethics, or classroom diversity. </p><h3 id="section---Step4ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 4: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>With a license in hand, you're ready to apply for teaching jobs. Many people start by searching school district websites or statewide education job boards. Others find opportunities through professional associations or job fairs. </p><p>Make sure your resume highlights your subject-area expertise, student teaching experience, and any other relevant skills. Some new teachers begin as substitutes or classroom aides before moving into a full-time teaching position. </p><h3 id="section---Step5MaintainCertificationAndPursueProfessionalGrowth">Step 5: Maintain Certification and Pursue Professional Growth</h3><p>Once you're in the classroom, you'll need to renew your license periodically. Most states require continuing education hours, which you can earn through workshops, conferences, or graduate courses. </p><p>Professional development can also include earning a master's degree or pursuing additional certifications in areas like special education or administration. These steps can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. To help with tuition costs, check out <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">online colleges that accept FAFSA</a>. </p><h2 id="section---EducationAndTrainingRequirementsForHighSchoolTeachers">Education and Training Requirements for High School Teachers</h2><p>High school teachers must meet education and training standards set by their state. This typically includes earning a bachelor's degree that covers both teaching methods and a subject area like English, science, or math. Some programs also prepare you for licensure at the same time. </p><p>If you already have a degree, alternative certification programs and online teacher training can help you transition into the field. These options are especially helpful for working adults or career changers. </p><h2 id="section---EducationDegreePrograms">Education Degree Programs</h2><p>Below, we've selected several colleges that offer online teaching degrees. Compare program offerings, tuition costs, and each school's unique features to find a program that's the right fit. </p><h3 id="section---UniversityOfNorthernColorado">University of Northern Colorado</h3><p>The University of Northern Colorado offers an online bachelor's degree in secondary education. Students can choose from core subjects like English, math, or social studies. The program includes both online courses and in-person student teaching, giving students real classroom experience in their local communities. </p><p>This program is a great option if you're looking for a traditional teaching path with flexibility. It's especially useful for students in rural areas who want to stay local during their student teaching. </p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $490.75 per credit hour </li><li>Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---WesternGovernorsUniversity">Western Governors University</h3><p>Western Governors University (WGU) offers flexible online bachelor's and master's degrees in education. You can specialize in areas such as science, English, or special education. Their self-paced model lets students move faster through courses they already understand, which can save time and money. </p><p>WGU is a popular option for working adults and career changers because it allows for accelerated progress. Many students complete their degree in less than the traditional four years. </p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $8,300 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) </li></ul><h3 id="section---BallStateUniversity">Ball State University</h3><p>Ball State's online Master of Arts in Secondary Education (MASE) is designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree. The program includes coursework in instructional design, educational leadership, and subject-specific methods. It's ideal for teachers seeking advanced knowledge or career advancement. </p><p>Graduates often move into leadership roles or return to the classroom with enhanced skills. The program also supports those seeking licensure through a nontraditional path. </p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $8,352 per year </li><li>Accreditation: HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---ArizonaStateUniversityOnline">Arizona State University Online</h3><p>Arizona State University's (ASU) online education program prepares future high school teachers with a strong foundation in both teaching and content areas. Students complete online coursework along with local field placements. The program also includes training on how to support diverse student populations. </p><p>ASU's program is ideal for students looking for a highly ranked university with strong academic support. It combines the convenience of online learning with practical classroom experiences. </p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $11,350 per year </li><li>Accreditation: HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfWestAlabama">University of West Alabama</h3><p>The University of West Alabama offers alternative certification and graduate teaching programs online. These programs help individuals with a non-teaching degree transition into education or enhance their skills. Programs include subject-focused coursework, classroom methods, and certification prep. </p><p>It's a strong choice for students who need flexibility or want to move into teaching quickly. The university also offers a supportive online learning environment for adult learners. </p><ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $371 per credit (in-state); $742 per credit (out-of-state) </li><li>Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h2 id="section---CareerPathsForHighSchoolTeachers">Career Paths for High School Teachers</h2><p>High school teaching opens the door to a range of opportunities. Some educators stay in the classroom for their entire careers, while others move into leadership roles or specialized areas. The right path for you will depend on your interests and future goals. </p><h3 id="section---TeachingSubjectsAndSpecialties">Teaching Subjects and Specialties</h3><p>Most high school teachers focus on one content area. These include: </p><ul><li>English: High school English teachers help students develop strong reading, writing, and communication skills through literature, grammar, and composition instruction. They may also lead class discussions and assign essays on novels, plays, or poetry. </li><li>Math: Math teachers cover key subjects like algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus. They teach problem-solving strategies and support students in building analytical thinking skills. </li><li>Science: Science teachers introduce students to subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. They often include hands-on experiments to help students explore how scientific concepts apply to the real world. </li><li>Social studies: Social studies teachers focus on U.S. history, world history, government, and economics. They encourage students to think critically about the past and current events while promoting civic responsibility. </li><li>Foreign languages: These teachers help students speak, read, and write in languages like Spanish, French, or German. Classes also explore cultural traditions and global perspectives. </li><li>Special education: Special education teachers support students with learning differences, disabilities, or behavioral challenges. They create customized lesson plans and work closely with families and school staff. </li><li>CTE (Career and Technical Education): CTE teachers lead practical classes in areas such as business, health sciences, agriculture, and technology. These courses prepare students for jobs or further training after graduation. </li><li>ESL (English as a Second Language): ESL teachers assist students who are learning English as a second language. They focus on vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills to help students succeed in academic subjects. </li></ul><h3 id="section---OtherRolesInSecondaryEducation">Other Roles in Secondary Education</h3><p>As teachers gain more experience in the classroom, they often explore leadership and support roles that allow them to expand their impact beyond a single group of students. These roles usually require additional training or a graduate degree and may include mentoring fellow teachers, guiding school policy, or supporting student wellbeing on a broader level. </p><ul><li>Department chair: These teachers coordinate the curriculum within a subject area, such as math or science. They provide guidance to other teachers, help plan assessments, and ensure lessons meet school and state standards. </li><li>Instructional coach: Instructional coaches mentor other teachers by observing classes, offering feedback, and suggesting strategies to improve instruction. They focus on building effective teaching practices across the school. </li><li>School counselor: School counselors help students with academic planning, career exploration, and social-emotional challenges. They may conduct one-on-one sessions, lead group activities, or support students applying to college. </li><li>Assistant principal or principal: School administrators are responsible for school operations, policy enforcement, and staff management. They also play a major role in shaping school culture and supporting teachers and students. </li></ul><p>Some teachers also move into related careers such as curriculum design, education technology, textbook publishing, or teaching future educators in college programs. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher</h2><p>If you're thinking about teaching high school, you probably have questions about education requirements, pay, job demand, and how long the process takes. These FAQs can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for a successful teaching career. </p><h3 id="section---DoINeedADegreeInEducationToTeachHighSchool">Do I Need a Degree in Education to Teach High School?</h3><p>Not always. In many states, you can become a teacher if you have a degree in a subject area like English or math and then complete a certification program. These programs include teaching classes and supervised classroom experience. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeAHighSchoolTeacher">How Long Does It Take to Become a High School Teacher?</h3><p>It usually takes four to five years to become a high school teacher if you begin with a bachelor's degree. If you already have a degree, you may qualify in one to two years through an alternative certification program or a master's degree in teaching. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAHighSchoolTeacherMake">How Much Does a High School Teacher Make?</h3><p>The <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm">average high school teacher salary</a> is around $65,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries vary by location, subject area, and experience level, and teachers in high-demand subjects or urban districts may earn more. </p><h3 id="section---CanITeachHighSchoolWithoutCertification">Can I Teach High School Without Certification?</h3><p>To teach in public high schools, you must be certified by your state. Certification shows that you've met specific education, training, and testing requirements. While private schools may not always require certification, having it can make you a more competitive job candidate. It can also lead to better pay and more long-term job opportunities. </p><h3 id="section---IsThereADemandForHighSchoolTeachers">Is There a Demand for High School Teachers?</h3><p>Yes, there is steady demand for high school teachers across the country. Many states report shortages in critical areas such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as special education and rural teaching positions. This demand creates strong job prospects for new teachers, especially those who are flexible about location or open to teaching in high-need areas. </p><h3 id="section---WhatSTheDifferenceBetweenTeachingInPublicVs.PrivateSchools">What's the Difference Between Teaching in Public vs. Private Schools?</h3><p>Teaching in public and private schools can be very different. Public school teachers must meet state certification requirements and follow a set curriculum aligned with state education standards. Private schools often have more flexibility in their teaching methods and may not require state certification. Class sizes in private schools are often smaller, but salaries and benefits can vary widely depending on the school. </p><h2 id="section---FindATeachingDegreeProgramNearYou">Find a Teaching Degree Program Near You</h2><p>Teaching high school is a meaningful career that lets you help students grow academically and personally. With the right degree, license, and training, you can start building a career that changes lives every day. Find the nearest high school degree programs near you below. </p><ul><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_alabama.html">Alabama</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_arizona.html">Arizona</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_california.html">California</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_colorado.html">Colorado</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_florida.html">Florida</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_georgia.html">Georgia</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_illinois.html">Illinois</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_indiana.html">Indiana</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_maryland.html">Maryland</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_massachusetts.html">Massachusetts</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_michigan.html">Michigan</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_minnesota.html">Minnesota</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_missouri.html">Missouri</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_new_jersey.html">New Jersey</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_new_york.html">New York</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_north_carolina.html">North Carolina</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_ohio.html">Ohio</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_pennsylvania.html">Pennsylvania</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_south_carolina.html">South Carolina</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_tennessee.html">Tennessee</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_texas.html">Texas</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_virginia.html">Virginia</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_washington.html">Washington</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher_wisconsin.html">Wisconsin</a></li></ul>