Redesigned programs in the school include curricula that are designed to address student learning from a holistic perspective and incorporate knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines and across all levels of the P-12 educational settings. Initial and advanced teacher candidates will work with students from varied backgrounds who possess a wide range of experiences and differing needs.
THE School Teacher
About 77,900 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
High school teachers generally teach students from the 9th through 12th grades. They usually specialize in one area. Some teach core subjects, such as math, science, or history. Others specialize in elective courses, such as art, music, or physical education. They may teach several different classes within their subject area. For example, a high school math teacher may teach algebra, calculus, and/or geometry.
Teachers of English as a second language (ESL) or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) work exclusively with students who are learning the English language. These teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and help them with assignments for other classes.
However, teaching may be stressful. Some schools have large classes and lack important teaching tools, such as current technology and up-to-date textbooks. Occasionally, teachers must cope with unmotivated or disrespectful students. Some states are developing teacher mentoring programs and teacher development courses to help with the challenges of being a teacher.
High school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school.
All states require public high school teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree, which may be in education. Many states require high school teachers to have majored in a content area, such as mathematics or science.
Teacher education programs typically provide instruction on presenting information to students of different abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include a student-teaching program, in which prospective teachers work with a mentor teacher and get experience instructing students in a classroom. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.
With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals. Becoming a principal usually requires additional instruction in education administration or leadership. For more information, see the profiles on school and career counselors, librarians, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals.
The median annual wage for high school teachers was $61,820 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,310.
Many teachers work a traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Although most do not teach during the summer, some teach in summer school programs for which they are paid.
Employment growth for public high school teachers may depend on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, school boards may lay off employees, including teachers. As a result, these budget deficits may limit the employment growth projected for high school teachers. Conversely, budget surpluses at the state and local level could lead to additional employment growth for high school teachers.
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
The UCF School of Teacher Education provides quality professional education programs to students entering careers as educators and trainers and to practicing teachers seeking to enhance their professional knowledge and skills through advanced studies. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education and Secondary Education with subject-area specialization options. Several minors and graduate certificate programs are available.
Class Gifts: The Commission created an exemption in its regulations at 930 CMR 5.08(14) to permit class gifts to teachers in certain circumstances. Under the exemption, the parents and students of a class, acting together, may give a gift worth up to $150 to a teacher, provided that the gift is identified only as being from the class, and the names of the givers and the amounts given are not identified to the teacher. A single class gift worth up to $150, or several class gifts during the school year with a total value up to $150, may be given. A teacher may not accept any other gift from someone who has contributed to a class gift. Therefore, if an individual gift is offered, before accepting it, the teacher must confirm that the giver did not contribute to the class gift.
Gifts for the Classroom: A gift given to a teacher to use solely in the classroom or to buy classroom supplies is not considered a gift to the teacher personally, and is, therefore, not subject to the $50 limit on personal gifts to teachers. Parents may give gifts to the classroom or the school in accordance with the rules of the school district. A teacher who receives such a gift must keep receipts documenting that the money was used for classroom supplies.
Gifts Given After the School Year: If a teacher gets a gift after the school year has ended and grades have been reported, and the gift is one that she may accept because the giver did not contribute to the class gift and the item given is worth less than $50, she need not file a disclosure unless she expects to perform official duties in relation to the student again, because if she will not have further contact with the student, there will be no appearance that she might unduly favor the student.
Sections 6 and 19 of the conflict of interest law prohibit state or municipal teachers, respectively, from participating in any matter in which they have a personal financial interest. For example, a teacher who arranges a student trip to Mexico knowing that the parents of the students taking the trip will pay her travel expenses has a personal financial interest in the matter. However, there is an exemption that allows a public employee to participate in a matter in which she has a financial interest if she makes a prior written disclosure to her appointing authority about her financial interest and receives prior written authorization. Before beginning to plan a school trip that will involve paid-for travel valued at $50 or more, the teacher should fill out a disclosure form and obtain prior written approval. Charter school teachers should use the Appointed state employees financial interest disclosure form. Teachers employed by a school district should use the Financial interest disclosure form for appointed municipal employees
In summary, a teacher planning a school trip that will involve someone other than the teacher or the school district paying her travel expenses on the school trip of $50 or more, must file two disclosure forms and have them approved by her appointing authority: (1) the 6 or 19 form before she begins to plan the trip, and (2) the travel disclosure form before she travels.
A teacher planning or participating in a school trip is prohibited under 3 and 17 of the conflict of interest law from accepting a stipend or travel rewards including points valued at $50 or more from a travel company in relation to the school trip.
Serving on a ballot question committee: You may serve on or assist a ballot question committee about a tax limit override provided that you do so without pay, do not fundraise, and do not act as the agent for the campaign in any matter involving your town (such as filing required campaign finance reports). You may, outside of school and on your own time, distribute campaign literature, make get-out-the vote telephone calls, conduct campaign polls and research, drive voters to the polls, and display or hold signs as long as you do not do so on town time or by using town resources.
Private political activity: Teachers and other public employees have most of the same rights as other citizens to engage in private political activity. A teacher may engage in private political activity using his own or other private resources, and when he is acting for himself and not as an agent or representative of anyone else. However, a public employee may not use his public position to engage in political activity. Section 23(b)(2)(ii) of the conflict of interest law prohibits the use of one's public position to engage in political activity, because a public employee who does so is using his official position to secure for himself or others (such as a candidate or a ballot question committee) unwarranted privileges of substantial value ($50 or more) not properly available to similarly situated persons. 2ff7e9595c
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