TEACHERS, SECONDARY SCHOOL California Occupational Guide Number 57 Interest Area 11 1996
THE JOB
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, also known as HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS, educate teenagers. Secondary School Teachers specialize in single subjects, or two or more related subjects such as English and drama or physics and mathematics. They choose their own instructional methods which vary from formal lecture to open, spirited discussion. They use a variety of media and demonstration materials to get students involved in the educational process. Instructional content and textbooks are usually determined by state government board standards and district curriculum guidelines.
Teaching Specialists take additional college courses to work with students who require special teaching skills. For example, Reading Specialists diagnose and help correct a range of reading problems. Special Education Teachers help students with physical, mental or emotional disabilities develop to their full potential. Some specialists develop programs for mentally gifted students. Bilingual and Crosscultural Teachers fluent in both English and another "target" language teach subject matter courses in both languages.
Some Teaching Specialists instruct students in special classes on a regular daily basis. Others are Resource Teachers who work with individual students or small groups periodically. They evaluate each student's progress and help classroom teachers develop and use special instructional methods.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The minimum teaching year is 175 days. A typical day includes five instruction periods and one preparation conference period. After school hours, teachers attend meetings and workshops and sponsor or help supervise student activities. Most teachers also take continuing education courses, plan lessons, and check homework on their own time. Most teachers belong to the California Teachers Association or the American Federation of Teachers. Teachers in each district usually select one group to represent them in collective bargaining.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Secondary School Teachers rank among the top fifty largest growth occupations in California. The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 89,900 Estimated number of workers in 2005 118,330 Projected Growth 1993-2005 32% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 34,900
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for Secondary School Teachers with little or no experience range from $21,200 to $27,100 a year. Teachers with three years experience or more can earn from $25,800 to $38,700 annually. Salaries vary between school districts and generally are based on experience and college units completed. Some districts pay bonuses for advanced degrees or extra duty. Private schools pay somewhat less, but teachers may be compensated with free tuition for their own children and greater independence in the classroom. Both public and private schools provide health and leave benefits.
Teachers in public schools work a minimum of six hours a day in the classroom for a nine month school year. Some districts have year round classes where teachers work for 45 days followed by 15 days off throughout the year. Teachers prepare lesson plans, check homework and attend required continuing education coursework on their own time.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Teacher Prep Tip! The federal Department of Defense (DOD) sponsors a new Troops to Teachers placement assistance program for talented military and civilian workers affected by DOD cutbacks. The primary goal is to help these dislocated workers get "alternative" certification and placement in schools with a concentration of students from low income families. Troops to Teachers will provide role models for students and should help reduce teacher shortages in low income schools. Participants may receive up to $5,000 in stipends. Incentive grants may be made to schools that employ participants ranging from a maximum of $25,000 the first year to $2,500 the fifth year.
Teach for America (TOA) is a national teacher corps that actively recruits members on college campuses from all academic majors and cultural backgrounds. TOA places corps members in a two-year teacher residency program in under-resourced urban and rural schools nationwide. School districts always hire corps members as regular salaried full-time teachers who assume full teaching responsibilities. They begin their professional development at a pre-service summer institute which gives them practice teaching experience and exposure to practical applications of educational theories.
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing establishes the requirements for a Preliminary and Professional credential to teach in California public classrooms.
Preliminary Credential
-- BA degree from an accredited college
-- California Basic Education Test (CBEST)
-- Teacher Preparation Program
-- Education course work
-- Student teaching
-- Teaching of reading
-- Subject matter competence (PRAXIS)
-- U.S. Constitution education
AND
Professional Credential -- Fifth year post graduate work (Additional 30 units) -- Special education mainstreaming -- Health education, including CPR certificate -- Computer education
Students should be aware of licensing and exam fees. In California, application fees are about $65. Fees for the exams, including CBEST and PRAXIS, are about $105. Additional fees include scoring reports and fingerprint clearance which can amount to $90. Credential renewals are about $65.
Students who complete their bachelor's degree, but do not complete the additional fifth year for a "professional clear credential" get a "preliminary credential", valid for one to five years. To obtain a "professional clear credential" teachers must complete the 5th year which includes a teacher preparation program of 30 units beyond a bachelor's. The prep program teaches Health, Computer, and Special Education.
California Secondary School Teachers need a separate Single Subject Credential for each subject they teach. The credential allows them to teach a specific subject from kindergarten through the twelfth grade.
Specialized teaching credentials such as Special Education or Bilingual/ Cross Cultural Specialist require a basic credential along with additional course work. Credentials are renewed every five years. Teachers take 150 hours of continuing education and teach at least one semester to renew their credential.
Vocational Teaching Credentials require work experience directly related to the vocational program listed on the credential. The five-year Preliminary Vocational Credential requires:
-- Five years work experience* directly related to the subject listed on
the credential
-- High School Diploma or equivalency certificate
-- U.S. Constitution education
-- Recommendation by an employing school district or a local education
agency approved by the Commission
*Credential candidates can substitute 48 hours of postsecondary vocational units related to the subject named on the credential for a maximum of two of the five years work experience.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotion, for most teachers, consists of regular salary increases that are usually tied to advanced study and teaching experience. Additional credentials, as well as advanced study and teaching experience, are needed to qualify for administrative positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should register with their college placement office and apply directly to district offices and private schools. Most hiring takes place between June and October. Many new teachers work as Substitute Teachers to gain classroom experience and district recognition.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Commission on Teacher Credentialing Box 944270 (1812 9th Street) Sacramento, California 94244-2700 (916) 445-7254 Web site address: http://www.ctc.ca.gov
Troops to Teachers DANTES, CODE 02 6490 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32509-5243 (800) 452-6616 or (904) 452-1151
Teach for America 11201-A South La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310) 348-8490
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Teachers, Elementary School No. 10 Teachers, Special Education No. 110 Instructors, Community College No. 139 Teachers, Preschool No. 275 Teachers, Trade and Technical No. 404 Counselors, Rehabilitation and School No. 429
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Teacher, Secondary School 091.227.010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Teachers, Secondary School 313080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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