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Middle and Secondary School Teachers specialize in subjects such as English, history, or mathematics. Vocational education teachers provide training in career-oriented subject areas including technology, healthcare, and the building trades. Regardless of the subject, these teachers spend their days:

• Planning lessons
• Conducting learning activities
• Maintaining an appropriate classroom environment
• Evaluating students' performance
• Communicating with parents and other staff members

Along with teaching in their subject areas, middle and secondary school teachers also:

• Establish a supportive environment for a diverse student population
• Run extracurricular programs
• Supervise homerooms and study halls
• Identify and refer struggling students for evaluation
• Help students plan for college, internships, and jobs
• Attend educational workshops and conferences

All states require public school teachers to be licensed, but most states do not have this requirement for private school teachers. Licensing varies from state to state, but typical licenses for teachers of middle and secondary school students are:

• Middle grades (5-8)
• Secondary school subject areas (grades 7-12)
• Special subjects, such as music or art (grades K-12)

Requirements for teaching licenses include a bachelor's degree, completion of an approved teaching program, and practice teaching. Some states also require competency testing in basic skills and/or subject matter, technology training, master's degrees in education, or a minimum college grade point average.

Your State's Certification Requirements
Check with the department of education in your state to find out what your teacher certification requirements are.

Salary Range

Based on 2004 data, as a Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, or Secondary School teacher you can expect to earn between $26,730 and up to more than $66,240 per year, with a median earning potential of $45,920 per year.

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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor