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High School Teacher

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April 11, 2024 Updated April 10, 2025 18 minute read

High School Teacher: Shaping the Future

A High School Teacher is an educator who specializes in instructing students typically between the ages of 14 and 18, corresponding to grades 9 through 12 in the American system. These professionals play a crucial role in guiding adolescents through advanced subject matter, preparing them for higher education, vocational training, or entry into the workforce. They foster critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth during a formative period in students' lives.

Working as a high school teacher offers the unique opportunity to delve deeply into a specific subject area you are passionate about, whether it's literature, mathematics, science, history, or the arts. Beyond academics, you have the chance to mentor young people, helping them navigate challenges and discover their potential. The dynamic environment and the potential to make a lasting impact on students' futures are often cited as deeply rewarding aspects of the profession.

Understanding the Role of a High School Teacher

High school teaching involves more than just delivering lectures. It encompasses a wide range of duties aimed at fostering student learning and development within a specific subject area or areas. Understanding these responsibilities is key to assessing if this career aligns with your skills and aspirations.

Defining the Scope of High School Teaching

High school teachers typically specialize in one or more subjects, such as English, math, science (biology, chemistry, physics), social studies (history, government, economics), foreign languages, or elective areas like art, music, or physical education. Their primary role is to educate students within these disciplines, adhering to state and district curriculum standards.

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Salaries for High School Teacher

City
Median
New York
$103,000
San Francisco
$100,000
Seattle
$91,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$103,000
San Francisco
$100,000
Seattle
$91,000
Austin
$58,000
Toronto
$78,000
London
£37,000
Paris
€43,000
Berlin
€59,000
Tel Aviv
₪49,000
Singapore
S$69,000
Beijing
¥81,700
Shanghai
¥166,000
Shenzhen
¥53,000
Bengalaru
₹350,000
Delhi
₹48,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to High School Teacher

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We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to High School Teacher. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected some books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in High School Teacher.
This tutor provides students with one-on-one instruction and personalized feedback. It is an excellent resource for students who need extra help with the GRE.
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This prep course provides students with live instruction, practice questions, and personalized feedback. It is an excellent resource for students who are serious about preparing for the GRE.
Considered the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji cornerstone of Japanese literature and a must-read classic. This translation makes the complex world of the Heian court accessible to modern readers. Reading this work provides deep insight into the aesthetics, society, and human relationships of the period.
This sweeping novel portrays the lives of four sisters in a wealthy Osaka family facing the changes of the pre-war years. It major work by Tanizaki, offering a detailed picture of traditional Japanese life and itsमोल of modernity. It is considered a modern classic and a must-read for its social and cultural insights.
A seminal novel of the Meiji era, Kokoro explores themes of isolation, trust, and the clash between tradition and modernity through the relationship between a young man and an older intellectual. It must-read for understanding the psychological and social landscape of early modern Japan. This translation widely read edition.
An acclaimed contemporary novel that delves into the lives of women in modern Japan, addressing themes of the body, poverty, and societal pressures. Kawakami significant voice in contemporary Japanese literature, and this book offers a powerful look at relevant social issues. The English translation was a notable publication in recent years.
This quirky and insightful novel explores themes of social norms, identity, and alienation in contemporary Japan through the eyes of a woman who finds belonging in a convenience store. It recent award-winning work that reflects contemporary Japanese society and literary trends. Highly relevant for understanding current topics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the GRE, including practice questions, strategies, and tips. It is an excellent resource for students who are preparing for the GRE.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the GRE, including practice questions, strategies, and tips. It is an excellent resource for students who are preparing for the GRE.
This study group provides students with a supportive environment in which to study for the GRE. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn from others and stay motivated.
Another Nobel laureate work by Kawabata, this novel delicately explores the interior life of an aging man and his relationships with his family. It is celebrated for its subtle psychological depth and evocative portrayal of nature and the passage of time. It key work for understanding Kawabata's later style.
This poignant novel tells the story of a man who becomes homeless in Tokyo's Ueno Park, reflecting on his life and Japan's recent history. It offers a critical perspective on contemporary Japanese society, memory, and marginalization. The English translation received a major award, highlighting its significance in contemporary literature.
Another key work by Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun portrays the decline of aKazoku (aristocratic) family in post-war Japan. It significant novel for understanding the social and existential challenges of the era. Keene's translation classic rendering of Dazai's poignant prose.
The first novel in Mishima's ambitious tetralogy, The Sea of Fertility, Spring Snow major work by one of Japan's most significant and controversial modern authors. It delves into themes of beauty, decay, and the clash between aristocratic tradition and modern Japan. Reading Mishima is crucial for understanding post-war Japanese literature and thought.
Covering post-war and contemporary literature, this anthology presents a diverse range of voices and styles reflecting Japan's recent history and society. It is key for exploring contemporary topics and understanding the trajectory of Japanese literature in the latter half of the 20th and early 21st centuries. This valuable resource for students and professionals interested in current trends.
A haunting and allegorical novel about the gradual disappearance of objects and memories on an island, exploring themes of totalitarianism and the nature of reality. Ogawa is an internationally acclaimed contemporary author, and this novel was a finalist for major awards. It offers a unique and thought-provoking contemporary perspective.
A globally popular contemporary novel, Kafka on the Shore blends elements of magical realism, mythology, and popular culture. Reading Murakami provides insight into the style and themes of a major contemporary Japanese author with a wide international readership. It is highly relevant for understanding current trends and the global reach of Japanese literature.
This extensive anthology provides a wide selection of primary texts from ancient and medieval Japan, including poetry, prose, and drama. It is invaluable for directly engaging with the foundational works discussed in historical surveys. It serves as a core textbook for courses on pre-modern Japanese literature.
This is the foundational volume of Donald Keene's monumental history, offering a comprehensive survey of Japanese literature from its beginnings through the medieval period. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of the classical and early literary landscape. While not recently published, its depth and scholarly authority make it a timeless reference and a must-read for serious students and professionals.
A collection of surreal and unique short stories by a contemporary Japanese author. Motoya's work represents a distinct voice in current Japanese fiction, often exploring themes of gender, relationships, and the bizarre in everyday life. is relevant for exploring diverse contemporary styles and topics.
Chikamatsu is Japan's greatest dramatist, and this collection offers key examples of his joruri (puppet theater) plays. Reading these plays is essential for understanding Edo period drama and its themes of duty, love, and societal conflict. Keene's translations are considered standard and highly authoritative.
Complementing the fiction volume, this book examines modern Japanese poetry, drama, and literary criticism. It is vital for a complete picture of the modern era's literary output beyond novels. Keene's authoritative scholarship makes this an essential resource for advanced study and professional reference.
Focuses on the Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics sections of the GRE. It provides comprehensive coverage of the material, including practice questions and strategies.
Explores how the concept of the four seasons has shaped Japanese culture, including literature, art, and festivals. It provides valuable cultural context for understanding themes and imagery prevalent throughout Japanese literary history. It useful resource for deepening appreciation of the cultural underpinnings of the literature.
This volume continues the examination of Japanese thought and culture from the Edo period through the modern era. It offers crucial context for understanding the intellectual and social currents that shaped modern and contemporary Japanese literature. It valuable reference for exploring the broader themes and ideas present in the literature.
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