Secondary School Teacher
Description OES Code: 313080
Instruct students in public or private schools in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies. May be designated according to subject matter specialty, such as Typing Instructors, Commercial Teachers, or English Teachers. Include vocational high school teachers.

Hours & 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.

Both public and private schools provide health and leave benefits.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 128,500
Projected Employment 2008 176,900
Percent Change 1998-2008 37.7%
Separations 1998-2008 48,800

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 2,690
Projected Employment 2006 3,370
Percent Change 1999-2006 25.3%
Separations 1999-2006 670

Employment Trends by California County

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.

Getting the Job & Other Information
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.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
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 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.

References
California Occupational Guide: #57

Related Occupations: Community College Instructors, Technical & Trade Teachers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)