What are some tips when trying to be a high school teacher in English?

Hi Maricar,

I love being a teacher and am so happy you are thinking about teaching high school English as a career. Teachers today need a Master's degree, so you'd start with a B.S. in Education/English and continue. I've located some information that might help you:

California Teaching Credential Requirements: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl560c.pdf?sfvrsn=8db75dfc_0

I have been an elementary teacher, so high school is much different. You will only teach English and will have lots of students. If you think about high school, you may have one period of English - there are lots of students just like you ..... one period of English. So, you will be preparing for and teaching many young people.

I also found this information helpful:

High school students take mandatory English classes in which they are expected to develop analytical skills. Classes generally revolve around reading novels, essays and other forms of literature, and require students to analyze, interpret and dissect written material in order to compare, contrast and discuss elements, like theme, characters and plot. Proficient writing skills are necessary at this point as these discussions of literature typically manifest in the form of an essay or research paper. High school English is a comprehensive study, combining the five skills of language arts in order to understand literature and its value.

English is also a crucial component of college preparation, getting students ready for the extensive research and analytical skills they will be expected to utilize throughout their college careers.
(this comes from the USC website)

Good luck, work hard and read many different types of books and write, write, write!

Stephanie

I was a high school counselor for thirty years in a large public school district. Several teachers and counselors found it challenging to obtain a permanent position due to budget cuts or limited openings. If this is your situation, you might consider substituting, first, "to get your foot in the door." You will become more familiar with the district and establish rapport with administrators and others in charge of hiring prospective staff. Positive networking can be a valuable asset.

Hope this helps!

Becoming an English teacher for high school is a very admirable goal to pursue! Schools are keen on hiring internally for candidates for teaching positions. This means they prefer candidates who already work for them in some other capacity (e.g. substitute teaching) and understand the school system. Other than making sure you're up to speed on your English knowledge, I would suggest getting experience paid or volunteer teaching/tutoring students as well as writing. In terms of education, definitely consider getting a Bachelor's degree and most likely a Master's in Education with credentialing/endorsement in your subject.