Occupations25-2031.00

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Median annual pay
$64,580

BLS, 2024

Employment
1,094,500

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
-1.6%

2024–34

Annual openings
66,200

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  2. 02Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  3. 03Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  4. 04Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  5. 05Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  6. 06Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  7. 07Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
  8. 08Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  9. 09Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  10. 10Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
  11. 11Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  12. 12Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingLearning StrategiesCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningWritingMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 1,094,500 in 2024 to 1,076,700 in 2034, a -1.6% change.

BLS projects an average of 66,200 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.