16th October 2019

How to become a high school teacher

A secondary, or high school teacher in the US teachers grades 9 through 12, which will usually be ages 14-18. Due to different school structures in each country, secondary school teachers in the UK will typically teach ages 11-16. Here are the basic requirements and routes to becoming a high school teacher in the US and UK.

High school teacher requirements

In the US

In the USA, high school teachers require a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, or in a subject the teacher wishes to specialise in (e.g. Physics). To teach in public schools, prospective teachers in the US will also require a state teaching license.

The most common route for high school teachers in the US follows these steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree with a major in the subject you wish to teach while completing your school’s teacher preparation program
2. Complete a student teaching internship in the subject you wish to teach
3. Take the teaching and subject-area tests for teacher licensure required in your state
4. Apply for your teaching license
5. Begin applying for open positions in your subject area

In the UK

In order to be able to teach in the UK, prospective teachers must have at least an undergraduate degree and a recognised teaching qualification. These qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
• Postgraduate Diploma of Education (PGDE)

Once a teacher has their recognised teaching qualifications, they will need to complete a year of teaching as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and pass a QTS assessment before they can obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Find a high school teaching job

In order to find your teaching job in a secondary school in the UK, take a look at our vacancies. We have positions for all levels of teaching staff – from trainee teachers and teaching assistants to classroom teachers and senior leaders.

At Engage, we’re known for our happy teachers and unrivalled support programme. When you register with Engage, you’ll be contacted by one of our education relocation experts, who will work with you to set up your individual career plan for when you arrive in the UK. Start your teaching adventure in the UK with Engage Education.