Occupation AtlasSecondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

O*NET · 25-2031.00

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

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

Also called Accounting Teacher · After School Teacher · Algebra Teacher · Art Educator · Art Instructor · Art Teacher · Arts and Crafts Teacher · Athletic Instructor
88 more

Athletics Teacher · Band Teacher · Bilingual Teacher · Biology Teacher · Ceramics Teacher · Chemistry Teacher · Choir Teacher · Choral Teacher · Classroom Teacher · Coach · Economics Teacher · Educator · English Instructor · English Teacher · ESL Instructor · ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor) · ESL Teacher · ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher) · Exercise Teacher · Foreign Language Teacher · French Teacher · Geometry Teacher · Guitar Teacher · Gym Teacher · Gym Teacher (Gymnasium Teacher) · Health and PE Teacher · Health and PE Teacher (Health and Physical Education Teacher) · Health Teacher · Hebrew Teacher · High School Biology Teacher · High School Coach · High School English Teacher · High School French Teacher · High School History Teacher · High School PE Teacher · High School PE Teacher (High School Physical Education Teacher) · High School Science Teacher · High School Spanish Teacher · High School Teacher · History Teacher · HS Math Teacher · HS Math Teacher (High School Mathematics Teacher) · Language Arts Teacher · Language Instructor · Language Teacher · Latin Teacher · Manual Arts Teacher · Manual Training Teacher · Math Instructor · Math Instructor (Mathematics Instructor) · Math Teacher · Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher) · Military Science Instructor · Music Educator · Music Instructor · Music Teacher · Music Theory Teacher · Orchestra Teacher · Organ Teacher · PE Instructor · PE Instructor (Physical Education Instructor) · PE Teacher · PE Teacher (Physical Education Teacher) · Physical Fitness Teacher · Physics Teacher · Piano Teacher · Public Speaking Teacher · Religion Teacher · Science Teacher · Secondary History Teacher · Secondary Science Teacher · Secondary Teacher · Sewing Teacher · Singing Teacher · Social Science Teacher · Social Studies Teacher · Spanish Teacher · Speech Teacher · Sports Teacher · Teacher · Theater Teacher · Trigonometry Teacher · Typing Teacher · Violin Teacher · Vocal Teacher · Voice Teacher · World History Teacher · World Language Teacher

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SAC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SACSocial · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • A Artistic3.77
  • C Conventional3.61
  • I Investigative3.19
  • E Enterprising2.90
  • R Realistic2.73

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree77%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate8%
  • Master's Degree4%
  • Post-Master's Certificate8%
Related work experience
None (50%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (31%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (38%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • InstructingImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
Show the other 23

Tasks

30 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.Importance 4.3
  2. Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.Importance 4.3
  3. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.Importance 4.3
  4. Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.Importance 4.3
  5. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.Importance 4.2
  6. Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.Importance 4.1
  7. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.Importance 3.9
  8. Assign and grade class work and homework.Importance 3.9
  9. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.Importance 3.9
  10. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.Importance 3.9
  11. Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.Importance 3.9
  12. Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.Importance 3.9
Show the other 20
  1. Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.Importance 3.9
  2. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.Importance 3.8
  3. Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.Importance 3.8
  4. Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.Importance 3.7
  5. Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.Importance 3.7
  6. Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.Importance 3.7
  7. Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.Importance 3.6
  8. Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.Importance 3.6
  9. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.Importance 3.5
  10. Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.Importance 3.5
  11. Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.Importance 3.4
  12. Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.Importance 3.4
  13. Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.Importance 3.4
  14. Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.Importance 3.4
  15. Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.Importance 3.3
  16. Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.Importance 3.2
  17. Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.Importance 3.2
  18. Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine students' strengths and needs.Importance 3.1
  19. Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.Importance 2.9
  20. Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.Importance 2.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.7Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • PsychologyImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
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  • AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • GeographyImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • MathematicsImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • BiologyImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Fine ArtsImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • ChemistryImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • TransportationImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • MechanicalImportance 1.4Level —
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
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  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.3Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.1Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
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  • Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 2.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.2Level 2.8
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Public Speaking4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.3
  • Physical Proximity4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0

Technology

24 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (19)
  • ABC programming language
  • Blackboard software
  • Common Curriculum
  • Desmos
  • Email software
  • Flipgrid
  • Geogebra
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Instructional software
  • Logo design software
  • Moodle
  • Nearpod
  • PowerSchool SIS
  • Schoology
  • Screencastify
  • Video editing software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.