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. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: $11.53 minimum – $19.18 New, experienced: $12.37 minimum – $20.00 3 yrs+ experience: $14.04 $7.21 – $23.00 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $14.00 $9.00 – $19.00 New, experienced: $16.00 $10.00 – $21.00 3 yrs+ experience: $17.00 $12.00 – $24.00 Salaries vary between school districts and generally are based on experience and college units completed. Some districts pay bonuses for advanced degrees or extra duty. Private schools pay somewhat less, but teachers may be compensated with free tuition for their own children and greater independence in the classroom. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey 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 Employment 1996 106,800 Projected Employment 2006 140,460 Growth Rate 1996-2006 31.5% Openings due to Separations 36,810 Employment Trends by California County Employment of secondary school teachers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006, while average employment growth is projected for kindergarten and elementary school teachers. Enrollment of 14- to 17-year-olds is expected to grow through the year 2006. The number of teachers employed is also dependent on local expenditures for education. Pressures from taxpayers to limit spending could result in fewer teachers than projected; pressures to spend more to improve the quality of education could increase the teacher workforce. 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 current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. Working Conditions The minimum teaching year is 175 days. A typical day includes five instruction periods and one preparation conference period. After school hours, teachers attend meetings and workshops and sponsor or help supervise student activities. Most teachers also take continuing education courses, plan lessons, and check homework on their own time. Most teachers belong to the California Teachers Association or the American Federation of Teachers. Teachers in each district usually select one group to represent them in collective bargaining. © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime 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 should be aware of licensing and exam fees. In California, application fees are about $65. Fees for the exams, including CBEST and PRAXIS, are about $105. Additional fees include scoring reports and fingerprint clearance which can amount to $90. Credential renewals are about $65. 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. Specialized teaching credentials such as Special Education or Bilingual/ Cross Cultural Specialist require a basic credential along with additional course work. Credentials are renewed every five years. Teachers take 150 hours of continuing education and teach at least one semester to renew their credential. Vocational Teaching Credentials require work experience directly related to the vocational program listed on the credential. The five-year Preliminary Vocational Credential requires: Five years work experience* directly related to the subject listed on the credential High School Diploma or equivalency certificate U.S. Constitution education Recommendation by an employing school district or a local education agency approved by the Commission *Credential candidates can substitute 48 hours of postsecondary vocational units related to the subject named on the credential for a maximum of two of the five years work experience. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Teacher - Secondary School #57 Related Occupation: Teacher - Special Education #110, Instructors - Community College #139, Teacher - Preschool #275, Teacher - Technical & Trade #404, Counselors - Rehabilitation & School #429 Training: California State Training Inventory