Questions about teaching in US high schools

Sombre
Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:44:36 +0000

Hi,

I would like to teach either philosophy and literature or math and physics. Yeah, I know…very different fields but I have diverse interests and recently, I’ve surprised myself a little when it came to teaching. As of right now, I have experience with mostly “English as Second Language”-type classes and “tutoring” some math on occasion. Having said that, I’m fairly confident that I would enjoy teaching.

Now, for the questions!

1) Am I correct in assuming that each state has their own licensing requirements? Some would require a BS/BA + grad school in education while others would require a major in “X education”, right?

2) If one has, for instance, a physics degree, can they teach math or literature as well, assuming that they have some coursework (at least a minor) on the subject?

3) Will one be expected to teach across all four years or can one just teach either freshmand/sophomore or junior/senior level courses?

4) What is the salary for teachers like? Say, what would a teacher at a school like Exeter or Stuyvesant earn and how much would one who works in some rough NYC neighbourhood? Are the salaries fairly standard? I don’t really care too much about the money but in case I do graduate with some debt, which is very likely, I wouldn’t want to be in a position where it feels like too much of a burden.

5) In general…are teachers “in demand” in the States? I can appreciate that things would likely be different 5-6 years from now but it would be good to know.

Thank you!