Secondary school teachers (NOC 4031)

Secondary school teachers work with students from Grades 8 to 12. They teach academic, technical, career preparation and elective subjects.

This group includes department heads.

In general, secondary school teachers:

• Prepare and present course material to students following an approved curriculum
• Include Indigenous perspectives in lessons
• Use an organized plan of lectures, discussions, online and in-class assignments, and audio-visual presentations
• Include laboratory work, workshop instruction and field studies, as appropriate
• Assign and mark assignments, homework and tests
• Check students’ progress and determine their individual needs
• Discuss students’ needs with parents and, as needed, with school officials
• Develop and follow special programs for students, such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs), as needed
• Attend staff meetings, district meetings, educational conferences and teacher-training workshops
• Build respectful, caring relationships with students

They may also:

• Help students choose courses, prepare for a career, and deal with personal problems
• Supervise student teachers and mentor new teachers
• Teach distance or online courses
• Prepare students for provincial exams

Most secondary school teachers specialize in a subject area. They may focus on mathematics, social studies, English, French, sciences, physical education, career preparation, or English language learning (ELL) instruction. Some teach elective subjects such as music, drama, art or photography. Others teach job-related skills such as carpentry, drafting, auto mechanics, cooking or hairdressing. Still others offer special education to students with special needs.

Secondary school teachers work in public and private secondary schools. They may also work for technical institutes, vocational schools or language schools. They teach in classrooms, labs, libraries, workshops, gymnasiums or cafeterias. Some classes take place in the community or outdoors.

Most teachers work a 10-month school year, with two months off in July and August. They also have holidays over winter and spring break.

Teachers often spend time outside of regular school hours preparing lessons, grading assignments, coaching sports teams, hosting student clubs and doing administrative work. Total number of hours vary from teacher to teacher.

Teaching can be stressful, and working with youth can be challenging. Long periods of standing and speaking can lead to back and voice problems. Science labs and shop classes can also pose danger.

Secondary school teachers use technology to develop and give lessons, receive assignments, take attendance, grade work and communicate with students and parents.

Teaching duties are evolving. More online resources are being used, and more focus is being placed on personalized learning and on developing students’ intellectual, personal and social skills.

With many teachers retiring and classroom size decreasing, B.C. has a shortage of trained teachers. Demand is especially high in northern B.C. and other rural areas.

Teachers who specialize in advanced math, physics, chemistry, French and French immersion are in demand throughout the province. Those who teach business education, technology education, home economics, special needs and English language learning (ELL) also have good job prospects. And the increase in career training programs means new openings for teachers of business office management, agricultural technology, food services, restaurant and hotel service and management, applied physics, environmental studies, construction, drafting, mechanics, textile and clothing production, health and social services.