41220 – Secondary school teachers

Lead statement

Secondary school teachers prepare and teach academic, technical, vocational or specialized subjects at public and private secondary schools. Secondary school teachers who are heads of departments are included in this unit group.

Main duties

• Prepare subject material for presentation to students according to an approved curriculum
• Teach students using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop and field studies
• Assign and correct homework
• Prepare, administer and correct tests
• Evaluate progress, determine individual needs of students and discuss results with parents and school officials
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help
• Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences and teacher training workshops
• May teach and evaluate students through distance or online courses
• May advise students on course selection and on vocational and personal matters
• May supervise student teachers.

Employment requirements

• Teachers of academic subjects require a bachelor's degree in education which is often preceded by a bachelor's degree in the arts or sciences.
• Teachers of vocational or technical subjects require a bachelor's degree in education which is usually preceded by specialized training or experience in the subject.
• Instructors of trades in Quebec require completion of an apprenticeship training program and industry or trade certification.
• Department heads usually require several years of teaching experience.
• To specialize in special education or English or French as a second language, additional training is required.
• A provincial teaching certificate is required.
• Membership in a provincial or territorial teachers' association or federation may be required.

Example job titles

academic subjects high school teacher · academic subjects secondary school teacher · accounting teacher - secondary school · adult education teacher - secondary school · algebra teacher - secondary school · art teacher - secondary school · arts and crafts teacher - secondary school · biology teacher - secondary school · business and commerce teacher - secondary school · business teacher - secondary school · commerce teacher - secondary school · calculus teacher - secondary school · chemistry teacher - secondary school · classical languages secondary school teacher · Aboriginal school community teacher - secondary school · Native school community teacher - secondary school · cooking teacher - secondary school · correspondence teacher - secondary school · data processing teacher - secondary school · secondary school department head · drama teacher - secondary school · economics teacher - secondary school · English as a second language (ESL) high school teacher · English literature high school teacher · English teacher - secondary school · fine arts teacher - secondary school · French as a second language teacher - secondary school · French teacher - secondary school · geography teacher - secondary school · geometry teacher - secondary school · German teacher - secondary school · Greek teacher - secondary school · health education teacher - secondary school · librarian-teacher - high school · high school teacher · school teacher - secondary school · secondary school teacher · physical education teacher - secondary school · religious education high school teacher · science high school teacher

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.