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Secondary school teachers (NOC 4031)

Job titles

  • academic subjects high school teacher
  • accounting teacher - secondary school
  • adult education teacher, secondary school
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Nature of work

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 group.

Fields of interest

  • Teaching, educating
  • Writing, working in communications and information

Main duties

  • Secondary school teachers perform some or all of the following 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.
  • * Secondary school teachers may specialize in such areas as mathematics, English, French, special education or second language instruction. Secondary school teachers of vocational and trades subjects may specialize in areas such as hairdressing or auto mechanics.

Main characteristics of the occupation

Not available for this occupation.

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.

Skill type

  • Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services

Skill level

  • Professional

More information

  • * Progression to vice-principal or other administrative positions in the education system is possible with experience.

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