How to become a secondary school teacher
Official title: Secondary school teachers
Also called: High school teacher, Career education teacher, Secondary school teacher, Business education teacher, Career exploration teacher, Supply high school teacher, Science high school teacher, Cooperative learning teacher, Cooperative education teacher, Art teacher - secondary school, Substitute high school teacher, Vocational high school teacher
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 tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,057 a year The middle half earn $72,150 to $102,180.
- About 175,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 195,000 are projected by 2033. (+11.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a secondary school teacher?
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.
How much does a secondary school teacher earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,057 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $72,150 to $102,180.
Is a secondary school teacher a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 175,100 to about 195,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a secondary school teacher?
Usually. 94% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03