High School—can I???

Happy Tuesday All!

Looking for advice regarding making the switch to High School. I’ve only ever taught middle school ELA, but I am certified through 12th grade.

There are several openings for high school near me, and the more I consider it, the more I think I’d really like it.

I’m concerned about whether or not I’ll be taken seriously without having worked in a high school. How can I prove myself? And what should I expect during the interview?

If I’m asked to teach a lesson for interview process, I would think the approach would be similar to middle school: share the learning target and the “I’ll know I’ve got it when” steps, use slides, etc.

I do feel I am qualified, I am just at a big disadvantage without being familiar with the norms of the high school classroom. However when I watch the news and hear all about teacher shortages, I feel like now more than ever I have a shot?!

I guess I’m looking for encouragement, advice, and insight, which are all appreciated and for which I thank you in advance!

 

First of all,

I student taught in 7th grade and made a successful transition to high school! Your interviewers may want to know why you're making this change. Make sure you have strong reasons that point to your strengths. See if you can find out any of the curriculum and make sure you're familiar with the books they use in the classroom.

Rooting for you!

 

I taught 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 12th.

Grade nine isn’t different than middle school. If anything, they lose some maturity. Grades 11 and 12 are more about the curriculum, and there is very little classroom management difficulties. Middle was way more management.

I liked both, but I preferred the adults at the middle school. The high school wasn’t a good fit for me.

 

You didn't have to student teach in both middle school and high school?

 

i know with mine it was high school placement because my degree is 9-12 with the option to go down to 7 if departmentalized. I just did one placement.

There’s also a middle grades (5-9) certification, and those people do two placements at two schools.

 

Mine was 7-12 so we were required to do two.

 

Try it. Use any logical argument you can to get a job. Run yourself through a few practice interviews so you’ll shine. Don’t let anyone talk you out of being a high school teacher if that’s what you want to be.