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Biology Teacher, Secondary
 
 
Summary Job Description Education Skills, Abilities and Interests More Information
Summary

ActivitiesTeachers act as facilitators or coaches, using interactive discussions and “hands-on” approaches to help students learn. They utilize “props” or “manipulatives” to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thought processes.

To encourage collaboration in solving problems, students are increasingly working in groups to discuss and solve problems together. Preparing students for the future workforce is the major stimulus generating the changes in education. To be prepared, students must be able to interact with others, adapt to new technology, and think through problems logically. Teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop these skills.

OutlookAverage job growth

Median Income$51,200 per year in 2008

Work Context & ConditionsSeeing students develop new skills and gain an appreciation of knowledge and learning can be very rewarding. Teachers sometimes work alone in a classroom of students. However, some schools allow teachers to work in teams and with mentors to enhance their professional development. Many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Most teachers work the traditional 10-month school year with a 2-month vacation during the summer. During the vacation break, those on the 10-month schedule may teach in summer sessions, take other jobs, travel, or pursue personal interests.

Minimum Education RequirementsBachelor's Degree

SkillsSocial Perceptiveness, Learning Strategies, Monitoring, Instructing, Active Listening, Writing, Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science

AbilitiesOral Expression, Written Comprehension, Speech Clarity, Written Expression, Oral Comprehension

InterviewsPeggy Deichstetter
Egda M. Morales-Ramos