Modern languages teacher secondary school
Also known as: secondary school modern languages tutor, modern languages teacher, modern languages high school teacher, high school modern languages teacher, teacher of modern languages in secondary schools, modern languages tutor secondary school
About this occupation
Modern languages teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, modern languages. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the studentsâ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the studentsâ knowledge and performance on the subject of modern languages through assignments, tests and examinations.
A specialisation of secondary school teacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- facilitate teamwork between students
- give constructive feedback
- provide lesson materials
- liaise with educational staff
- learning difficulties
- guarantee students' safety
- secondary school procedures
- monitor student's behaviour
- curriculum objectives
- assess students
- observe student's progress
- post-secondary school procedures
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (O*NET 25-2031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Artistic, Conventional
Top skills: Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$72,040 a year (2025), 1,065,210 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.4)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.2)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Tutors
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
- Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.