In general, secondary school teachers:
- Identify students’ individual and collective learning needs
- Plan and deliver instruction based on student learning needs, including unique needs for exceptional learners
- Assess students’ learning progress
- Provide a stimulating learning environment in which all students can experience growth and develop to their potential
- Help students learn appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to flourish in today’s fast-changing world
Secondary classes vary in size. Students represent a broad range of abilities, interests, needs, and diversities. Teachers use various instructional techniques to engage students. They aim to maximize individual learning within a group teaching environment.
In addition to preparing and presenting lessons, secondary school teachers:
- Communicate with parents
- Evaluate and communicate student progress
- Prepare and implement supplemental programs for students needing extra support
- Meet with other professionals to discuss individual student needs and progress
- Attend meetings, seminars, and in-service training sessions
Additional duties may occur after regular school hours. For example, teachers may volunteer to supervise extracurricular and after-school activities. They can add some time to the working day.
Some teaching specializations may concentrate on preparation and organization. Others may involve more marking or extracurricular involvement.
Secondary teachers in large urban schools may teach many classes in only 1 or 2 subject areas. In smaller rural schools and schools with a generalist approach, secondary teachers teach a broader range of subjects and grades.
Academic specialists teach core courses such as English, language arts, and math. They prepare and present academic course content in a clear and creative way. They use techniques and materials designed to motivate students. Their duties may include:
- Laboratory preparation
- Maintenance of laboratory materials
- Working with individuals or small groups of students who need more help
In addition to second languages taught as specific subjects, many schools offer language immersion programs at various levels. Bilingual and multilingual teachers may teach academic subjects in languages other than English.
English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learners (ELL) teachers work with children whose English skills are still developing. The objective of an ESL or ELL program is to integrate students into mainstream classes by:
- Providing students with the necessary English vocabulary
- Assisting students with communication skills and strategies
- Helping students adjust to living in Canada
Fine arts teachers are often teachers with an interest or experience in their respective artistic fields. For more information, see these occupational profiles:
Career and technology studies (CTS) teachers are usually specialists in their own or related fields. They teach courses drawn from 1 or more clusters of the provincial CTS program. The 5 clusters are:
- Media, Design, and Communication Arts (MDC)
- Business, Administration, Finance, and Information Technology (BIT)
- Natural Resources (NAT)
- Trades, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT)
- Health, Recreation, and Human Services (HRH)
Each school chooses CTS content based on student and community needs and available resources. No single school is likely to offer all 1,400+ CTS 1-credit courses.
Physical education teachers work toward enhancing the physical fitness and motor skill development of their students. They teach recreational activities such as:
- Indoor and outdoor games
- Individual, dual, and team sports
- Rhythmics and dance
- Tumbling and gymnastics
- Aquatics
