What's Required to Teach High School Psychology

Psychology is one of the fastest-growing electives in United States high schools, according to Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. It is also taught in an advanced-placement curriculum. Although psychology has been taught in the U.S. for many years, this surge of popularity began in the mid-1990s.

Young adults are excited about psychology's unique subject matter. When students look forward to a class, the teacher has a definite advantage. If you are considering becoming a high school psychology teacher, there are certain requirements that you will need to fulfill. Click here to peruse the national standards for high school psychology curricula as posted on the American Psychological Association's website .

Degree Options

A university psychology professor is required to hold a master's degree or a doctorate in psychology. However, that stipulation generally doesn't apply to high school psychology teachers. Some school districts require a master's degree in psychology, while others mandate as little as 15 credits in psychology. Many high school psychology teachers receive their bachelor's degrees in other secondary fields, particularly social studies. They then minor in psychology in order to ensure that they have the course background necessary to teach psychology at the high school level.

Psychology Coursework

Before you take classes designed to be part of the psychology certification offered in some states, be sure that your college course of study includes any specific requirements the state may impose for high school psychology teachers. Talk to a current high school psychology teacher or check your state department of education's website, rather than depending on receiving valid information over the phone. More often than not, the person on the other end of the phone will mistakenly give you the requirements for becoming a school psychologist, which has completely different requisites than does a high school psychology teacher.

Teacher Certification

Individual states set the certification and licensing mandates for teachers. Check with your state department of education. The minimum requirement to teach in public schools in the United States is a bachelor's degree. To obtain licensing, you must successfully pass a competency exam. You will need to be fingerprinted and will be given a tuberculosis test, as a general rule. You will also be required to complete a student-teaching program. Read more about the requirements for becoming a teacher here.

Alternate Certification Routes

Sometimes college psychology majors decide later on that they would like teach. Even though it requires more time and effort, a teaching license can be obtained. Many states now even issue conditional certificates, allowing an individual with expertise in a certain area to work as a teacher while simultaneously becoming certified.

Considerations

High school psychology teachers are often required to teach other subjects. It is wise to be licensed in another area, such as math or English, in order to expand your potential opportunities. Once you get your foot in the door of a school, it's possible that you could even establish an elective class in psychology. All teachers are expected to be committee members at the school, participate in extra-curricular activities, and fulfill assigned duties.

Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) is an organization that provides resources to its members. It can be very helpful when looking for lesson plans and units of study.

You may also want to read Requirements for Becoming a Teacher