How to become a Secondary School Teacher

Becoming a secondary school teacher is a meaningful and impactful career choice that requires a combination of academic preparation, certification, and personal attributes. The process can vary slightly depending on the country, but the foundation remains consistent: aspiring teachers must obtain relevant academic qualifications and meet certification and regulatory standards to teach in secondary schools. In general, the journey begins with acquiring a bachelor’s degree and culminates in professional certification, along with adherence to specific national or regional guidelines. Here, we will explore in detail the steps, requirements, and considerations involved in becoming a secondary school teacher, with a focus on the general path and specific processes in countries like Malaysia.

Education Requirements: The Foundation of a Teaching Career

The first major step toward becoming a secondary school teacher is obtaining the appropriate educational qualifications. In most countries, this begins with a bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree specifically designed for secondary education is one of the most direct routes. These programs usually include coursework in pedagogy, curriculum development, classroom management, and subject-specific training. In addition, they provide students with supervised teaching experience, often called practicum or student teaching, which is essential for developing practical classroom skills.

However, individuals who initially pursue degrees in other academic fields are not excluded from the teaching profession. Many secondary school teachers earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area—such as Mathematics, History, English, or Biology—and subsequently enroll in a postgraduate qualification in education. This might be a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or a Master of Teaching, depending on the country’s system. These postgraduate programs are specifically tailored for individuals who want to transition into the teaching field after completing a subject-specific undergraduate degree.

Teaching Certification: Legal Authorization to Teach

In many jurisdictions, completing academic qualifications alone is not sufficient to begin teaching in a secondary school. Governments often require educators to obtain a teaching certificate or license, which serves as official recognition that the individual is qualified to teach. This certification process typically involves passing examinations that assess knowledge of teaching methods, educational theory, and sometimes subject-specific content. In some regions, teacher certification also mandates a period of supervised teaching or induction year, where novice teachers are mentored and evaluated.

In the United States, for example, each state has its own teacher licensure process. Teachers often need to pass tests such as the Praxis Series and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, after obtaining a PGCE, aspiring teachers must complete a one-year induction period to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). These standards ensure that all certified teachers meet a baseline of competence and are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of the classroom.

Specific Pathway to Teaching in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a structured and highly organized pathway for individuals aspiring to become secondary school teachers. The process includes several phases, beginning with preparatory education and culminating in formal certification. One of the distinctive features of Malaysia’s system is the Program Persediaan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Perguruan (PPISMP). This is a one-year preparatory program designed to equip candidates with foundational knowledge and skills needed for the teaching profession. The program includes basic education theory, language proficiency training, and initial exposure to pedagogical practices.

Following the completion of PPISMP, students advance to the Program Ijazah Sarjana Muda Perguruan (PISMP), a four-year degree program that provides comprehensive training in education. PISMP is tailored to specific subject areas such as science, mathematics, or languages and includes extensive teaching practice in real classroom settings. Admission into PISMP is competitive and subject to criteria such as academic performance, language proficiency, and participation in co-curricular activities.

Additionally, Malaysia requires a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for entry into some teaching programs, especially for those entering through a diploma route. Typically, a CGPA of 2.00 or higher is required, although more competitive programs may demand higher scores. The Ministry of Education also assesses physical fitness and other personal qualities during the selection process, emphasizing the importance of holistic development for future educators.

Personal and Legal Considerations

Beyond academic qualifications and certification, there are additional personal and legal considerations that prospective secondary school teachers must take into account. One such requirement is age. In Malaysia, for example, candidates must be at least 20 years old to enroll in teaching programs, ensuring a certain level of maturity and readiness for the profession. Age requirements may vary across countries, but they generally exist to ensure that teacher candidates are developmentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of the classroom.

Another significant requirement in some countries is physical fitness. Teachers are expected to manage classrooms, engage with students actively, and sometimes participate in physical education or extracurricular events. As such, a basic level of physical well-being is often assessed during the application process, particularly in structured education systems like Malaysia’s.

Participation in extracurricular activities is also considered favorably in many countries. Engaging in sports, clubs, community service, or leadership roles during one’s school and college years demonstrates commitment, versatility, and the ability to work with diverse groups. These attributes are highly valued in teaching, as they reflect the candidate’s ability to contribute not only to academic instruction but also to the holistic development of students through co-curricular programs.

Skills and Attributes of a Successful Secondary School Teacher

Academic and legal qualifications are only one part of the equation; successful secondary school teachers must also possess a range of personal skills and attributes. Communication skills are paramount, as teachers must be able to explain concepts clearly, listen actively, and engage with both students and parents. Patience and empathy are also crucial, especially when working with adolescents, who may be experiencing a variety of emotional and academic challenges.

Additionally, teachers must exhibit organizational skills and classroom management abilities. They need to plan lessons effectively, manage diverse classrooms, and assess student performance regularly. Moreover, the ability to integrate technology into teaching has become increasingly important in the 21st-century classroom, requiring educators to be digitally literate and adaptable to new tools and platforms.

Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

Becoming a secondary school teacher does not end with obtaining a degree and a teaching certificate. Teaching is a profession that requires ongoing learning and development. Many education systems mandate continuous professional development (CPD), which includes attending workshops, seminars, and courses to stay current with new teaching methodologies, educational research, and policy changes. This is especially important in a rapidly evolving world where technological advancements, societal shifts, and educational innovations continuously reshape classroom dynamics.

In Malaysia, teachers are encouraged—and sometimes required—to participate in in-service training provided by institutions such as the Institute of Teacher Education (Institut Pendidikan Guru, IPG) and other educational bodies. These programs support teachers in upgrading their skills, exploring new pedagogical approaches, and deepening their subject matter expertise.

Employment and Career Progression

Once certified, secondary school teachers may work in public or private schools. Public schools often have centralized hiring processes governed by ministries or departments of education, while private schools may conduct their own recruitment. In countries like Malaysia, public school teachers are often considered civil servants and receive structured career progression paths, job security, and government benefits.

Career advancement opportunities for teachers include positions such as Head of Department, School Principal, or Education Officer. Teachers may also pursue higher education degrees, such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Education, to move into research, curriculum development, or academic leadership roles. The education sector offers a wide range of career paths beyond the classroom, making it a dynamic and evolving field.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a secondary school teacher is both challenging and rewarding. It begins with obtaining the right academic qualifications—typically a bachelor’s degree in education or a relevant subject area—followed by a postgraduate qualification if needed, and culminates in obtaining teaching certification or licensure. Countries like Malaysia have structured pathways that include preparatory programs (PPISMP), degree programs (PISMP), and other requirements such as a minimum CGPA, physical fitness, and age restrictions.

In addition to formal qualifications, aspiring teachers must develop strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Participation in extracurricular activities and a commitment to lifelong learning are also essential components of a successful teaching career. As the education landscape continues to evolve, so too must teachers adapt and grow, making teaching not just a profession but a lifelong journey of growth and contribution to society.