What exactly does a high school honor's teacher do?

I'm curious about what sets a high school honors teacher apart from regular teachers. Are there additional responsibilities or qualifications needed for this role? Trying to understand what it entails before considering it in the future.

An honors high school teacher generally works with a more advanced curriculum and with students who have demonstrated superior academic ability compared to their peers. Teaching an honors course can mean teaching deeper, faster, and using more advanced materials than in traditional courses. This involves creating lesson plans that cater to high-performing students, which requires adapting teaching methods to challenge these students and encourage critical thinking.

To be considered for a position as an honors teacher, having advanced knowledge in the subject you teach is critical. This could mean that you have a degree in your designated teaching field, earned additional educational credits, or perhaps even hold a master's degree.

Furthermore, previous teaching experience, especially with high-achieving students, would be beneficial. Some institutions also require teachers to undergo specific professional development programs related to teaching honors classes.

In terms of additional responsibilities, you may be expected to design enriching activities outside of traditional classroom work to provide a stimulating learning environment. This might include coordinating field trips, inviting guest speakers, arranging academic competitions, or supervising research projects.

Finally, be prepared to provide a more personalized learning experience where you would often interact with students individually to support their academic progress and help them reach their potential. That would require, for example, writing recommendation letters for college applications or working one-on-one with students on individual projects.

All in all, serving as an honors teacher can be an enriching experience. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in advanced materials and mentor talented students, but it also entails a greater level of responsibility and dedication.