High School / PGT Teacher Job Description Template (2026)

Education Mid

What does a High School / PGT Teacher do?

A High School Teacher (Post Graduate Teacher / PGT) acts as a subject matter expert, delivering advanced academic content to adolescents while mentoring them through the critical transition from secondary education to college or career.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver advanced, subject-specific curriculum (e.g., AP, Honors, or standard levels) to high school students
  • Prepare students for college admissions, standardized testing, and career readiness
  • Develop rigorous assessments, grading rubrics, and project-based learning modules
  • Manage a classroom of adolescents, fostering mutual respect, critical thinking, and independence
  • Provide academic advising and mentorship, including writing college recommendation letters
  • Collaborate with department heads to align curriculum with state and national standards

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in the specific subject area (e.g., Mathematics, History, Biology)
  • Valid state secondary teaching certification
  • Deep subject matter expertise and ability to teach complex concepts
  • Strong conflict resolution and teenage behavioral management skills
  • Proficiency in analyzing testing data to drive instructional changes
  • Excellent public speaking and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

  • Experience teaching Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment courses
  • Master’s Degree in Education or Subject Area
  • Experience sponsoring extracurricular clubs (e.g., Debate, Robotics, Student Council)
  • Familiarity with standardized test prep (SAT/ACT)
  • Experience with flipped classroom methodologies
  • Strong abilities in teaching digital citizenship

Tech Stack & Tools

BlackboardCanvasAP ClassroomTurnitinPowerSchoolGoogle Workspace

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000
  • Work Setup: On-site, Hybrid
  • Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
  • 401(k) matching and unlimited PTO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PGT stand for?

PGT stands for Post Graduate Teacher. It is a term commonly used in the UK, India, and international systems to denote a senior-level teacher who teaches high school students (usually 11th and 12th grade) and requires a Master's degree.

How is a High School Teacher different from a Middle School Teacher?

High school teachers must possess much deeper, specialized subject matter expertise (e.g., teaching Calculus or Physics rather than general math/science). They also focus heavily on preparing students for college admissions and standardized testing.

What makes a successful High School Teacher?

A successful high school teacher balances rigorous academic standards with strong mentorship. They must command respect from teenagers while fostering a supportive environment that encourages independent, critical thinking.

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