How to Become a High School Bible Teacher

How can you become a high school Bible teacher?

Requirements

In general you don’t need a degree in Bible, but you will need an undergraduate degree with a few undergraduate Bible courses under your belt. I say that because many Christian schools are accredited—or in the accreditation process—with the Association of Christian School International. ACSI-affiliated schools often require their teachers to be certified with ACSI. The requirements for ACSI Bible specialist certification include:

• • an undergraduate degree

• • a minimum of 24-semester hours in biblical studies

• • agreement with ACSI’s statement of faith.

With a master’s degree, 40 semester hours in biblical studies, and five years of teaching experience, you can apply for a lifetime certification. (For more details see the ACSI list of requirements here.) If, however, you don’t have ACSI certification, don’t despair. Many ASCI schools will hire teachers without ACSI certification as long as the teachers pursue certification while they’re teaching.

Finding Job Openings

After getting the degree and courses under your belt, you need to find the job openings. Unfortunately, compared to other teaching positions, the number of Bible teacher positions posted each year is relatively low. After all, how many high school Bible teachers does a school need? Small schools—and many Christian schools are small—only need one. In addition, many Christian schools are especially careful about who they hire to teach Bible courses.

But every year there are openings. The earlier you start looking in the school year the better your chances of landing a job. Probably the best way to learn about a job opening is by word of mouth so remember to network. Also make sure to check the online job postings. (Since online job lists are not always up-to-date, contact the school directly to confirm the opening.)

ACSI, ACCS, TeachNext, NICS

The ACSI site includes an extensive list of job openings. Though much smaller, Christian School International is another association of Christian schools that maintains a jobs database. If you would like to teach in a classical Christian school check the website of the Association of Classical & Christian Schools. Classical Christian schools do not have sole Bible teacher positions so you will need to be able to teach something related to the humanities as well. Along the same lines, a new type of school has recently been established called University Model. These are classical Christian schools that follow a university-based schedule at the high school level so they tend to be less expensive and less time intensive. Again, this is a classical school model so you will need to be able to teach subjects other than Bible or theology. There are currently 90 schools in the organization and here is the UMSI job board.

If you’re interested in teaching high school Bible outside of the U.S., register with TeachNext then browse their job openings. I believe TeachNext represents hundreds of international schools, though many may not pay a full salary with benefits so you may need to raise financial support. Also visit the jobs posted on the Network of International Christian Schools site. NICS operates about 20 schools around the world and some pay a full salary with benefits.

Teacher Agencies

If you have experience in the field, you may want to apply to a teacher agency. (Yes, you will need to apply and be accepted.) I don’t have statistics to prove this, but from my experience applicants who use agencies have a higher chance of being interviewed and getting a job. Of course, for Bible teacher positions, you will need to apply to teacher agencies that focus on independent and private schools, such as Southern Teachers Agency. (If anyone knows of other relevant teacher agencies for Bible teachers, please add them to the comments section below.)

Landing the Job

The last step to becoming a high school Bible teacher is landing the job. Make sure to send in everything requested promptly; make personal contact with the school—perhaps a phone call or even a visit; if you know someone at the school let him or her know that you’re applying; finally be prepared and positive in the interview.

All the best in becoming a high school Bible teacher!

[This post is part of my Guide for High School Bible Teachers.]