Secondary education, or high school education, focuses on the instruction of ninth to twelfth graders. Teachers of this age group usually specialize in certain subjects, such as English, math, history, and Spanish. Most schools require that their teachers have at least a master's degree in either their subject of focus or education. Beyond helping academically, teachers of high school students must be prepared to help students with social problems, drugs and alcohol issues, and college admission. Teachers at this level typically make around $50,000.