Are you someone who likes working with children and who is passionate about education and learning? Would others consider you to be inspiring, motivating and compassionate? Do you have strong communication, organization and problem- solving skills?
If yes, then you might be suited to a career as a Middle School teacher. Middle school teachers have the important job of teaching children the skills and knowledge needed for high school and the world beyond that!
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33966 | 8th Grade Math Teacher | Female | 29 | $56,000 | Vancouver, WA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33965 | Teacher | Female | 30 | $30,000 | Texarkana, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 33960 | Classroom Teacher | Male | 30 | $60,000 | Frederick, MD | 01/01/2010 |
| 33926 | Spanish Teacher | Female | 27 | $48,500 | New York, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 33467 | Teacher | Female | 38 | $57,000 | Wright City, MO | 01/01/2010 |
Middle School teachers have the important job of teaching children the skills and knowledge they need for high school and the world beyond that! Middle school teachers are responsible for teaching children who are in grades 6-8 (ages 11-13). They plan fun and engaging lessons, designed to advance the students key skills and knowledge. The main duties and responsibilities of a middle school teacher include:
Teachers are some of the most important members of society. Middle school is a crucial time in a student’s education. It’s where students get the last best chance to get on the right path toward academic and career success. Middle school teachers are needed to teach students the good habits, grit, curiosity and study habits that can change so much of their future.
Pros:
Cons:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of middle school teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This employment growth is expected because the growing population will create an increase in the number of students attending middle school over the coming decade – middle school teachers are needed to accommodate this.
However, employment growth for middle school teachers will vary by region as job opportunities are dependent on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, they may increase class size while maintaining or reducing teaching staff levels. Conversely, budget surpluses at the state and local level could lead to additional employment growth for middle school teachers.
In nearly all states, middle school teachers at public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Many states require middle school teachers to have majored in a subject area, such as science, math or history. In some states, middle school teachers may be required to have a major in elementary education.
Middle school teachers will then typically enrol in their college’s teacher education program. This program instructs them on presenting information to middle school students of different abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include a student-teaching program, in which prospective teachers work with a mentor teacher and get experience instructing students in a classroom. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org. Furthermore, some states require middle school teachers to earn a master’s degree after earning their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
If you wish to have a career as a private school high school teacher, you do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek high school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a major in a subject area.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for middle school teachers in the United States was $59,660. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $96,280 per year.
Like all teaching careers, autonomy is lower among early career teachers and higher among senior teachers who have experience. One study found that 38% of teachers felt that they have ‘a little’ or ‘no’ influence over their professional development goals. This means that many teachers feel they have little autonomy – teachers are likely to feel like this because their work is focused greatly around meeting educational requirements outlined by the state, and not by their own guidance and intuition.
Job opportunities can vary state to state due to differing education budgets. According to Zippia, the best states to be a middle school teacher, based on average annual salary and number of job available, are:
The worst states to be a teacher, according to Zippia, are Arkansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, Tennessee and North Carolina.
86% of middle school teachers were employed by local elementary and secondary schools. In some schools, teachers will be responsible for teaching large classes and may lack important teaching tools, such as current technology and up-to-date textbooks. In this sense, teaching can be an incredibly stressful job. However, it is also incredibly rewarding job. Each day, teachers get to watch student develop new skills and gain the knowledge that sets them up for life.
Which personalities tend to succeed and thrive in Middle School Teacher careers? Based on our research, there is a relatively strong positive correlation between the following personality types and Middle School Teacher career satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many exceptions, of course, but if you fit into one of the following personality types then we suggest you give strong consideration to a career in Middle School Teacher.
Successful teachers, at any school grade, are likely to be ENFJ personality types. ENFJ’s, or sometimes called ‘the mentor’, are forward-thinkers. They enjoy serving the community and can always see the potential in other people. They want to focus on the possibilities of growth for others, which is an absolutely essential quality for school teachers, who must strive to help every student grow.
In general, teachers will feel a high sense of accomplishment and mastery when they help students to achieve the correct grades and become the best version of themselves. However, teaching really isn’t an easy job and teachers can face a lot of scrutiny throughout their career. Such scrutiny may be from parents, the students or from educational boards. This might take away some of the sense of accomplishment and mastery.
As mentioned previously, teachers play one of the most important roles in our society. Without middle school teachers, millions of children across the United States would not learn the skills and knowledge they need to be successful and make the best academic and life choices they can. Middle school teachers shape the lives of children and create the future leaders of the world.
In general, middle school teachers will work during school hours when students are present. On occasion, they may have to meet with parents, students and other teachers/teaching assistants before and after school. Teachers will often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school. Based on this, it could appear that being a teacher doesn’t offer the greatest life fit.
However, most middle school teachers will work a traditional 10-month school year, which means that they have a 2-month break during the summer and a short midwinter break. This leaves them with long holidays (that are grading free!) to spend with family and friends.
Teaching requires a lot of patience. To thrive as a teacher, you will also need to have qualities such as:
Rather obviously, you will struggle as a teacher if you don’t like children. Similarly, if you have no real passion for education and teaching students the important skills that will set them up for the rest of their life, you may struggle as a middle school teacher. A lack empathy and patience is also not beneficial to teachers, who will have to work with challenging and demanding children. On top of all this, those who do not thrive and enjoy interacting with others will struggle as a teacher, as they have to constantly interact with students, parents and other education staff.
As well as a genuine passion for teaching and education, middle school teachers need skills and talents such as:
In nearly all states, middle school teachers at public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Many states require middle school teachers to have majored in a subject area or in elementary education. Middle school teachers will then typically enrol in their college’s teacher education program. Furthermore, some states require high school teachers to earn a master’s degree after earning their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed in the specific grade level that they teach. To achieve licensure middle school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average, completed a student-teaching program, passed a background check and passed a general teaching certification test. Those who teach in private schools typically do not need to be licensed.
For information about teacher preparation programs and certification requirements, visit Teach.org or contact your state’s board of education.
However, if you didn’t complete a student-teaching program, all states offer an alternative route to licensure. These alternative programs cover teaching methods and child development. Candidates are awarded full certification after they complete the program. Other alternative programs require prospective teachers to take classes in education before they can start to teach. Teachers may be awarded a master’s degree after completing either type of program.
Middle school teachers play an incredibly important role in the lives of all children. Middle school is a crucial point in a child’s education – during this time they learn the study habits, curiosity and grit that will shape the rest of their lives. Middle school teachers are responsible for planning and implementing the lessons that teach students these skills.
Sounds like something you’re interested in doing? Great!
Well, like many careers, it is always advisable to get your foot in the door. To do this, we recommend seeking relevant work experience. Work experience includes things such as working in a school, working in a kindergarten or nannying children.
In nearly all states, middle school teachers at public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Middle school teachers will then typically enrol in their college’s teacher education program. Some states require middle school teachers to earn a master’s degree after earning their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
Teachers learn their skills through academic study and through their supervised training during their teacher education problem. They will always be learning and adapting their skills with the more experience and knowledge they gain.
Have a question about Middle School Teacher careers? If so, our mentors would love to help! Just click on a mentor’s profile below and then fill out the “Ask a Question” form on that page. Your question will then be emailed to the mentor, who can then email you a reply.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33966 | 8th Grade Math Teacher | Female | 29 | $56,000 | Vancouver, WA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33965 | Teacher | Female | 30 | $30,000 | Texarkana, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 33960 | Classroom Teacher | Male | 30 | $60,000 | Frederick, MD | 01/01/2010 |
| 33926 | Spanish Teacher | Female | 27 | $48,500 | New York, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 33467 | Teacher | Female | 38 | $57,000 | Wright City, MO | 01/01/2010 |
