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What is a 6th grade teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones
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If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the educational field, then being a 6th grade teacher may be just the job for you. A 6th grade teacher plays an important and valuable role in the educational and social development of a preteen. They plan and deliver engaging lessons which help their students grow both intellectually and emotionally.

Teachers in middle schools normally focus on specific subjects such as math, English, social studies, science, art, or physical education. In addition, they spend time preparing lessons, grading homework and tests, and conducting parent/teacher conferences. They also frequently integrate life skills into the curriculum. By being a 6th grade teacher, you can set an example for your students of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, self-motivation, and self-discipline.

If you want to get become a middle school teacher, you'll need to earn a Bachelor's degree in the subject you'd like to teach that includes a teacher's preparation program. Then, after completing a student teaching internship, you'll need to pass your state's required test for educators and obtain your state's teaching certificate.

What general advice would you give to a 6th grade teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
Score6th Grade TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $45,615

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.68%

Black or African American 9.93%

Hispanic or Latino 12.75%

Unknown 3.92%

White 69.21%

Gender

female 73.35%

male 26.65%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

6th grade teacher career paths

Key steps to become a 6th grade teacher

  1. Explore 6th grade teacher education requirements

    Most common 6th grade teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.3 %

    Master's

    21.2 %

    Associate

    4.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific 6th grade teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management16.50%
    Math14.41%
    Professional Development7.92%
    Instructional Materials5.15%
    Mathematics Curriculum4.82%
  3. Research 6th grade teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Provide after-school math and science tutoring as additional instructional support.
    • Tutor lower-performing students in math, considerably improving motivation and achievement.
    • Prepare documentation for and attend IEP meetings for students receiving special education services.
    • Facilitate improvement of kindergarten report card so that it reflect specific skills teach and assess, meeting Texas curriculum guidelines.
  4. Prepare your 6th grade teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 6th grade teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a 6th grade teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable 6th grade teacher resume templates

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    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
    6th Grade Teacher Resume
  5. Apply for 6th grade teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 6th grade teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first 6th grade teacher job

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Average 6th grade teacher salary

The average 6th grade teacher salary in the United States is $45,615 per year or $22 per hour. 6th grade teacher salaries range between $33,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average 6th grade teacher salary
$45,615 Yearly
$21.93 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do 6th grade teachers rate their job?

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6th grade teacher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The kids light up my days.

Cons

The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

You got to work with learners who will love you unconditionally. It gives a great satisfaction to be able to help them. I love learners with Special Needs and I am a Mom of one.

Cons

I can't say, maybe because there is none.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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