Become A Middle School Teacher

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Working As A Middle School Teacher

Documenting/Recording Information
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Training and Teaching Others
Coaching and Developing Others
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Make Decisions
$48,621
Average Salary

What Does A Middle School Teacher Do

Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grade. Middle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals taught in elementary school and prepare students for the more difficult curriculum they will face in high school.

Duties

Middle school teachers typically do the following:

Create lesson plans to teach students a subject, such as biology or history
Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class or to smaller groups
Grade students’ assignments and exams to monitor their progress
Communicate with parents about their child’s progress
Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
Develop and enforce classroom rules
Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, at lunchtime or during detention

Middle school teachers generally teach students from sixth to eighth grades. However, in some school districts, they may teach students as early as fourth grade or as late as ninth grade.

In many schools, middle school teachers are responsible for only some of the subjects their students learn. For example, one teacher may be responsible for teaching English and social studies while another may be responsible for teaching math and science. Some middle school instructors teach specialized classes, such as art, music, or physical education.

Students typically change classrooms several times a day to attend lessons in different subjects. As a result, middle school teachers see several different classes of students throughout the day. However, in some middle schools, teachers teach all the subjects for one class of students the entire day. In either type of school, teachers use time during the day when they do not have classes to plan lessons, grade assignments, or meet with other teachers and staff.

Some middle school teachers work in teams that teach the same group of students. These teachers meet to discuss students’ progress and to plan future lessons.

In some schools, teachers of English as a second language (ESL) or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) work exclusively with students who are learning the English language. These students are often referred to as English language learners (ELLs). ESL and ESOL teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and to help the students with assignments for their other classes.

Middle school teachers may also work with special education teachers to adapt lessons taught in traditional classes to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities and emotional or behavioral disorders. In some cases, middle school teachers may co-teach lessons with special education teachers.

Some teachers maintain websites to communicate with parents about students’ assignments, upcoming events, and grades. For their students, teachers may create websites or discussion boards to present information or to expand a lesson taught in class.

Some middle school teachers coach sports teams and advise student clubs and groups, whose practices and meetings frequently take place before or after school.

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How To Become A Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.

Education

All states require public middle school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Many states require middle school teachers to major in a content area, such as math or science. Other states require middle school teachers to major in elementary education. Middle school teachers typically enroll in their college’s teacher preparation program and take classes in education and child psychology in addition to the classes required by their major.

Teacher education programs teach prospective middle school teachers how to present information to students and how to work with students of varying abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include fieldwork such as student teaching. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.

Some states require middle school teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification.

Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek middle school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a major in elementary education or a content area.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified. Those who teach in private schools are not usually required to be licensed. Most states require teachers to pass a background check.

Certification of middle school teachers varies considerably from state to state. In some states, they are certified to teach elementary school grades, which are typically first through sixth grades or first through eighth grades. In other states, they are certified to teach middle school grades, which include sixth through eighth grades. Other states provide middle school teachers with a secondary school or high school certification, which often includes seventh through twelfth grades.

Requirements for certification also vary by state. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, they are also required to complete a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching, which is typically gained through student teaching. Some states require a minimum grade point average. States typically require candidates to pass a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates their knowledge of the subject they will teach. For information on certification requirements in your state, visit Teach.org.

Teachers are often required to complete annual professional development classes to keep their license. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification.

All states offer an alternative route to certification for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack the education courses required for certification. Some alternative certification programs allow candidates to begin teaching immediately under the supervision of an experienced teacher. These programs cover teaching methods and child development. After they complete the program, candidates are awarded full certification. Other programs require students to take classes in education before they can teach. Students may be awarded a master’s degree after completing either of these programs.

Training

In order to receive certification, teachers need to perform fieldwork, commonly referred to as student teaching. During student teaching, they work with a mentor teacher and get experience teaching students in a classroom setting. The amount of time required varies by state.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Teachers must collaborate with other teachers and special education teachers. In addition, they need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators.

Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Middle school teachers must be patient when students struggle with material.

Physical stamina. Working with middle school aged students can be tiring. Teachers need to be able to physically, mentally, and emotionally keep up with the students.

Resourcefulness. Middle school teachers need to be able to explain difficult concepts in terms that students can understand. In addition, they need to be able to get students engaged in learning and adapt lessons to each student’s needs.

Advancement

Experienced teachers can advance to serve as mentors to newer teachers or to become lead teachers. In these positions, they help less experienced teachers to improve their teaching skills.

With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals, both of which generally require additional education in education administration or leadership. For more information, see the profiles on school and career counselors, librarians, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals.

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Middle School Teacher jobs

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Middle School Teacher Career Paths

Middle School Teacher

Assistant Principal Adjunct Professor Associate Dean

Academic Affairs Dean

12 Yearsyrs

High School Teacher Instructor Special Education Teacher

Assistant Principal

10 Yearsyrs

Adjunct Instructor Associate Director Director Of Admissions

Campus Director

7 Yearsyrs

Middle School Math Teacher Math Teacher Adjunct Professor

Curriculum Director

9 Yearsyrs

Assistant Principal Adjunct Instructor Associate Dean

Dean

5 Yearsyrs

Special Education Teacher Program Coordinator Adjunct Instructor

Department Chairperson

7 Yearsyrs

Lead Teacher Site Director Preschool Teacher

Director Of Preschool

7 Yearsyrs

Lead Teacher Case Manager Special Education Teacher

Director Of Special Education

12 Yearsyrs

Kindergarten Teacher First Grade Teacher Pre-K Teacher

Director Of Teacher Education

5 Yearsyrs

Math Teacher Instructor Training Manager

Director Of Training

7 Yearsyrs

Coach Trainer Training Manager

Director, Learning And Development

12 Yearsyrs

High School Teacher Special Education Teacher Assistant Principal

Elementary School Principal

12 Yearsyrs

Math Teacher Assistant Principal

High School Principal

12 Yearsyrs

Adjunct Instructor Department Chairperson Assistant Principal

Middle School Principal

12 Yearsyrs

Spanish Teacher Preschool Teacher Kindergarten Teacher

School Director

7 Yearsyrs

Special Education Teacher Assistant Principal

School Principal

10 Yearsyrs

High School Mathematics Teacher Mathematics Instructor Adjunct Professor

School Superintendent

14 Yearsyrs

Kindergarten Teacher Special Education Teacher Assistant Principal

Secondary School Principal

8 Yearsyrs

Coach Teacher And Coach Assistant Principal

Vice Principal

9 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

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Middle School Teacher Demographics

Gender

Female
65.4%
Male
32.6%
Unknown
2.0%

Ethnicity

White
80.5%
Hispanic or Latino
10.0%
Asian
7.2%
Unknown
1.6%
Black or African American
0.7%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
59.5%
French
12.7%
Chinese
3.9%
German
3.5%
Japanese
2.8%
Arabic
2.8%
Italian
2.5%
Portuguese
2.1%
Mandarin
1.8%
Russian
1.8%
Korean
1.4%
Swahili
0.7%
Vietnamese
0.7%
Braille
0.7%
Kinyarwanda
0.7%
Hebrew
0.7%
Polish
0.7%
Swedish
0.4%
Basque
0.4%
Dutch
0.4%

Middle School Teacher

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Middle School Teacher Education

Schools

University of Phoenix
13.3%
Grand Canyon University
8.9%
Walden University
8.3%
Liberty University
8.0%
Capella University
6.7%
Michigan State University
6.4%
National Louis University
5.0%
University of South Florida
4.1%
National University
3.9%
Eastern Michigan University
3.7%
Grand Valley State University
3.7%
Northern Arizona University
3.4%
Nova Southeastern University
3.2%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
3.2%
Northern Illinois University
3.2%
Wayne State University
3.0%
University of Pennsylvania
3.0%
University of Dayton
3.0%
George Mason University
3.0%
University of Texas at Austin
3.0%

Majors

Degrees

Masters
44.5%
Bachelors
28.9%
Other
14.2%
Doctorate
4.9%
Certificate
4.6%
Associate
2.0%
License
0.5%
Diploma
0.4%

Middle School Teacher

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Real Middle School Teacher Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Middle School French Teacher	Washington International School	Washington, DC	Feb 03, 2015	$89,222
Middle School Teacher (Math)	Gonzales Unified School District	Gonzales, CA	Aug 30, 2016	$89,010
Middle School Mathematics Teacher	San Mateo-Foster City School District	Foster City, CA	Jul 10, 2016	$86,770
Middle School Mathematics Teacher	San Mateo-Foster City School District	San Mateo, CA	Dec 03, 2015	$86,411
Middle School Mathematics Teacher	San Mateo-Foster City School District	Foster City, CA	Oct 07, 2015	$81,100
Elementary/Middle School Teacher (Math & Science)	JWM Global Education, Inc.	Costa Mesa, CA	Sep 02, 2015	$79,306
Middle School Teacher	The Quarry Lane School, Inc.	Dublin, CA	Sep 03, 2016	$75,000
MYP Middle School Teacher	German-American International School	Menlo Park, CA	Aug 20, 2016	$73,000 - $82,000
MYP Middle School Teacher	German-American International School	Menlo Park, CA	Aug 29, 2016	$73,000 - $82,000
Middle School Mathematics Teacher	Board of Education of St. Mary's County	Lexington Park, MD	Aug 17, 2015	$70,613 - $86,283
Middle School Teacher	Cornerstone Christian School	Lynden, WA	Jan 09, 2016	$70,468
Middle School Teacher-Technology Education	Baltimore City Public Schools	Baltimore, MD	Jul 01, 2015	$70,361
Middle School Teacher	A.W Brown Fellowship Leadership Academy	Dallas, TX	Jan 09, 2016	$69,965
Middle School Teacher	Cornerstone Christian School	Lynden, WA	Sep 23, 2015	$69,462
Middle School Mathematics Teacher	Passaic Arts and Science Charter School	Passaic, NJ	Sep 14, 2016	$54,262
Middle School Grade 5 Teacher	Aspen School District	Aspen, CO	Aug 04, 2016	$53,600
Middle School Teacher	Marion County School District #103	Woodburn, OR	Jun 19, 2015	$53,478
Middle School Spanish Teacher	The Magellan School	Austin, TX	Sep 01, 2015	$53,294
Middle School Spanish Teacher	Lexington County School District One	Lexington, SC	Jan 09, 2016	$53,280
Middle School Teacher	Brooklyn Prospect Charter School	New York, NY	Sep 01, 2015	$53,219
Middle/Upper School Chinese Teacher	Saint Edward's School	Vero Beach, FL	Jan 27, 2016	$52,000
Middle School Teachers	Lycee Francais de New York	New York, NY	Jan 08, 2016	$52,000 - $131,742
Middle School Spanish Teacher	Caddo Parish School Board	LA	Jul 18, 2016	$44,205
Spanish Language Arts Middle School Teacher	International School of Louisiana	New Orleans, LA	Jun 15, 2016	$44,205
Middle School Teacher	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District	Pharr, TX	Jan 10, 2016	$44,140
Middle School Teacher	Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District	Pharr, TX	Aug 17, 2015	$44,140
Middle School Teacher	East Baton Rouge Parish School System	Baton Rouge, LA	Jun 18, 2016	$43,932
Middle School Mandarin Teacher	The Shipley School	Bryn Mawr, PA	Aug 15, 2016	$43,869
Middle School Teacher	San Carlos Unified School District No. 20	San Carlos, AZ	Jan 19, 2016	$43,801

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Top Skills for A Middle School Teacher

Top Middle School Teacher Skills

Classroom Management
Curriculum Development
Grade Mathematics

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Contributed to diverse educational initiatives including lesson planning, curriculum development, effective classroom management, diversity and successful teaching strategies.
Volunteered to coordinate special activities that would help improve the curriculum development.
Maintain weekly lesson plans in a timely manner while incorporating technology initiatives, such as iPad use in the classroom.
Instructed 7th and 8th Grade Students in Social Studies, Marching Band, Jazz and Orchestra.
Middle School literature instruction - Foundations of classic literature - Intensive writing course US HISTORY instruction TX History instruction