Career Definition for Middle School English Language Teachers
Middle school English language teachers teach English grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, creative writing, and literature to middle school students; in most locations, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade are considered to be middle school. Common duties of middle school English language teachers include preparing lesson plans, conducting class, creating, giving, and grading exams, working with students one-on-one or in small groups, creating the curriculum and other duties as needed.
| Education | Bachelor's in education |
| Job Duties | Preparing lesson plans, conducting class, grading exams |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $61,320 (all middle school teachers) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 4% (all middle school teachers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements
If you want to become a middle school English language teacher, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in a field like education. If you plan to work in a public middle school and if private schools in your state require it, you'll also need to meet your state's licensing and certification requirements. Common courses in a 4-year bachelor's degree program that will prepare you for a career in English language teaching include pedagogy, principles of teaching, evaluation and assessment, and instructional technology.
Required Skills
Middle school English language teachers need both academic and managerial skills to succeed; maintaining discipline in the classroom is important to establishing an environment where students can learn. Strong communication and teamwork skills will also help you to be successful as a middle school English language teacher.
Employment and Economic Outlook
The employment outlook for middle school teachers, which included English language teachers, is good; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field was expected to grow by 4% from 2021-2031. Median earnings in 2021 for middle school teachers were $61,320.
Alternate Career Options
Similar career options in this field include:
Career and Technical Education Teacher
These teachers provide instruction to help students enter occupations, such as culinary arts, auto repair, and healthcare. A bachelor's degree is usually required, but some areas of study may require less education with ample work experience. Licensure is typically necessary for teachers in public schools. From 2021-2031, the BLS predicted a slower-than-average employment growth of 2% and reported an annual median salary of $61,160 in 2021.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal
Usually requiring a master's degree in areas like leadership or education administration in addition to teaching experience and licensure, these principals manage the daily activities of schools, oversee the teachers and other staff, and coordinate the curricula. An average growth of 5% was expected by the BLS in the 2021-2031 decade, and a median wage of $98,420 per year was revealed in 2021.
