Middle school is a tough time for a lot of kids, but middle school teachers have the opportunity to reach those kids in a unique way.
If you have a passion for educating children, but aren't interested in elementary school, middle school might be the place for you.
Being a middle school teacher can be quite challenging, as kids in that age group are often difficult to reach.
However, it can also be an extremely rewarding occupation. Read on to find out if you have what it takes to start this incredible career.
Becoming a Middle School Teacher
In a lot of ways, becoming a middle school teacher is no different from teaching elementary or high school students.
However, middle school teachers tend to focus their education and training on the specifics of teaching students in grades six through eight.
Background and Soft Skills
Middle school teachers, also known as junior high teachers, need strong communication skills and a lot of empathy to help their students with the issues they face growing up.
Passion for education and dedication to your role as a teacher are definitely important, as well, if you want to be a middle school teacher.
To be a successful teacher, you should also be skilled at conflict resolution and have a lot of patience.
Experience working with kids in this specific age group is also good for middle school teachers because it helps them relate.
Job Duties
Most middle school teachers focus on a single subject, which means you can go more in depth about a subject you love.
These teachers have similar duties to other teachers, though, in that they're responsible for making lesson plans and grading papers.
Maintaining classroom discipline is also important for middle school teachers, most of whom don't have assistants to help.
Additionally, middle school teachers are responsible for communicating with parents and lining up resources for students who need extra help.
Work Environment
Middle school teachers' work environments do vary based on the type of school where they're teaching.
Most middle school teachers work in public middle schools, where they'll likely have large class sizes and limited resources.
Middle school teachers in private schools, on the other hand, typically work with smaller class sizes, allowing for more one-on-one instruction.
Some middle school teachers also work in charter or magnet schools, which allows them to work with particularly motivated students.
Working Hours
Middle school teaching is a full-time job, with most middle school teachers working more than 40 hours per week.
In addition to regular classroom hours, many middle school teachers coach sports or lead student clubs and other activities after school.
Faculty meetings and school-wide events also take up a lot of a middle school teacher's time outside of school hours.
Most middle school teachers also devote time in the evenings and on weekends to grading assignments and making lesson plans.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of middle school teachers will experience little to no growth from 2022 to 2032.
Because most middle school teachers teach in public schools, their employment is based in large part on state education budgets.
Additionally, the number of middle school students is expected to decrease over that decade, leading to a more limited demand.
It's likely that many school districts will opt for larger class sizes, which require fewer teachers overall.
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in education is the first step for anyone who's interested in becoming a middle school teacher.
While earning your bachelor's degree, focus on adolescent development and other classes that are particular to students in grades six through eight.
You might also think about what subject you'd like to teach, so you can get more advanced education in teaching that particular subject.
Some middle school teachers get a bachelor's degree in whatever subject they want to teach, rather than in education generally.
Step 2: Complete a Teaching Education Program
Your teaching education program might be part of your bachelor's degree program, but usually they're separate.
The main component is student teaching, and you want to make sure that you do your student teaching in a middle school classroom.
Student teaching gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on classroom experience working with students under supervision.
You'll likely form a close relationship with the licensed teacher you work with and learn a lot from them about classroom management.
Step 3: Consider Getting a Master's Degree
While some states don't require middle school teachers to have a master's degree, many do.
Even if your state doesn't require a master's degree, having one will set you apart from other applicants and may entitle you to more pay.
Most middle school teachers get a master's degree in education, but you might also consider a master's degree in the subject you want to teach.
For example, if you're teaching middle school history, you might consider getting a master's degree in history.
Step 4: Seek Licensure in Your State
Each state has its own licensing requirements for middle school teachers. At a minimum, you'll need to take a licensing exam.
You're usually eligible to sit for the licensing exam after you've earned your bachelor's degree and completed student teaching.
In some states, a master's degree or at least a year of additional education after your bachelor's degree is required.
Once you've earned your license, most states require you to take continuing education classes each year to keep it current.
Learn About Becoming a Middle School Teacher Today
Start with a bachelor's degree in education or a related subject if you want to become a middle school teacher.
