Middle School Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$63K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

0.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Middle School Teacher?

A Middle School Teacher specializes in educating students typically in grades six through eight, focusing on the transitional phase from elementary to high school. They help students deepen their understanding of core subjects while fostering critical thinking and social skills.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Middle School Teacher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Middle School Teacher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$47K per year	$54K per year	$63K per year	$79K per year	$101K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Middle School Teacher do?

Work environment

Middle School Teachers work in public and private schools. Their environment is dynamic, involving classroom teaching, individual and group student activities, and collaboration with other educators and staff. They often participate in school meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development sessions, which may require additional hours beyond the school day.

Quick task list

Develops lesson plans and instructional materials for various subjects.
Assesses students' academic and social development and provides feedback.
Maintains classroom discipline and a conducive learning environment.
Collaborates with colleagues, administrators, and parents.
Participates in curriculum development and school improvement initiatives.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Mathematics Education: Specializing in teaching middle school math concepts.
Science Education: Focusing on subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
English Language Arts: Concentrating on reading, writing, and literature.
Social Studies Education: Teaching history, geography, and social sciences.
Special Education: Working with students who have diverse learning needs and require individualized instruction.

Description

Middle School Teachers play a critical role in the educational journey of young adolescents. They are responsible for teaching specific subjects while also addressing the unique challenges and needs of this age group. Middle school is a time of significant social, emotional, and intellectual development, and teachers in this environment must be adept at supporting students through these changes. They not only impart academic knowledge but also help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

These educators must create engaging, age-appropriate lessons that cater to a range of learning styles and abilities. Classroom management skills are crucial, as middle school students are navigating complex social dynamics and increased academic expectations. Teachers need to foster a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel respected and motivated to learn.

Middle School Teaching is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a blend of subject expertise, pedagogical knowledge, and emotional intelligence. Effective communication with parents and collaboration with other educators is also key to supporting student success. Teachers in this field have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on their students, guiding them through a pivotal stage of their education.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Influencing and shaping the lives of young adolescents during a formative stage.
Witnessing student growth and academic progress.
Fostering a love for learning and curiosity in various subjects.
Building meaningful relationships with students and colleagues.

You might make a good Middle School Teacher if you are...

Passionate about teaching and working with young adolescents.
Skilled in communicating complex concepts in an understandable manner.
Patient and empathetic, with strong classroom management abilities.
Creative in lesson planning and able to engage diverse learners.
Committed to ongoing professional development and learning.

Pros:

High level of job satisfaction from impacting student lives.
Opportunities for creativity and dynamic interaction in teaching.
Stability and benefits in many public school systems.

Cons:

The age group can be challenging due to their developmental stage.
Navigating the diverse needs and abilities of students.
Often requires additional hours for planning, grading, and school functions.

How to become a Middle School Teacher

Typical education

Most Middle School Teachers need a bachelor's degree in education or a specific subject area, which typically takes 4 years. Additionally, a teaching license or certification is required in most states for public school teaching.

High school preparation

Courses:

Relevant subject area courses (e.g., Math, Science, English, History) to build content knowledge.
Education or Psychology to understand teaching and developmental theories.
Communication or Public Speaking to develop effective communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering as a tutor or mentor for younger students.
Participating in clubs or teams that offer leadership opportunities.
Involvement in community service projects to gain experience working with diverse groups.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in education or a specific subject area relevant to middle school teaching.
Complete a student teaching internship to gain practical classroom experience.
Obtain a state teaching license or certification, which may include passing exams and completing professional development courses.
Consider additional endorsements or certifications in special education, ESL, or other specialized areas.

More resources

Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) - Offers resources and support for middle school educators.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) - Provides resources for mathematics teachers.
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) - Offers professional development and resources for science educators.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) - Resources and support for English language arts teachers.
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) - Offers resources and guidelines for social studies educators.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.