Middle School Teacher

What a Middle School Teacher Does

Middle school teachers function as both coaches and mentors for middle school students, mixing a variety of teaching methods together in order to provide their students with the best possible education. Middle school teachers plan and develop class activities, work with students individually or in groups, supervise students in the classroom and around school, evaluate students' performances and abilities, and make recommendations to their parents based on these evaluations. Middle school teachers grade class work, send out report cards, and provide an assessment of each student's overall progress. Generally, middle school teachers specialize in one subject area, such as social studies or mathematics. They can also work with students to help them figure out their extracurricular interests, exposing them to a variety of subjects and activities before the students go on to the more rigorous academic environment found in secondary school. Overall, a middle school teacher shares the same responsibility as other teachers for their student's safety, health, and physical and emotional and intellectual well-being.

How to Become a Middle School Teacher

Traditionally, middle school teachers earn a bachelor's degree in education and then go on to receive a teaching license that will allow them to teach in a state's public school system. Some private schools look for teachers to have a master's degree in education and/or a master's degree in a specific subject area, though this will vary by school. Others, for example, might be satisfied with a bachelor's degree. In any case, a bachelor's degree is required at the minimum. Depending upon where and how you would like to work as a middle school teacher, you will need to satisfy the proper requirements. If you do not meet these requirements traditionally, then you could enroll in an alternative certification program, which will allow you to develop professionally as a teacher while also taking education courses. In addition to your education, many schools will want to see evidence of your experience in the classroom. You can demonstrate this through your certification and education programs, many of which will have sent you into the classroom in some capacity, or perhaps your employer will set you up in a new teacher mentorship program.

Career Outlook for Middle School Teachers

Good news for aspiring middle school teachers: they can expect a 15 percent increase in job opportunities from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase can be attributed to a slight increase in overall student enrollments as well as an increase in retirements among current teachers. Furthermore, while this increase is a national projection, various parts of the country will differ due to local trends in government spending, immigration, economic improvements, and so on. For example, the Bureau projects that enrollment in the Northeast will suffer, but the South and West will enroll many more students. Teachers who are willing to travel to find work will benefit from these changes, as will teachers who have certifications in numerous subject areas, thus making them more attractive to hiring committees. Job prospects will also be better in rural and inner city school districts, as these positions have a higher turnover rate due to location limitations and lower salaries. Median salaries for all teachers in May of 2008 ranged from $47,100 to $51,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.