How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Indiana 2025

If you're thinking about how to become a middle school teacher, it's important to understand the education, licensure, and testing steps required by Indiana. From earning a relevant bachelor's degree to completing certification exams, each part of the process helps ensure you're ready to teach subjects like math, science, or English to students in grades five to eight. This guide breaks down every step and highlights accredited college programs that can help you get started.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Understanding the middle school teacher educational requirements is essential for anyone interested in this career. Teachers at this level help students in fifth through eighth grade build subject knowledge, develop study skills, and prepare for high school. They manage classrooms, assess learning, and support a wide range of academic and developmental needs.

Typical responsibilities for middle school teachers include:

• creating and delivering subject-specific lesson plans
• assessing student understanding through tests, projects, and classwork
• adapting instruction to meet diverse learning styles and needs
• maintaining a structured, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment
• communicating with families about academic and behavioral progress
• attending professional development and collaborating with school staff

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Indiana

Before starting your career path, it's important to understand the requirements to become a middle school teacher. In Indiana, the path to licensure includes earning a degree, passing exams, and applying through the state's licensing system. There are several approved routes to becoming a certified teacher, including traditional bachelor's degree programs and the Transition to Teaching program for those with a degree in another field.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education or a Related Field

The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Most future teachers major in education or a content area like math, science, English, or social studies that aligns with what they want to teach. Your degree program should include coursework in pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, and developmental psychology.

In addition to academic instruction, Indiana-approved programs incorporate fieldwork and student teaching. This allows you to gain practical classroom experience under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Completing these components is required before you can move forward with your licensure application.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program

If you didn't major in education, Indiana offers a Transition to Teaching program that allows eligible candidates with a bachelor's degree in another field to become licensed teachers. These programs typically last one to two years and include both coursework and field experiences.

Whether you follow a traditional education degree or transition route, the program must be approved by the Indiana Department of Education. You must also complete student teaching or a similar clinical placement as part of your preparation. This experience is critical for developing classroom management and instructional skills.

Step 3: Pass Indiana's Required Licensing Exams

Once you complete your education program, you must pass the required Indiana licensing exams. These include content area assessments for the specific subjects and grade levels you plan to teach. For middle school educators, this typically includes exams in English/language arts, math, science, or social studies.

Indiana uses the Praxis and CORE exams depending on the subject. You must also complete the Indiana Educator Exam in pedagogy appropriate to your licensure level. Passing these exams demonstrates that you have the content knowledge and instructional skills necessary to succeed in the classroom.

Step 4: Apply for an Initial Practitioner License

After passing your exams, you can apply for an Initial Practitioner License through Indiana's Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS). This entry-level license is valid for two years and can be renewed once. You must provide official transcripts, test scores, and documentation of program completion.

Before your license is issued, you'll also need to complete a background check and submit fingerprints. Once approved, you can begin teaching in an Indiana public school. Many educators also choose to participate in the Indiana Mentorship and Assessment Program (IMAP) during their first two years.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

Each subject in middle school education has its own licensure and coursework expectations. Whether you want to teach math, science, social studies, or English, you'll need a strong foundation in your content area and training aligned with state certification guidelines.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To teach math in middle grades, you typically need a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in algebra, geometry, and number theory, along with education classes focused on adolescent learners. Programs often include a concentration or endorsement in mathematics for grades five through eight.

After earning your degree, you must complete student teaching in a math classroom and pass the state content exam for middle school mathematics. Some states offer add-on endorsements for licensed teachers who want to shift into math instruction at the middle level.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Middle school science teachers must be prepared to teach earth science, biology, chemistry, and physical science to students in grades five to eight. Most education programs require science-specific coursework combined with pedagogy classes focused on inquiry-based learning.

Licensure often includes passing a science content exam and completing a clinical experience in a middle grades science setting. Some states allow for a general science endorsement, while others require subject-specific certification, especially if you plan to teach more advanced topics.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

If you want to teach history or social studies in middle school, you'll need a bachelor's degree that includes U.S. history, world history, geography, civics, and teaching methods for social science. Many universities offer middle grades social studies as a content area within their education degrees.

After graduation, you'll be required to pass a social studies content exam and complete student teaching in a fifth- through eighth-grade history classroom. Some states also include economics or government in their certification requirements for this subject area.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Teaching English language arts at the middle level requires a degree that includes writing, literature, reading instruction, and adolescent literacy development. You'll also study instructional methods for grammar, vocabulary, and communication.

To become licensed, you must complete a practicum in a middle school English classroom and pass your state's ELA content test. Some programs also prepare teachers for dual certification in reading or ESL, which can expand your job opportunities.

Education Degree Programs in Indiana

Indiana offers multiple accredited teaching programs to prepare you for licensure in grades five through eight. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's degree or adding a middle grades endorsement, these schools provide classroom experience, subject-area training, and licensure pathways.

1. Indiana University Indianapolis

Indiana University Indianapolis provides undergraduate and graduate pathways for future middle school educators. The Bachelor of Science in secondary education allows students to choose a concentration such as English, math, science, or social studies for teaching grades five through twelve. Coursework includes subject content, pedagogy, and fieldwork in diverse classrooms. Students also complete student teaching during their final semester.

At the graduate level, the Master of Science in urban education offers a flexible degree that can be paired with licensure requirements or used as continuing professional development. This program is designed for educators committed to improving equity and student outcomes in urban schools. Evening and online courses accommodate working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,760 (in-state); $35,226 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Ball State University

At Ball State University, aspiring middle school teachers can pursue undergraduate programs that prepare them for licensure in subjects like math, science, English, and social studies. The Teachers College provides extensive clinical experiences through local school partnerships, helping students build confidence and teaching skills from their first year through graduation.

Graduate students can also enroll in transition-to-teaching or master's degree pathways if they hold a non-education bachelor's degree. All programs align with Indiana state licensure requirements and include coursework in adolescent development, curriculum planning, classroom management, and assessment strategies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,948 (in-state); $27,496 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Indiana State University

Students at Indiana State University can prepare to teach core middle grades subjects by majoring in programs such as middle school mathematics teaching or completing a minor in middle school science. These degrees are structured to meet Indiana licensure requirements and include coursework in pedagogy, instructional technology, and student-centered teaching methods.

Hands-on experience is built into the curriculum through field placements and student teaching. The Bayh College of Education also offers advising and licensure support to help future educators move confidently from classroom preparation to certification.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,978 (in-state); $22,646 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers pathways for students interested in teaching science at the middle school level. Programs are designed to meet licensure requirements while helping students develop deep content knowledge in areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Coursework integrates field experiences, educational theory, and instructional strategies aligned with state teaching standards.

Students can pursue a science teaching concentration within the university's science department, preparing them to teach grades five through eight. The program includes clinical placements in regional schools, as well as access to faculty mentors and career support tailored for future educators.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,537 (in-state); $23,793 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington prepares students to teach grades five through 12 through its Bachelor of Science in secondary education. The undergraduate program allows you to specialize in subjects like mathematics, science, English, or social studies while building skills in classroom management, assessment, and curriculum development. Field placements start early, and student teaching is required during the senior year.

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, the Transition to Teaching program offers an accelerated path to licensure. This option provides practical coursework and hands-on teaching experience that meet state licensure requirements in a condensed timeframe.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,142 (in-state); $41,890 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Middle School Teacher Salary in Indiana

Middle school teachers in Indiana can expect a competitive salary, especially with experience or advanced credentials. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average middle school teacher salary in Indiana is $60,010 per year. Salaries can vary based on the district, subject area, and whether you work in a rural or urban setting.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Indiana

Although national employment for middle school teachers is expected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033, the profession will still see steady demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates about 41,400 job openings each year across the country.

These positions will primarily arise from the need to replace educators retiring or leaving the field. In Indiana, school districts may face shortages in key subject areas, creating consistent opportunities for new teachers. Those who specialize in STEM or work in underserved communities may find especially strong job prospects.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

Students earning a teaching degree in Indiana may be eligible for federal grants, loans, and scholarships. The FAFSA is the starting point for most aid, and many cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA also support teacher preparation students.

State-based options include the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, which awards up to $7,500 per year for students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after graduation. Additionally, some Indiana universities offer their own scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for education majors in high-need fields like math and science.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Indiana

If you're interested in becoming a middle school teacher in Indiana, you likely have questions about the timeline, degree options, and costs involved. The answers below can help you better understand your pathway to the classroom.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Middle School Teacher in Indiana?

It usually takes four years to become a middle school teacher if you enroll in a traditional bachelor's degree program. Additional time may be needed for testing, licensure processing, or if you pursue alternative certification or a master's degree before applying for a license.

Can You Become a Teacher in Indiana Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, Indiana offers alternative routes to licensure for individuals who hold a non-education bachelor's degree. These pathways often include completing a transition-to-teaching program and passing required licensure exams to qualify for a full teaching license.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest way is through Indiana's transition-to-teaching program, which allows bachelor's degree holders to start teaching while completing coursework. This path can lead to licensure in about one to two years, depending on your prior education and subject area.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Indiana for Free?

You may be able to qualify for state-funded scholarships like the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship or receive federal financial aid through grants and work-study. Some universities and service-based programs also offer tuition assistance or loan forgiveness for teachers who commit to teaching in high-need schools.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree alone is not enough to become a licensed teacher in Indiana. However, it can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree in education, which is the minimum requirement for teacher licensure in the state.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Indiana

Indiana colleges offer a range of teaching degree programs that can prepare you to work with students in middle grades. Learn about more options on Learn.org to find accredited programs that match your goals and schedule.