How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Massachusetts 2025

Before you can teach fifth through eighth grade, you'll need to complete a state-approved preparation program, pass required exams, and apply for licensure through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. If you're just getting started, it helps to understand how to become a middle school teacher to get a clear picture of the overall process. This guide walks you through each step specific to Massachusetts, including subject-area requirements, salary information, and available financial aid.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers help students build the academic, emotional, and social skills needed for the transition from elementary to high school. In Massachusetts, these educators typically teach grades five through eight and focus on a specific subject like English, math, science, or history. They must meet state standards for instruction, assessment, and student engagement.

Middle school teacher educational requirements include a bachelor's degree, completion of a state-approved educator preparation program, and subject-specific licensure. Teachers also need to demonstrate proficiency in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and uphold the standards for professional conduct in public education.

Some of the day-to-day expectations of middle school teachers in Massachusetts include:

• develop lesson plans aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
• instruct students in a specific content area such as math, English, or science
• assess and track student academic progress
• differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• maintain a structured and respectful classroom environment
• collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and families
• attend professional development and certification renewal activities
• support students' social and emotional development

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Massachusetts

To become a middle school teacher in Massachusetts, you'll need to follow a state-approved path that includes academic preparation, testing, and licensure. The process ensures that all educators meet the state's standards for teaching excellence and student success. You'll begin by completing a bachelor's degree, then pursue teacher preparation and certification. For more details about the requirements to become a middle school teacher, review the steps below.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While some candidates major in education, others choose a subject area they intend to teach, such as English, history, or science, and complete education coursework separately.

In Massachusetts, your degree must include subject-matter knowledge aligned with the license you're pursuing. If you're not enrolled in an education major, you'll need to pair your degree with a post-baccalaureate or alternative licensure program later to meet state teaching standards.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Educator Preparation Program

After earning your degree, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program. These programs include coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, and curriculum design, as well as field experiences like student teaching in a public school.

Massachusetts-approved programs are listed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and are aligned with state teaching competencies. Successful completion of the program qualifies you to apply for your initial license in your endorsement subject and grade level.

Step 3: Pass the MTEL Exams

To earn licensure in Massachusetts, you must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). These include the Communication and Literacy Skills test and a subject-specific test based on your content area, such as middle school math or English.

The MTEL ensures you have both the academic content knowledge and the communication skills required to teach effectively. Some educator preparation programs require you to pass the MTEL prior to student teaching or program completion.

Step 4: Apply for an Initial license

Once you've completed your preparation program and passed all required exams, you can apply for your initial license through the Massachusetts DESE's ELAR portal. You'll need to upload your transcripts, program verification, and test results.

The initial license is valid for five years of employment. It allows you to teach in public schools within your licensed subject area and grade range, such as English in grades five to eight. You may choose to work toward your Professional License while teaching under the initial license.

Step 5: Advance to a Professional License

To maintain your teaching career in Massachusetts, you'll eventually need to upgrade to a Professional License. This requires at least three years of teaching experience, completion of a one-year induction program with mentoring, and completion of 50 hours of advanced study.

Advanced study may include graduate coursework, state-approved professional development, or participation in a master's degree program. Once you meet these criteria, you can apply to upgrade your initial license to a Professional License, which is renewable every five years.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

Massachusetts requires subject-specific licensure for teaching middle school students. To earn your initial license, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program, pass the appropriate MTEL exam, and demonstrate subject-area knowledge through college coursework. The specific requirements vary depending on the subject you plan to teach.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To teach math at the middle school level, you'll need an initial license in middle school mathematics. This typically includes a bachelor's degree with coursework in areas such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and number theory, along with completion of a teacher preparation program.

You'll also need to pass the MTEL Middle School Mathematics exam. Your program should provide practical experience teaching math in grades five to eight, equipping you to support students' problem-solving and reasoning skills.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Middle school science teachers in Massachusetts must earn an initial license in general science for grades five through eight. Candidates must complete a degree with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth or space science, in addition to pedagogical training.

The required exam is the MTEL General Science test. Educator preparation programs also include classroom placements where you'll gain hands-on experience teaching scientific inquiry and lab procedures to middle school learners.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To teach social studies to students in grades five to eight, you'll need an initial license in history. Your undergraduate studies should include coursework in U.S. history, world civilizations, government, geography, and civics.

You'll also be required to pass the MTEL History exam, which covers grades five to 12. Approved programs prepare you to engage students in historical thinking and analysis while providing experience in diverse classroom settings.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

If you plan to teach English language arts in a fifth- through eighth-grade classroom, you'll need an initial license in English. This requires a bachelor's degree that includes studies in literature, composition, reading strategies, and grammar, along with a teacher preparation program.

You must pass the MTEL English exam to qualify for licensure. Coursework and field placements will help you learn how to develop students' reading comprehension, writing skills, and critical thinking using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Education Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts colleges offer a range of educator preparation programs that align with state licensure requirements for teaching in middle school classrooms. These programs combine subject-area coursework, field experience, and exam preparation to support new and future teachers.

1. Worcester State University

Worcester State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in middle school education that prepares students to teach grades five through eight with subject-area concentrations in English, history, or mathematics. The program includes coursework in adolescent development, instructional methods, and culturally responsive teaching, along with student teaching in local schools.

The university also offers a middle school education minor for students pursuing related majors and a post-baccalaureate certificate program for those who already hold a bachelor's degree. This certificate leads to an initial teaching license in either middle or secondary education and includes both pedagogy and fieldwork components aligned with Massachusetts licensure standards.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,344 (in-state); $9,212 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Westfield State University

At Westfield State University, students preparing to teach middle school can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education paired with a major in a core subject like mathematics, English, history, or general science. This pathway includes coursework in instructional planning, adolescent development, and assessment practices designed for grades five through 12.

The program emphasizes classroom experience, beginning with early fieldwork and culminating in a full-time practicum. Support is also available through the Reach to Teach initiative, which helps guide future educators through the certification process. Graduates meet all state requirements for an initial teaching license in Massachusetts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,616 (in-state); $18,696 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University provides several pathways for becoming a licensed middle school teacher, including a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in middle school mathematics for grades five to eight. This program combines subject-specific coursework with training in instructional methods, adolescent psychology, and classroom technology. Students complete extensive fieldwork and a practicum as part of their preparation for an initial teaching license.

For added flexibility, Fitchburg also offers a minor in middle and secondary education for students pursuing related majors and a Master of Education (non-licensure) program available fully online. These options allow undergraduates and graduate students alike to tailor their preparation for teaching in Massachusetts schools.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,567 (in-state); $15,607 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University prepares future middle school educators through its secondary education program, which leads to licensure in grades five through 12. Students major in a teachable subject, such as biology, English, history, or mathematics, while completing a sequence of education courses focused on pedagogy, curriculum development, and inclusive classroom practices.

The program includes multiple field experiences and a full-time student teaching placement in a Massachusetts public school. Bridgewater also offers advising support, licensure preparation, and opportunities for professional growth through its Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership. Graduates are eligible for an initial teaching license in their chosen subject area.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,194 (in-state); $18,334 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

5. Salem State University

Salem State University offers multiple degree pathways for students interested in teaching middle school, including undergraduate teacher preparation programs and combined bachelor's-to-master's options. Education majors can choose from subject areas like English, math, and science while completing licensure coursework for grades five through eight. The curriculum includes child development, instructional methods, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Students may also pursue the 4+1 combined program, which leads to both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). For those seeking advanced credentials, Salem State offers an MAT in middle school mathematics with a focus on curriculum design and classroom leadership. All licensure programs include extensive fieldwork and practicum placements in local schools.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,708 (in-state); $20,116.80 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

Middle School Teacher Salary in Massachusetts

Middle school teachers in Massachusetts earn some of the highest wages in the country compared to their peers in other states. Salaries vary depending on location, years of experience, and the district's funding structure.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average middle school teacher salary in Massachusetts is $85,230 per year. Educators working in urban areas or with advanced degrees may earn even more. Most school districts also offer step increases and additional pay for leadership roles or extracurricular duties.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Massachusetts

Nationwide, employment for middle school teachers is expected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, Massachusetts schools will continue to see regular hiring needs due to retirements and teacher turnover.

On average, about 41,400 openings are projected annually across the U.S. as educators leave the profession or transition to other careers. In Massachusetts, demand may remain strong in subject shortage areas like science, math, and special education, making it a favorable environment for new teachers entering the workforce.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

Massachusetts students pursuing a teaching degree have access to several financial aid options. By completing the FAFSA, you may qualify for federal Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study programs. Many cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA also offer education programs that are eligible for financial aid, making it easier to complete your degree affordably.

The state also offers funding through the Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program and the Massachusetts Teachers' Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance for students planning to teach in high-need areas. In addition, some universities and preparation programs offer scholarships and tuition waivers specifically for future educators.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Massachusetts

If you're considering a teaching career in Massachusetts, it's important to understand your options for certification, education requirements, and financial support. The answers below cover common questions about how to enter the profession and what steps you'll need to take to teach middle school.

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

It usually takes four to five years to become a licensed middle school teacher in Massachusetts. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing a state-approved educator preparation program, passing the MTEL exams, and applying for your Initial License. Some programs combine these steps, while others may be completed separately depending on your academic background. If you pursue advanced study later on, you'll also need time to meet requirements for the Professional License.

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

Yes, but you must still complete a state-approved educator preparation program. If your bachelor's degree is in a non-education subject, you can enroll in a post-baccalaureate or alternative licensure program to meet state requirements. You'll also need to pass the required MTEL exams and complete student teaching. This pathway is common for career changers or liberal arts graduates entering the classroom.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest route is typically an alternative licensure program for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree. These programs allow you to complete certification requirements in one to two years and may include accelerated coursework or teaching while you learn. Many offer flexible formats, including evening and online options. This makes it easier for working adults or career changers to transition into teaching.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Massachusetts for Free?

You can reduce or eliminate costs by applying for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Massachusetts offers funding through the Gilbert Grant and the Teachers' Scholarship Program, which support students who commit to teaching in high-need areas. Submitting the FAFSA can help you access federal aid, and many cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA offer teacher prep programs at a lower cost. Some universities also offer tuition waivers for future educators.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree alone does not qualify you for teacher licensure in Massachusetts. However, you can work in roles such as paraprofessional or teacher assistant while completing your bachelor's degree. Many community colleges also offer transfer pathways to four-year education programs. These options allow you to begin working in schools while working toward full certification.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Massachusetts

Massachusetts colleges offer approved teacher preparation programs that lead to middle school licensure in a range of subject areas. Explore accredited degree options at Learn.org to find a program that fits your goals and helps you get started in the classroom.