How To Become a Middle School Teacher in New York 2025

Middle school teachers help bridge the gap between elementary and high school, guiding students through key academic and personal growth milestones. If you're planning to become a middle school teacher, New York requires specific steps that ensure you're prepared to teach grades five through nine. This guide covers everything from state certification requirements and subject-specific training to salary expectations, job outlook, and education programs across the state.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

A middle school teacher helps students transition from elementary to high school by teaching content that builds foundational academic and social-emotional skills. These educators typically work with students in grades five through nine, depending on the district, and focus on one or two subject areas such as math, science, English, or social studies. Teachers in this role must understand both their content and the developmental needs of early adolescents.

To meet middle school teacher educational requirements in New York, educators must complete targeted preparation that equips them to manage classroom behavior, support student growth, and deliver engaging instruction. Middle school teachers are expected to:

• develop lesson plans aligned with New York State Learning Standards
• teach core subjects in a clear, age-appropriate way
• assess student understanding and adapt instruction as needed
• maintain a safe, inclusive classroom environment
• communicate regularly with families and school staff
• support students' social, emotional, and academic development
• participate in professional development and school activities

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in New York

If you're wondering about the requirements to become a middle school teacher, the path includes several state-regulated steps. You'll need to earn a qualifying degree, complete a teacher preparation program, pass certification exams, and apply for your Initial Certificate through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The process ensures that all middle school teachers are ready to support diverse learners and meet academic standards in grades five through nine.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree With a Middle Childhood Education Focus

To qualify for certification in middle childhood education (grades five to nine), you must earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In New York, this degree must include a major in the subject you intend to teach, such as English, math, science, or social studies, and meet general education distribution requirements.

Your program should also include pedagogical coursework that focuses on middle childhood education. According to NYSED guidelines, this includes at least 30 semester hours of content area study and coursework in instructional strategies, child development, and literacy across the curriculum.

Step 2: Complete a New York State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

In addition to your degree, you must complete a New York State-approved teacher preparation program that leads to certification in middle childhood education. These programs include both coursework and field experiences designed to prepare you for the realities of teaching in grades five to nine.

Programs typically include at least 100 hours of fieldwork in a classroom setting and a full semester of supervised student teaching. If your bachelor's program didn't include certification preparation, you can pursue a standalone program at the graduate level or as a certificate-only post-baccalaureate pathway.

Step 3: Pass Required New York State Certification Exams

Once you've completed your education and preparation program, you'll need to pass several state-mandated certification exams. These tests assess your readiness to teach both in your subject area and in a New York classroom. You must take and pass:

• the Educating All Students (EAS) test
• the Content Specialty Test (CST) for your subject area
• the edTPA performance-based assessment (or its state-approved replacement)

These exams are required for your Initial Certificate and are designed to ensure that all teachers meet professional standards in subject knowledge, instructional planning, and classroom practice.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

In New York, becoming a middle school teacher requires subject-specific preparation in addition to general pedagogical training. Candidates must demonstrate deep content knowledge, complete approved teacher preparation programs, and meet certification requirements tailored to the grade five to nine range. Below are the pathways for each subject area.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To teach mathematics in grades five through nine, you must complete a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in math coursework. This should include algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus, as outlined in the NYSED subject-specific requirements. You'll also need pedagogical training focused on middle childhood education, including adolescent development and instructional strategies for math.

After completing your degree and a state-approved teacher preparation program, you must pass the Content Specialty Test (CST) in Mathematics, the Educating All Students (EAS) exam, and submit performance assessments. These are required for the Initial Certificate, which qualifies you to teach math in middle school.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

To teach science at the middle school level, you'll need a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in science, including coursework in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. According to NYSED guidelines, general science teachers must be prepared to teach multiple disciplines to meet the needs of middle-grade learners.

In addition to subject-area coursework, you must complete a teacher preparation program with field experiences and student teaching in science classrooms. Certification exams include the CST in Science (appropriate to your focus, such as General Science or Biology) and the EAS test. You must also complete fingerprint clearance and apply through the NYSED TEACH portal.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

Middle school history teachers typically hold certification in social studies for grades five to nine. To meet the academic requirements, you must earn a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours in social sciences�this includes U.S. history, world history, geography, economics, political science, and sociology.

Your teacher preparation program should provide content-specific pedagogy for teaching history in the middle grades. After completing all coursework and fieldwork, you must pass the CST in Social Studies and the EAS exam. These credentials ensure you're prepared to teach history with both subject expertise and instructional skill aligned with New York State standards.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

To become an English language arts (ELA) teacher for grades five through nine, you need a bachelor's degree that includes at least 30 semester hours of coursework in English. This should cover American and British literature, writing, grammar, and reading comprehension. The degree must meet both content and general liberal arts requirements established by NYSED.

Your teacher preparation program must include pedagogical training in adolescent literacy, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. You'll be required to pass the CST in English Language Arts and the EAS exam before applying for certification. These steps prepare you to support literacy development and critical thinking in middle school students.

Education Degree Programs in New York

New York offers several accredited programs designed to prepare future middle school teachers with subject-specific training and classroom experience. The schools, which are connected to the City University of New York (CUNY) and the State University of New York (SUNY), offer undergraduate and graduate pathways that meet state certification requirements for grades five through nine.

1. CUNY Hunter College

CUNY Hunter College offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in adolescent education that prepare students to teach middle and high school in New York. Undergraduate students can pursue a concentration in adolescent education alongside a liberal arts major, with certification options in subjects like English, mathematics, and languages.

Graduate offerings include the Master of Science in education (MSEd) in adolescent English, adolescent mathematics, and literacy education for grades five to 12. These programs include coursework in instructional methods, adolescent development, and literacy support, along with supervised teaching placements in New York City schools. Each program meets the academic and clinical preparation standards required for initial certification.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 (in-state); $18,600 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. CUNY Brooklyn College

Students interested in teaching grades five through nine can choose from several subject-specific education programs at CUNY Brooklyn College. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in English teacher and a Master of Arts in social studies teacher education, both structured to prepare future middle school educators for New York State certification.

Graduate students can also pursue the Master of Science in education in middle childhood education - mathematics or the Master of Arts in middle childhood education - science. These programs combine content mastery with pedagogy courses and clinical fieldwork. Brooklyn College also participates in the LEAP to Teacher program, which supports working adults pursuing teaching degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 (in-state); $18,600 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. CUNY Queens College

Future middle school teachers can pursue several education pathways at CUNY Queens College, including a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education and youth services. This undergraduate program prepares students to teach core academic subjects in grades five through twelve, combining liberal arts coursework with practical field experience.

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, Queens College offers an MSEd and a Post-Baccalaureate Advanced Certificate in secondary education. These programs support certification in subject areas such as English, math, science, and social studies, with a strong emphasis on adolescent development and instructional practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 (in-state); $18,600 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. SUNY Buffalo State University

Multiple pathways are available at SUNY Buffalo State University for students preparing to teach middle school. Undergraduate degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in English education (7-12), social studies education (7-12), and mathematics education (7-12) offer a foundation in both subject knowledge and classroom practice, with the flexibility to focus on grades five through nine.

Graduate programs include secondary education degrees in biology, English, mathematics, and social studies. These programs combine advanced coursework with clinical experiences in local schools. Buffalo State also supports alternative certification routes and offers advising to help students navigate middle-level certification options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 (in-state); $18,810 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. SUNY Oswego

Adolescence education programs at SUNY Oswego prepare future teachers to instruct students in grades seven through twelve, with the option to gain experience in middle-level classrooms. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in adolescence education with concentrations in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, or social studies.

Each program includes subject-specific coursework, pedagogical training, and field placements in New York public schools. SUNY Oswego also offers support through its School of Education to help students meet certification requirements and gain practical teaching experience in grades five through nine.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 (in-state); $17,320 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Middle School Teacher Salary in New York?

The average middle school teacher salary in New York is $82,820, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is one of the highest averages in the nation, reflecting the state's high cost of living and the demand for qualified educators. Salaries may vary based on your location, subject area, experience level, and district contract.

Teachers working in larger urban districts like New York City often earn more than those in rural or suburban areas. Advanced degrees, tenure, and union membership can also increase your earning potential over time.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in New York

Employment for middle school teachers in New York is expected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, approximately 41,400 openings are projected each year nationwide as schools replace teachers who retire or move to different careers. In New York, steady demand is expected in core subjects like math, science, and special education, particularly in high-need districts. While overall employment may shrink slightly, there will still be regular opportunities for new middle school educators across the state.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

If you're planning to pursue a degree in teaching, several financial aid options can help reduce your costs. You can begin by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can qualify you for federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs.

New York students can also apply for state-specific aid, such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the New York State Teaching Opportunity Program, which supports students preparing to teach in high-need subject areas or schools. Many online colleges that accept financial aid also offer flexible programs in teacher education, making it easier to balance work and study while earning your degree affordably.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in New York

If you're thinking about becoming a middle school teacher in New York, you may have questions about the timeline, education requirements, and financial options. Whether you're starting from scratch, switching careers, or looking for the quickest path, the answers below can help you understand your next steps.

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

It typically takes four to six years. A traditional path includes earning a bachelor's degree with teacher preparation, passing certification exams, and completing student teaching. If you already hold a degree, alternative certification or graduate programs may shorten the timeline.

Can You Become a Teacher in New York Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, but you'll still need to meet certification requirements. If you have a non-education bachelor's degree, you can complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program or a Transitional B program while teaching under supervision.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest path is through a Transitional B or C program, which allows eligible candidates to begin teaching while completing certification coursework. These are designed for career changers with degrees in high-need subject areas.

How Can I Become a Teacher in New York for Free?

You may qualify for full financial aid by submitting the FAFSA and applying for state programs like the Excelsior Scholarship or TEACH Grant. Some city programs and service-based scholarships also offer tuition support in exchange for teaching commitments.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree alone isn't enough to meet state certification requirements, but it can be a steppingstone. You can transfer credits to a bachelor's program in education or enroll in an online program while working in a support role like teaching assistant.

Explore Teaching Degrees in New York

Are you ready to take the next step toward the classroom? Explore accredited teaching degree programs in New York�online and on campus�on Learn.org. Find the right pathway to earn your certification and start teaching middle school students.