Teacher Education for Middle School Teachers

<h2 id="section---IsMiddleSchoolTeachingForMe">Is Middle School Teaching for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>As a middle school teacher, you would teach a specific subject, such as English, history or biology, to students between fifth and eighth grades. You would foster intellectual development by creating lesson plans that would inspire students and motivate them to learn. Computers and technology often play a major role in the classroom, allowing <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Teacher_Career_Definition_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">teachers</a> to create engaging presentations and use interactive tools to teach their students. </p> <p>Your work environment as a middle school teacher likely would vary based on where you taught, either in a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Public_Schools.html">public school</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_Become_a_Private_School_Teacher.html">private school</a>. As a teacher, you might work in excess of 40 hours each week, and you could earn tenure once you've been employed at a public school for three years or more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>The BLS predicted a 12% increase in middle school teaching jobs between 2012 and 2022 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The majority of opportunities were expected to be located in inner cities and rural areas. Additionally, job prospects were projected to be best for teachers of special education and English as a Second Language. The BLS estimated in May 2013 that middle school teachers, with the exception of special and vocational educators, earned a mean annual wage of $56,630. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkAsAMiddleSchoolTeacher">How Can I Work as a Middle School Teacher?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Middle school teachers are required to have completed an undergraduate degree, with many choosing to pursue a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelor_Degrees_in_Teaching_Online_and_Campus-Based_Program_FAQs.html">bachelor's program in teaching</a> with a focus on middle school education. It may prove beneficial to you to choose a teacher education program that's accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. You could continue your education through <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Professional_Development_for_Teachers_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">professional development programs</a> or a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Master_of_Education_Master%27s_Degree_Programs.html">master's degree program in education</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---Licensing">Licensing</h3> <p>All states require public school teachers to be licensed. License requirements vary by state, but most require a bachelor's degree and supervised teaching experience, in addition to successful completion of an exam. Alternative licensure programs are available if you don't meet the requirements for a traditional state license. These allow degree holders in fields other than education to begin teaching their specialty in schools under the supervision of experienced teachers. After a year or two of successfully educating middle school students, you would become eligible for a regular license.</p>