Middle school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
For information about teacher preparation programs and certification requirements in your state, contact the U.S. Department of Education.
All states require public middle school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Many states require middle school teachers to major in a content area, such as math or science. Other states require middle school teachers to major in elementary education. Those who major in a content area typically enroll in their university’s teacher preparation program and take classes in education and child psychology.
Teacher education programs teach prospective middle school teachers how to present information to students and how to work with students of varying abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include fieldwork, such as student teaching.
Some states require middle school teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification.
Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek middle school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a major in elementary education or a content area.
All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed, or certified, as it is frequently referred to. Those who teach in private schools are not usually required to be licensed.
Certification of middle school teachers varies considerably from state to state. In some states, they are certified to teach elementary school grades, which are typically first through 6th grades or first through 8th grades. In other states, they are certified to teach middle school grades, which include 6th through 8th grades. Still other states provide middle school teachers with a secondary school or high school certification, which often includes 7th through 12th grades.
Requirements for certification also vary by state. However, all states require at least a bachelor’s degree. They also require completing a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching, which is typically gained through student teaching. Some states require a minimum grade point average.
States typically require candidates to pass a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates their knowledge of the subject they will teach.
Teachers are often required to complete annual professional development classes to keep their license. Most states require teachers to pass a background check, and some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification.
All states offer an alternative route to certification for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack the education courses required for certification. Some alternative certification programs allow candidates to begin teaching immediately after graduation, under the supervision of an experienced teacher. These programs cover teaching methods and child development. After they complete the program, candidates are awarded full certification.
Other programs require students to take classes in education before they can teach. Students may be awarded a master’s degree after completing either of these programs. For more information about alternative certification programs, contact the National Center for Alternative Certification.
Experienced teachers can advance to become mentors or lead teachers. In these positions, they often work with less experienced teachers to help them improve their teaching skills.
With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals, both of which generally require additional education in education administration or leadership. For more information, see the profiles on school and career counselors, librarians, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals.
Communication skills. Teachers must collaborate with other teachers and special education teachers. In addition, they need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators.
Instructional skills. Middle school teachers need to be able to explain difficult concepts in terms that students can understand. In addition, they need to be able to get students engaged in learning and adapt lessons to each student’s needs.
Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Middle school teachers must be patient when students struggle with material.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition