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What is a Middle School Teacher?

A Middle School Teacher may be synonymous to a Junior High Teacher in many parts of the country with its focus on providing quality education between primary school and high school.  The classification, ages, and regulation of middle schools and junior high schools may vary from school district to school district.

A junior high school or middle school will be constructed based on local demographics, independence, teaching staff, building space, and the construction of a student’s schedule.  Generally speaking, junior high school includes ninth grade which become part of a student’s official transcript.  The more commonly adopted model of middle school goes through eighth grade allowing school districts and faculty to organize resources and departments to support the necessary expectations prior to a student moving to high school.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Middle School Teacher Degree

The University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education prepares highly qualified teachers, ready to transform education using student-centered practices in a variety of school settings. Emphasizing their commitment to diversity and equity, practice, and inquiry. Their several degrees and certification programs are united by their extraordinary commitment to the preparation of teachers. They have the opportunity to use the power of teaching to deepen student learning, transform schools, and increase educational equity.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Washington University in St Louis' teacher preparation degree program provides the pedagogy, professional, and subject area education that qualifies a student for certification to teach in Missouri public schools. The program has reciprocity with many states, but few states may require additional testing or study to qualify for certification. Students must select specific courses within their subject area major to meet Missouri certification requirements. The institution offers certification options for students whose goal is to become classroom teachers.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Education is highly committed to the preparation of candidates who can assume leadership roles in the field of education. It is accomplished through the coherent integration of the abilities and predispositions of candidates. The growth and development of candidates are promoted through the curriculum, instruction, research, field experiences, clinical practice, assessments, evaluations, and interactions with faculty members and peers. All of these elements work together to build a solid foundation for exemplary practices in education.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Rochester's Graduate School of Education and Human Development highly believes that education can transform lives and make the world more just and humane. They strive to prepare their students and researchers, generate and disseminate knowledge and collaborate across disciplines, professions, and constituencies. Their diverse work in each of these domains is informed by their unique underlying beliefs. Dedicated to fostering a learning community that represents and builds on the rich diversity of different areas.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Maryland-College Park's College of Education provides research and practice-oriented programs across a wide spectrum of education issues. Preparing students to be educators, counselors, psychologists, administrators, researchers, and educational specialists. Through their unique approach students and alumni are committed to equity and social justice. Graduates work with individuals from infancy through adulthood in schools, community agencies, colleges, and universities.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Trinity University's Teaching is designed for students preparing to enter the field of education through teaching, policy, or postgraduates studies. Providing experiential learning opportunities for students who may be thinking of teaching abroad or pursuing service opportunities such as the Peace Corps or City Year. Students have opportunities for Scholarships, Experiential Learning, and Professional Development Schools. Graduates continue to Trinity's premiere MAT program with strong qualifications to pursue a future in education, possessing an experiential, innovative skill set that prepares them for leadership roles.

Acceptance Rate

28.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Georgia's College of Education is passionate and committed to improving the world. Empowering the next generation of leaders in education, counseling, health and well-being, and movement sciences. Providing immersive experiences where their students learn by doing, and their faculty encourage exploration community engagement, and pushing boundaries. UGA offers qualified students access to a range of degree programs and non-degree programs, their research labs, and the experiences offered to students.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's College of Education is an exciting and cutting-edge discipline. Graduates will be able to seek employment and make positive differences in the future of their communities. Their high-quality instruction prepares secondary education teacher leaders for middle school and high school science teaching. One of their goals is to enable and ensure that each prospective teacher enriches their life through comprehensive university education.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Texas Christian University's Middle School Teacher Education degree program provides students real-world experiences and a broadened perspective by teaching in the Fort Worth community. Their education students have a 100 percent rate and a 98 percent pass rate on state certification exams. Students exceed their expectations. Unique classes are offered to cater to every student's needs to widen their knowledge in the field.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Clemson University's Middle-Level Education (B.S.) students will graduate prepared to teach grades five through eight and will be able to fill critical teaching. They will develop strong disciplinary/content knowledge, classroom management skills. They have the opportunity to choose a content area to teach and focus on. Having expertise and certification in two subjects allows them to have more flexibility in the field and it makes them a more marketable teacher.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ohio State University's Department of Teaching and Learning help students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become an effective leader and advocate for social justice in early childhood education and middle school education. The program provides the training needed to become a teacher and obtain initial licensure to teach grades 4-9. It is designed to meet state and national standards, licensure requirements. Providing a liberal education in subjects relevant to teaching students in middle school. This pathway emphasizes disciplinary content knowledge, educational foundations courses, and pedagogy methods courses which focus on early exposure to child development and psychological and social foundations of education.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Berea College's Education Studies Department provides students an engaging experience in general studies. Students develop their understandings of the core concepts and principles in the disciplines which they translate for their students. In the area of professional studies, future teachers seek to understand the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education. The institution is a liberal arts college.

Acceptance Rate

30.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Austin College's Education Department is committed to preparing the next generation of middle school teacher leaders. The program is known for preparing educational leaders, gives students hands-on experience in local classrooms as early as their freshman year, and continues through the last course. It is a five-year Master of Arts program that allows students to receive their BA degree in any of the liberal arts majors or minors. Students have the opportunity to continue their studies with graduate education courses, resulting in both a Master's degree and a teaching certification.

Acceptance Rate

51.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Education is committed to preparing the very best middle school educators. The department emphasizes preparation and continuing professional development of early childhood, elementary, and secondary teachers, and teacher educators. Designed to prepare undergraduate and graduate students to take on the challenges of education for students of today and tomorrow. Faculty and students are committed to seeking deep interconnections among theory, research, and practice.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Geneva College's Middle Level Education degree provides students what is needed to become a middle school teacher. The program helps them develop the knowledge, disposition, and skills necessary to create academically challenging, developmentally responsive, and socially equitable learning communities for young adolescents. The institution is Christ-centered focus on helping students enter teaching knowing that faith is foundational to understanding. Offering in-demand certifications for Middle-Level Education.

Acceptance Rate

53.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Augustana College has an accredited education degree pathway offers programs that lead to licensure careers in education. The education department offers two immersion opportunities that provide students intensive, hands-on experience. Providing education majors with real-world experience in the classroom in advance of student teaching. Faculty members share a wide range of professional experiences with students. Students enrolled in the programs complete their degree in four years.

Acceptance Rate

56.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Temple University's Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Middle Grades Education offers undergraduate students the essential knowledge and instructional expertise necessary to teach students in grades four through eight. They become certified to teach all elementary subjects for grades 4 through 6. Students also develop dual or single-subject area expertise in language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. They work with special education needs students during junior year.  

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County's Education Department offers students undergraduate and graduate programs of study leading to teacher certification. They also offer programs leading to a Master's degree in teacher leadership with a concentration in mathematics, science, and STEM. Committed to provide research teaching and learning and to develop educators who are caring, thoughtful, knowledgeable, skilled, and responsive. They expect their graduates to respect diversity, to be leaders in their schools, and to advocate for democracy and social justice.

Acceptance Rate

61.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

LeTourneau University's School of Education offers an innovative middle school teacher education program designed to prepare Christ-like educators to teach wherever they are called. As LETU teacher education students, they begin active work in the classroom by their second semester and complete 100+ hours prior to students teaching. Students have the opportunity to customize their teaching degree with ESL and special education certifications or a reading minor. The institution prides itself in graduating teachers not only ready for the classroom but also excelling by state standards.

Acceptance Rate

44.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Chatham University's Education Department offers a major in PreK-4 education, and certificates to teach secondary English, social studies, mathematics, biology, physics, and chemistry. Preparing their students to be conscientious global citizens. Their students learn how to reflect on their belief systems and how they can contribute to the profession. The institution value faculty who are currently in the best practices and can transmit their experiences to their future teachers.

Acceptance Rate

62.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Harding University's degree in Middle-Level Education prepares candidates to teach at the middle level with an emphasis in teaching English, Language Arts, Social Science, Math, and Science. The teaching profession conjures up different images for different people. Teaching can span a variety of subjects and age ranges. The institution offers great internships for students enrolled in the program.

Acceptance Rate

61.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Vermont's College of Education and Social Services is a great place to immerse students in the excitement and wonder of the middle school teaching profession. Their award-winning program prepares them to create engaging curriculum and learning environments that are responsive to the needs of young adolescents. It is focused on equitable teaching, individualized learning, and social-emotional learning. Preparing students to be proficient citizens.

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Loyola University Chicago's School of Education offers a wide range of degrees including undergraduate, master's, doctoral, as well as certificate and endorsement programs. Students can explore all of their programs to find the perfect fit for their academic, personal, and professional goals. Students will be future education leaders and have a transformational experience. Preparing them to address social inequalities in both their local and global communities through the power of education and research.

Acceptance Rate

67.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of North Carolina-Wilmington's Watson College of Education prepares students to teach young minds in North Carolina in grades 6-9. This highly rewarding profession allows students to specialize in a different field and teach subjects they enjoy. Providing a large number of educational opportunities for students. The institution is a public university.

Acceptance Rate

65.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of South Carolina-Columbia's Middle-Level Education program is designed specifically for those who have a passion for teaching young minds. The program has received national recognition from the National Middle School Association. Students will be able to benefit from the Profession Development School sites that provide opportunities for teacher candidates to observe, experience, and apply best teaching practices. It is a field-based experience and it will prepare students in two content areas.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Top Middle School Teaching Degrees

Earning a degree in teaching at the junior high school or middle school level can take two primary routes.  Degree programs can include an undergraduate or graduate track depending on the programs offered by the school, your goals, and the program in which you qualify.

To help you better understand each track, we have summarized the two most popular teaching degree programs below.  Learning more about either degree has never been easier: simply select an accredited school to learn more or get matched using our proprietary matching tools today.

Middle School Teaching Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees for junior high or middle school teachers is designed to be a four to five-year program depending on the program, your course load, and endorsements earned.  Online bachelor degrees or their classroom-based equivalent, is conferred as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd).   How each degree is conferred will be a direct function of the course emphasis, curricular design, and pedagogy.

Most accredited colleges and universities offer a teaching degree with a general emphasis or subject-specific orientation.  If you are seeking to teach a specific area of study, be sure to enroll in a teaching track that focuses on an area of specialization such as reading, history, language arts, mathematics, or science.  Many teachers may choose to earn a general degree and specialize later after teaching for a few years.

Classes you may take on a path to becoming a teacher will vary on your school and the requirements of the state in which you reside.  A common set of classes you may take on your journey to becoming a teacher may include:

Middle School Teaching Master’s Degrees

Master degree programs for teachers will require students to successfully complete all lower level requirements.  Such requirements may be a combination of coursework, grades, and clinical teaching.  A master degree can take full-time students 1-3 years to complete depending on the curricular design of the program and course load.  Graduate degrees at this level will be conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA).

Classes you may take in a master’s degree program will not be identical from school to school.  Variations will exist by school, state of residence, and degree emphasis.  An example of a teaching degree coursework can include classes such as:

  • Child Psychology in Education
  • Methods for Teaching Social Studies
  • Media and Technology in the Classroom
  • Models of Instruction
  • Childhood & Adolescent Development
  • Methods for Teaching Science
  • Educational Research
  • Curriculum Development & Design
  • Literacy Development
  • Urban Learning Environment
  • Methods for Teaching Mathematics
  • Teaching Practicum
  • Clinical Teaching

How to Become a Middle School Teacher

Teachers of middle school help teenagers and pre-teenagers in 6th grade through 8th grade gain confidence, analyze subjects in greater depth, grow independence, and ultimately prepare for high school.  Teachers may teach a single subject or several subjects in various blocks or classes throughout the school year.  To become a middle school teacher, you will need to successfully achieve the following:

Step 1: Education

The typical educational requirements of a teacher are a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.  In most cases, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) will be sufficient to have meet the education requirements.  However, some states and school districts require teachers to hold a master’s degree.

Students may earn a qualifying degree in teaching or subjects such as math, science, social studies, English, or history.  Additionally, you may be able to earn a teaching certification in your state as prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) with a degree in an unrelated field of study.

Step 2:  Meet State & School Requirements

In order to teach in some states or schools, you will need to hold specific credentials.  These professional credentials may include a combination of teaching certifications, endorsements, and/or licensure.  While most private schools may not require licensure, it may be highly recommended.

During the certification and licensing process, you can expect to submit an application to your state of residence and complete a background check and fingerprinting process.  Since these requirements are regionally and state specific, you will need to confer with your state’s department of education to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Step 3:  Work Experience

The final step in the process to become a teacher is meeting specific work requirements.  Many states require students to obtain a set amount of supervised teaching experience in the classroom.  Teaching experience of a clinical nature can be attained during a degree or certification program.  Specific criteria and hours will vary by your state of residence.

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Employment Information & Teaching Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Junior High and Middle School Teacher, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from middle school teachers, high school teachers, postsecondary teachers, researcher, literacy specialist, counselor, administrative, curriculum designer, interpreter and translator to name a few possible career tracks.

Career Outlook & Job Growth for Teachers

The job growth in the greater Junior High and Middle School Teacher domain are estimated to continue to see strong growth for the foreseeable future.  For example, the rate of job growth for middle school teacher is expected to rise 6% through 2024 and high school teachers a 7% growth rate is expected during the same period.

Given the broad nature of the Junior High and Middle School Teacher degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include teaching, curriculum design, research, interpreter and translator.

Job Duties of a Middle School Teacher

1)     Adapting lesson plans, instructional materials, and teaching methods to meet student needs and interests

2)     Establishing acceptable classroom policies and procedures to maximize time & resources while documenting social and physical changes

3)     Meeting and communicating with aides, guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to help support student success

4)     Maintaining complete and accurate student records as prescribed by state laws and district policies

5)     Communicating learning objectives by lessons, project, and units

6)     Collaborating with administrators, support staff, and teachers during the development, evaluation, and revision of academic, social, and athletic programs

7)     Organizing, planning, and supervise class projects, field trips, and experiential activities to properly guide learning opportunities

8)     Managing standardized achievement tests and providing results to determine student strengths and areas of growth

9)     Attending school meetings, educational conferences, continuing education courses, and teacher workshops to maintain professional acuity

10)  Coordinating activities such as clubs, student groups, organizations, and academic contests as required

11)  Providing disabled students with necessary assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities

12)  Supervising and planning work for teacher assistants and volunteers

Middle School Teacher Career Paths

Your career in junior high school or middle school may be focused on teaching, administration, or various academic support positions.  The list below will help you understand the career options that you may consider during your career as a teacher.

  • Middle School Teacher
  • Social Services Specialist
  • Certified Physical Education Teacher
  • Family Services Worker
  • Middle School English Teacher
  • Middle School Mathematics Teacher
  • School Counselor
  • Middle School Geography Teacher
  • Children’s Minister
  • Religious School Teacher
  • Middle School History Teacher
  • Curriculum Development Specialist
  • Youth Program Director
  • Middle School Social Studies Teacher
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Youth Specialist for Nonprofit Organization
  • Education Management Specialist
  • Middle School Science Teacher
Additional Resources for Middle School Teachers

For teaching professionals and students seeking additional information, we have assembled the top organizations and associations below.  Objectives of each organization include professional development, professional networking, and online resources to help teachers from all corners of the country.

  • Association of American Educators (AAE)
  • National Education Association (NEA)
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • Association of Teacher Educators (ATE)

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