Middle school teaching is generally focused on teaching one subject in more depth than in earlier grades. In addition to standard tasks -- formulating lesson plans, assigning and grading homework and projects, and creating and monitoring tests -- teaching in middle school means being sensitive not only to student educational needs but emotional needs as well. As a teacher, you need to inspire trust while still maintaining discipline in the classroom.
Middle school teaching: training and certification
Associate degrees can provide a foundation for more advanced campus or online middle school teaching degree programs. With a bachelor's degree, you could seek work at private middle schools, but public middle school teachers generally need a bachelor's degree plus a license.
State requirements for teachers vary, but typically you must complete a teacher training program in addition to your bachelor's degree. States may offer alternative licensure if you have a degree but insufficient education credits for a regular license. Some states require teachers to obtain a master's in education within a certain time frame after they begin work. In cases like these, online middle school teaching degrees allow professionals to balance their studies and their work schedule.
Some campus and online middle school teaching degree programs at the master's level provide the education coursework necessary for licensure, particularly for students who do not have a teaching degree. Post-master's certificates, which meet continuing education requirements, are also available; doctorates are not required.
Specializations for middle school teaching
A variety of campus and online middle school teaching degrees offer specializations in subject areas such as these:
- Adolescents and technology
- Leadership
- Mathematics
- Science
- Special, elementary or middle level education
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the in-demand fields are math, science and bilingual education.
Middle school teaching: salary and career outlook
The BLS reports that middle school teachers -- not including those in special education -- earned median wages of $51,960 in 2010, with lower salaries outside of public schools. Employment is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2008 to 2018.
As academics become more high-tech, the U.S. Department of Education predicts that teachers could become facilitators who set group project goals and offer guidelines and resources, rather than just dispensing information. Online middle school teaching degree programs are one way to integrate technology into your education, as you prepare for the schools of tomorrow.
Middle school teaching is generally focused on teaching one subject in more depth than in earlier grades. In addition to standard tasks -- formulating lesson plans, assigning and grading homework and projects, and creating and monitoring tests -- teaching in middle school means being sensitive not only to student educational …
