Middle school teachers generally work with students in grades five through eight, and teach subjects like science, math, English, social studies, music, foreign language and physical education. A bachelor’s degree is typically required, and those working at public schools need to be licensed or certified.

The transition from primary school to middle school is abrupt for students. Math problems requiring simple addition and subtraction suddenly become geometric theorems and algebraic equations. And the sufficient readying of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade minds for the rigors of high school academics emerges as a major point of emphasis. This is just one reason a middle school teacher’s job is so crucial.

Effective middle school teachers spend significant time planning for the upcoming school day, says Nancy Poliseno, a middle-level educator for more than two decades and former president of the Association for Middle Level Education. "They put in long hours preparing quality instruction and activities that engage their students in learning. And in addition to that, they spend long hours grading and assessing," she says. "Middle school educators put in a lot of time before kids arrive in the mornings, and their time after school and on the weekends is extended as well."

Middle school teachers work in both private and public secondary schools, and most follow a 10-month schedule with two months off for summer break.

A positive job outlook is fueled by higher student enrollment, but growth depends on the region, since the amount state and local governments budget for new positions varies significantly.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 0.8% employment growth for middle school teachers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 5,100 jobs should open up.

Those interested in becoming a middle school teacher must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in early education or a content area, such as math, science or English. Content area majors almost always enroll in a teacher preparation program (taking courses in education and child psychology) at an accredited university. Certain states require prospective middle school educators to go a step further and earn a master’s degree upon receiving their certification. All states require public school middle educators to obtain a license or certification before they begin teaching. Private school teachers may be exempt not only from this rule but other state requirements.

Prospective middle school teachers best gain experience through teacher preparation programs, because they provide an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of various teaching methods and child development. "A lot of your colleges and universities require teachers or people in their teacher program a lot of hours interning in classroom situations," Poliseno says. "But a lot of people can also do that through coaching experiences, after-school programs or tutoring programs."

Most states require teachers to pass a background check. While every state requires middle school teachers to earn a license or certification before they begin teaching, each state has its own rules for how that task is accomplished. Aspiring teachers might also be required to pass a general teaching certification test in their chosen content area. All states also offer alternate routes to certification for middle school teaching applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree but lack the training necessary to excel in the field.