How to become a middle school teacher, except special and career/technical education
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education do
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.
Skills that matter most
- Learning Strategies
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Is middle school teacher, except special and career/technical education a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 26% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $102,140
- California $98,950
- New York $94,840
- Connecticut $93,610
- Rhode Island $92,760
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.