Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Career Overview

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

Also Known As

  • Language Arts Teacher (LA Teacher)
  • Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher)
  • Science Teacher
  • Teacher

Alternate Job Titles

  • Algebra Teacher
  • American History Teacher
  • Art Educator
  • Art Instructor
  • Art Teacher
  • Band Director
  • Band Teacher
  • Bilingual Instructor
  • Bilingual Teacher
  • Classroom Teacher
  • Coach
  • Computer Teacher
  • Educator
  • ELA Teacher (English Language Arts Teacher)
  • English and Language Arts Teacher

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

  • 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.
  • Assign lessons and correct homework.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

  • Education and Training
  • English Language
  • Philosophy and Theology
  • Mathematics

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

  1. Learning Strategies
  2. Instructing
  3. Speaking
  4. Active Listening
  5. Reading Comprehension
  6. Writing
  7. Active Learning
  8. Monitoring
  9. Social Perceptiveness
  10. Critical Thinking

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Written Comprehension
  • Information Ordering
  • Speech Clarity
  • Written Expression
  • Near Vision
  • Speech Recognition
  • Deductive Reasoning

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Social Orientation
  • Cooperation
  • Empathy

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

  • Relationships
  • Independence
  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration

Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience Required: 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.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

  • Apple macOS
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom

Tools & Equipment

  • Bunsen burners
  • Computer laser printers
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital video cameras
  • Dissection scalpels
  • Document cameras
  • Glass beakers
  • Interactive whiteboards
  • Laboratory heating plates
  • Laptop computers
  • Liquid crystal display LCD projectors
  • Multimedia projection equipment
  • Optical compound microscopes
  • Pencil compasses
  • Personal computers

Work Environment

  • E-Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  • Contact With Others
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

Salary & Job Market

Salary PercentileAnnual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)$47,050
Median$62,970
Top Earners (90th percentile)$100,980

Workers Employed Nationally: 620,370

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.

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