As a middle school teacher, you have the tremendous ability to have a positive impact on the lives of elementary school children. The lessons that you teach to children will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Middle school teachers plan lessons that are relevant for younger generations and in the fields of math, science, reading, writing and English. A middle school teacher may also need to conduct tutoring sessions outside of his or her normal teaching hours. Middle school teachers play an important role in improving the minds of children. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a middle school teacher?” When you want to become a middle school teacher, it is important for you to dedicate three or four years to a degree program that specializes in education.
What’s it like to be a middle school teacher?
When you are a middle school teacher, you provide daily lesson plans to students. You may be responsible for teaching a particular subject matter to students. It is important for you to plan out lessons ahead of time and share them with your students. When you are a middle school teacher, you may also have duties in your involvement with the administration. The administration may want you to recommend course changes to the curriculum. You may also need to provide your input on teaching methods that are used in the school. You should also be prepared to meet with parents during conferences. Parents will want to meet with you and ensure that their children are learning all of the required material. You will typically only need to work 40 hours a week when you are a middle school teacher. You may need to work additional hours if you decide to tutor students in your spare time.
Education Requirements
To become a middle school teacher, you will need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. It is important for you to take courses that help you learn about the psychology of students. You may also want to choose a specialty. You may wish to study a foreign language so that you can teach Spanish or French to your students. Having these additional certifications will also make you more marketable to schools as you apply for jobs. You will also need to obtain a teaching license for the state in which you aspire to work. It is important for you to research the state requirements ahead of time. Some states may only require that you have a teaching certificate. You will need to apply to a state department to receive your teaching certificate.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a middle school teacher is about $51,000 a year. When you want to get a job as a middle school teacher, it is important for you to consider the school district in which you aspire to work. You should try to apply for a wide number of teaching positions at schools throughout a city. You should also try to network with individuals who serve on the administration of school boards. Meeting with these individuals will give you the opportunity to make valuable connections that may prove to be valuable in helping you get a job in the future.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4449710_become-middle-school-teacher.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm