Education & Library
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Also called: Art Teacher, English Teacher, Language Arts Teacher (LA Teacher), Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher)
US median pay
$64,370
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-0.4%
declining
Openings a year (US)
38,800
630,100 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Assist students who need extra help, such as by tutoring and preparing and implementing remedial programs.
- Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and correct student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Time Management3.8/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Service Orientation3.2/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
Knowledge
- Education and Training4.5/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Philosophy and Theology3.8/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Psychology3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree67%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate21%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.