Secondary and Middle School Teacher
Secondary and middle school teachers play a crucial role in the education of adolescents, focusing on their academic and developmental needs. These educators may specialize in subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, or the arts, or they may serve as generalists with diverse knowledge across various disciplines. Working primarily in public and private middle and high schools, these teachers are responsible for planning lessons, delivering instruction, grading assignments, and fostering a supportive classroom environment that accommodates different learning styles.
The work environment for secondary and middle school teachers includes interactions with students, families, and fellow educators, often requiring them to address the diverse backgrounds and needs of their students. While the typical work week is around forty hours, teachers also enjoy vacations during school breaks and may have opportunities for summer teaching roles. The profession demands strong communication, organizational skills, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
To enter this field, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in education or a related subject, along with teaching certification. Relevant experiences, such as internships or volunteering with youth, are also beneficial. Overall, secondary and middle school teachers are integral to shaping the academic journey and future success of their students.
Secondary and Middle School Teacher
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training
Interests: Teaching, lesson planning, leading instructional activities, adolescent development, student safety, peer mentoring
Earnings (Yearly Median): $65,220 per year (high school, 2023); $64,290 per year (middle school, 2023)
Employment & Outlook: -1% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-job-Training: None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Secondary and middle school teachers, also called middle and high school teachers, are teaching professionals who focus on the educational needs of adolescents. Secondary and middle school teachers may be generalists with knowledge and talents in a wide range of subjects or have an academic specialization, such as history, language arts, mathematics, physical education, science, art, or music. Secondary and middle school teachers work in both public and private school settings. They may be assigned student and peer mentoring and administrative tasks in addition to their teaching responsibilities.
Work Environment. Secondary and middle school teachers work in high schools and middle schools designed to meet adolescents' social and educational needs. The amounts and types of resources in middle and high schools and middle and high school classrooms, such as art supplies, music lessons, physical education facilities, field trips, and assistant teachers, differ depending on the school’s financial resources and the educational philosophy directing the curriculum. Middle and high schools may be private or public. They may be independent or part of a larger school encompassing more grade levels.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of secondary and middle school teacher tend to be intelligent, creative, patient, and caring. Secondary and middle school teachers, who instruct and nurture secondary and middle school students, should find satisfaction in spending long hours instructing and mentoring adolescents. Successful secondary and middle school teachers excel at long-term scheduling, lesson planning, problem-solving, and communication.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A secondary and middle school teacher’s daily duties and responsibilities include planning, teaching, classroom preparation, student care, family outreach, school duties, and professional development.
Secondary and middle school teachers plan and execute specific teaching plans and lessons. They may also be responsible for buying or securing donations for classroom or project supplies. They assign homework and projects, teach good study habits, grade student work, maintain accurate academic records for all students, and lead and administer activities such as lab sessions, reviews, exams, student clubs, and small group learning.
Classroom preparation and cleaning duties may include labeling materials, organizing desks and work areas, displaying student work on bulletin boards and display boards, and, depending on janitorial support, cleaning up and sanitizing spaces at the end of the school day.
Secondary and middle school teachers greet students as they arrive in the classroom, promote a supportive learning environment, maintain student safety and health, provide appropriate levels of discipline in the classroom and school environment, build student cooperation and listening skills, and work to present lessons in multiple ways to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Some teachers may provide family outreach by greeting student families at school drop-off and dismissal times and using a student school-family communication tool when required. All teachers must communicate regularly with families regarding student academic performance.
Secondary and middle school teachers must attend staff meetings, participate in peer mentoring, enforce school policies, and lead open houses for prospective families. Teachers may also be responsible for overseeing students in the school hallways and for supervising school field trips. Their professional development duties include attending professional meetings, continued training, and recertifying as needed.
Secondary and middle school teachers must work daily to meet the needs of all students, families, fellow teachers, and school administrators.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. A secondary and middle school teacher’s immediate physical environment is the middle and high school classroom. Secondary and middle school teachers tend to have a fair bit of autonomy in deciding classroom layout and curriculum. Secondary and middle school teachers generally work forty-hour weeks and follow an annual academic schedule with ample winter, spring, and summer vacations. Summer teaching opportunities in summer school and summer camps are common.
Human Environment. Secondary and middle school teachers are in constant contact with adolescents, student families, school administrators, and fellow teachers. Secondary and middle school teachers may have students with physical and mental disabilities, as well as students who are English language learners (ELL). Secondary and middle school teachers must be comfortable working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and able to incorporate lessons on diversity into their teaching.
Technological Environment. Secondary and middle school classrooms increasingly rely on computers for student use. Teachers should be comfortable using online communication tools and teaching adolescent students to use educational software. Most teachers also use computers to perform administrative tasks and record student progress. Secondary and middle school teachers should be comfortable with standard office and audiovisual equipment.
Education, Training, and Advancement
Middle and high school/Secondary. Middle and high school students interested in becoming secondary and middle school teachers should develop good study habits. Interested middle and high school students should take a broad range of courses in education, child development, science, mathematics, history, language arts, physical education, and the arts. Those interested in the field of education may benefit from seeking internships or volunteer/part-time work with children and teachers at camps and after-school programs.
Suggested middle and high school subjects
− Algebra
− Arts
− Audiovisual
− Biology
− Child Growth & Development
− College Preparatory
− Composition
− English
− Foreign Languages
− Government
− Graphic Communications
− History
− Humanities
− Literature
− Mathematics
− Political Science
− Psychology
− Science
− Social Studies
− Sociology
− Speech
− Theater & Drama
Post Secondary. College students interested in working toward a degree or career in secondary and middle education should consider majoring in education and earning initial teaching certification as part of their undergraduate education program. Aspiring teachers should complete coursework in education, child development, and psychology. Those interested in pursuing a career in secondary education often major in the subject area they wish to teach. Prior to graduation, college students intent on becoming secondary and middle school teachers should gain teaching experience through an internship or volunteer/part-time work; prospective teachers should also research master’s of education programs and state teaching certification requirements.
Related Occupations
− Career and Technical Education Teacher
Bibliography
“High School Teachers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
“Middle School Teachers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.