Best Online Degrees to Become a Middle School Teacher

Do you have a passion for learning and desire to guide young minds? If so, you might be wondering how to become a middle school teacher. This career is more than just grading assignments and designing lesson plans. It’s about igniting a student’s curiosity for the subject matter, becoming a mentor during their pivotal years, and being a positive influence in your community. Every day presents new challenges, but the benefits are highly rewarding.

In the next sections, we’ll go into the specifics of becoming a middle school teacher, including education and certification requirements. In the United States, middle school teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in education to perform standard duties. Nowadays the majority of your schooling is achievable from the comfort of your own home. This is due to an abundance of accredited degree programs available online.

Article Navigation: How to Become a Middle School Teacher | Can I Become a Middle School Teacher Online? | Middle School Teacher Requirements: Education Details | The Career Path: Why Become a Middle School Teacher | Licensing and Certification | Jobs & Salaries | Get Started Today!

How to Become a Middle School Teacher: Step by Step

To become a middle school teacher, begin by earning a bachelor’s degree, either in an education-related field or in the subject you wish to teach. Then, you should complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Once that’s accomplished, it’s essential to pass all the basic skills and competency exams required for the state in which you plan to teach. After successfully passing these exams, you’ll undergo a background check. With all these prerequisites met, you can then proceed to apply for state licensure.

There are different ways to become a teacher. In other words, not everyone will follow the traditional path to a teaching credential. One route is with a Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching or a Master in Education (M.Ed). They provide classroom management skills to people with unrelated undergrad degrees. Alternatively, private schools may hire people without a degree. A fast track into classroom teaching is through an internship at your local school district. While in a credentialed program or undergrad degree, students can intern at a school for streamlined work experience. In states like California, it’s possible to enroll in a teacher preparation program, in some cases. Applicants must have a degree, have passed basic skills and subject matter competency exams, and have 40 hours of classroom experience either through volunteering or substitute teaching.

Can I Become a Middle School Teacher Online?

If you want to know how to be a middle school teacher but are concerned about the lack of nearby programs in your area, have no fear. Fortunately, most of your education can be completed online. Many reputable education programs are designed for distance learners. You can enroll in an accredited school with a teacher preparation program from anywhere. It’s also possible to find asynchronous or part-time programs. This flexibility lets students pursue their degrees on their schedule.

Not all degree elements are online. Since the primary duty of teachers is to educate students, every degree features an in-person practicum. Student teaching plays an essential part in a student’s development. Each program has placement specialists who connect students to field experience opportunities.

Certification exams such as basic skills and subject area exams are computer-based exams. Thankfully, providers like Pearson VUE and PRAXIS (ETS) are large organizations with testing centers all over the country. Whether a candidate needs to travel to a testing center or simply take the exam at home depends on the test and the state. For example, the Middle Grades General Science test for the state of ArizonaArizona can be taken in both formats.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Middle School Teacher Online?

When researching how to become a middle school teacher, take into consideration how long this goal will take. Since the first step is completing a bachelor’s degree, full-time students can graduate in four years.

Next comes a state-approved teacher preparation program. This step normally takes two or three semesters. This experience involves student teaching in actual school settings. The amount of classroom experience received differs with each program. Also, every state enforces its own policy toward student teaching hours. In Oregon for example, Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs) by law must give their students at least nine consecutive weeks of clinical training in a school setting.

The final part of an aspiring middle school teacher’s journey is passing all required basic skills, subject competency, and other tests that the state requires. The time needed to study can range from one to two months, but this is unique to the individual. In many cases, teacher candidates will complete this requirement during their clinical practices. Some teacher preparation programs may ask applicants to pass these exams before enrolling.

Applying for a preliminary credential may take 10 to 50 days to process. This will depend on the state. When it’s all said and done, you can expect to complete the entire process in around five years.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Middle School Teacher Online?

While total costs fluctuate depending on the program and state, the education required to become a teacher, encompassing a teacher training program, typically ranges from $17,000 to $77,000. Additionally, one should anticipate extra expenses such as tests, background checks, and application fees, which usually total a few hundred dollars. This is because PRAXIS or other skills exams cost between $70 to $150. The number of required skill exams will depend on the state and specific credential desired. Background checks cost around $50 and a state application fee ranges between $100-$200. Hypothetically, if a candidate only needed two exams and the fees were minimal, it would cost at least $17,310 to become a middle school teacher.

Middle School Teacher Education Requirements

Let’s address what degree you need to teach middle school. Generally, middle school educators need a bachelor’s degree in education. This degree should be tailored for middle grades and have a specialization in the subject you want to teach.

Online middle school teacher programs revolve around a central learning hub. For example, platforms like Canvas offer access to virtual lectures, homework assignments, and course materials. Depending on the program, it will be possible to complete all general and specialized coursework in a virtual format. Once it’s time to begin student teaching, this is when teacher candidates transition to in-person environments.

Teacher training programs must have state approval. This means that the curriculum, quality of education, and learning outcomes meet the state’s criteria to prepare effective teachers. A universal requirement across the country is accreditation. Accreditation guarantees that a program meets the highest level of quality, which increases the likelihood of state approval. Graduates of state-approved programs may apply for a teaching credential once all requirements are met.

Middle school teachers can boost their job prospects with certifications. Examples include American Sign Language (ASL) certification, a Reading Specialist certification, or a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) specialization. After three years of successful teaching, you can pursue National Board Certification. Becoming board-certified can open many doors in the educational field.

Elementary teachers can transition to middle school classrooms. One way to do this is with a master’s degree with an emphasis on middle grades. Another common route that is less of a financial and time commitment is with a middle-grade teaching endorsement. Endorsements are similar to certifications which ensure teachers meet the necessary coursework requirements to shift to different educational roles. We’ll go deeper into what endorsements are later in this article!

Top 5 Online Middle School Teacher Degree Programs

1. Brenau University

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $43,080

   Brenau University offers a dynamic BS in Middle Grades Education. This four-year program is available either online or in person. Students will gain job-ready skills to work as a teacher or administrator. The program offers invaluable in-person field experience in different educational settings. Example concentrations include English language arts, math, reading, science, and social studies. Graduates will have an opportunity to take the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE) exam. Graduates upon completion of necessary coursework. Passing the GACE qualifies students for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification to teach at middle schools in the state.

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2. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

   Accreditation: HLC & CAEP
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $26,100

   Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), offers an online BA with a Christian worldview to prepare future classroom leaders. The program’s real-world curriculum meets Texas’ middle school teacher requirements. It also qualifies graduates for the state’s Secondary Education Certification requirements. This program is 121 credit hours, so full-time students can finish in four years. Those who enroll will gain expertise in literacy and teaching techniques. The goal of the program is to prepare educators in English and language arts for 7 to 12th-grade learners. Small class sizes allow for a personalized experience.

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   Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts & Reading (Middle & Secondary)

    

3. Liberty University

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $23,400

   Liberty University has a fully online B.Ed in Middle Education. Its goal is to create inspirational educators. Each class is innovative with a Christian perspective. Not only will students gain foundational knowledge for a diverse range of classrooms, but they will learn essential communication skills to support adolescent learners. Students will dive into a wide variety of classes that tackle core coursework in middle school. They also will be able to specialize in either math, science, English, or social science. Students who complete this middle school education degree have an opportunity to apply for a Virginia teacher’s license.

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   Bachelor of Education in Middle Education / Math

    

4. Campbellsville University

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $18,930

   Campbellsville is not only one of the most affordable Christian Colleges in the US, but it also offers an online MA in Teaching Middle Grades (5-9) that equips graduates for a fulfilling career in education. To earn this degree, one needs to complete 30-36 credits. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to specialize in English, science, social studies, or mathematics. Each course, spanning 8 weeks, is meticulously designed to enhance teaching, management, and research skills. An essential component of the program is the in-depth mentorship. Moreover, students will undergo 16 weeks of hands-on teaching experience, preparing them for teaching certification. However, for those enrolled as Option 6 students, there’s a chance to complete the program without the fieldwork practice.

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   Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Grades (5-9)

    

5. Valdosta State University

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $19,080-$19,260

   Already employed Middle school teachers certified in both/math and science have an opportunity to advance their skills. Valdosta State University offers a fully online M.Ed in Middle Grades Math & Science. The degree will serve as an upgrade to a student’s existing teaching credential. A Tier I Educational Leadership Certification add-on is also available. An example course is Instructional Leadership & Supervisory Practices. The 36-credit program builds on core knowledge of math, science, research skills, and teaching practice. It takes around 16 months to graduate. Every aspect of the degree is online.

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   Master of Education Middle Grades Math & Science

Middle School Teacher Degree Types

As we continue to learn how to become a middle school teacher, it’s important to understand the different degrees someone can pursue. Likewise, prospective students can find a middle school education degree that aligns with their professional goals. Let’s take a deeper look at each available option.

Online Bachelor’s in Education

A bachelor’s degree is one of the most important education requirements to be a teacher. To apply for a teaching certificate or license, qualified candidates need an undergraduate degree. The degree must be in education. Depending on the state, middle school teachers may either need a degree in elementary education or specialize in one subject area like science or English. This degree needs accreditation.

A typical online bachelor’s degree in education takes four years to complete. This is if you decide to study full-time. Students can expect approximately 120 credit hours of coursework.

Programs usually begin with foundational courses like Middle School Curriculum and Instruction. Once candidates advance, they’ll participate in classes that are geared toward their focus area. For example, students specializing in English may take Rhetoric and Composition or Foundations in Reading.

Upon nearing the end of the program, students usually engage in fieldwork experience, which entails hands-on student teaching. Following the program’s completion, students not only qualify for but might also sit for the teaching certification exam specific to the university’s state. When it comes to admission, typical requirements encompass an online application, official transcripts from prior educational institutions, and a GPA that meets or exceeds 2.5.

BA vs. BS vs. BEd

When considering the education required to become a teacher, there are multiple options. Degree-seekers can choose from a bachelor’s of arts (BA), a bachelor’s of science (BS), or a bachelor’s of education (B.Ed). The first thing you should ask yourself is what subject do I want to teach? If your goal is to teach math or science, then a BS is recommended. According to the National Council of Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a BS tends to feature a course load with more math and science classes. For social studies, English, or language arts, a BA is best. A bachelor’s of education specifically prepares its students for the classroom. B.Ed’s will often include a teacher preparation program which leads to licensure.

Online Master’s in Education

A master’s degree online in middle years education is ideal for experienced teachers or for people without teaching experience who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. They often need to submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, transcripts, and a resume. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in the same or related field. In addition, certain programs require a teaching credential. With an M.Ed, degree-seekers can either hone their craft as a teacher or open doors to other high-paying roles in the education world. Unlike a bachelor’s in education, an M.Ed can qualify professionals for administrative positions.

Programs will be around 30-36 credits in length. Full-time students may graduate within one or two years. Most M.Eds provide specializations in subjects like math, English, or social studies. Sample foundational courses include Content Literacy, Research Methods and Procedures, and Educational Technology. Students may take 3-6 credits worth of specialization courses. The final phase of the degree often involves student teaching or supervised practicum. Those who matriculate can develop many skills like curriculum development, leadership, administration, research, and instruction. Comparatively, a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) would have greater emphasis on classroom-related skills.

Middle-Grade Teaching Endorsement

Teaching endorsements are unique. On the one hand, they’re not middle school teacher requirements. Nor do they replace a teaching credential. They do, however, add lots of value to a teacher’s resume.

As mentioned in our teaching endorsement guide, they’re specializations that qualify teachers for areas outside of their original credential’s scope. Having more endorsements opens doors to more opportunities, which can lead to higher salaries. Endorsements prove a teacher has capacities in multiple areas, grade levels, or subjects. This makes them more competitive when applying for educational roles.

It’s possible to receive endorsements while earning a certificate to become a teacher. Teachers may also earn endorsements after starting their careers. Many community colleges, universities, and colleges offer endorsement programs online. Example endorsements include elementary education, middle grades, senior high, PEL CTE 5-12, foreign languages like Spanish, and literacy.

Middle school teachers may consider endorsements if they want to work in a wider range of classroom settings. Since an endorsement signifies that a teacher specializes in multiple areas, it offers flexibility when deciding where to work. Endorsements may also lead to promotions. Generally, endorsement programs are cheaper and faster to earn compared to receiving an advanced degree.

Licensing & Certification for Middle School Teachers

Understanding how to become a middle school teacher can be a complicated process. Thankfully, we’re about to break it down!

People commonly wonder, “Do you need a teaching certificate to teach?” In short, yes. You need certification to become a teacher. To emphasize, the two most essential documents to teach in any state are a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential or license.

There are multiple steps needed to apply for a teacher’s license in each state. The most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher preparation program, and pass all required basic skills examinations for the state they want to teach. Let’s explore further.

Bachelor’s degree: Ideally, the bachelor’s degree is from a teaching-related field. Generally, this takes four years to complete. Tuition typically hovers around $16k-$77k.

State-approved teacher preparation program: It’s common for undergraduate degrees in education to include a teacher preparation program. Generally, a program lasts two semesters. It’s here where students gain field experience in actual school settings.

Skills tests: Each state has its own examinations to apply for certification. In Texas, for example, future middle school teachers must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12. This costs $116. They must also pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) exam which costs $115. If interested in teaching one subject, let’s say math, rather than the 4-8 exam, a candidate may take the TExES Mathematics (115) exam. Individual subject exams cost $58.

Once you’ve met these requirements the final step is to complete a background check along with an application. In Wyoming, licensure applicants must pay an in-state application fee of $175, plus a $50 fingerprint processing fee. An additional requirement in Wyoming is the demonstration of knowledge of the US and state constitutions. Relevant university coursework meets this requirement.

The Career Path: Why Become a Middle School Teacher

What is a Middle School Teacher?

Middle teachers are an important part of their student’s lives. On a surface level, they perform the same tasks as most educators. A typical day includes delivering lesson plans, organizing projects, teaching subject matter, evaluating student’s progress, enforcing classroom rules, and preparing students for standardized tests. Besides general tasks, middle school teachers build bonds with their students, motivate them, help them find their strengths, and build their foundational skills.

There is something unique, however, about the role of a middle school teacher. These professionals don’t just work with any kind of student. They teach adolescents. Our adolescent years may be our most impactful both emotionally and academically. It’s a time of puberty and constant changes. In this phase of life, we develop our identities, while we bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood. It’s an age where adult guidance is needed more than ever. Who interacts and spends time with these learners the most? It’s their teacher. Middle school teachers serve as important influences and guides to support these formative years of an adolescent.

Middle school teachers have many specialties. First of all, most of these teachers specialize in one unique subject, such as art, math, science, or a world language. They also have skills in classroom management, organization, empathy, and patience.

Elementary vs. Middle vs. High School Teacher

Whether you’re considering teaching high school vs middle school or teaching middle school vs elementary, there are a few details to consider. The first is salary. Interestingly, the median salary for each is similar, coming in at just under $62,000. Next is student demographics. The ages of students will vary for elementary (grade 5 and lower) middle (6-8 graders) and high school (9-12 grade).

Additionally, each profession requires at least a bachelor’s degree and a license. The education path to become a teacher is 4-5 years, in any case. Middle and high school teachers generally specialize in a single subject. Therefore, a credential for that specific area is required. Elementary teachers teach broad subjects, therefore a multiple-subject credential is needed. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically need a bachelor’s in elementary education. For higher levels, a single subject degree or a degree in education is recommended. The basic skills exams often are similar. However, candidates will need to pass different subject matter competency exams. These exams depend on each unique license.

Salary for Middle School Teachers

If you’re wondering how much a middle school teacher makes, you’ll be surprisingly pleased with the answer. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for middle school teachers in 2021 was a respectable $61,320. In fact, the highest 10 percent earned $99,470! Be aware that there’s a large wage gap for teachers. The lowest 10 percent made $45,510 per year. Experience level and geographic location play a role in this disparity. For example, New York ($93,380), California ($93,000), and Washington ($86,000) were the three top-paying states for middle school teachers. Mississippi ($48,170), South Dakota ($49,230), and West Virginia ($49,589) were the three lowest-paying states for middle school teachers.

Career Outlook

Now that we’ve discussed how to become a middle school teacher, let’s get real. Is this a secure job? Based on future projections, yes it is! Employment for this role will increase an expected 4% over the next ten years. That’s about as fast as the national average. In fact, each year there will be approximately 47,300 openings for middle school teachers. State budgets, local government budgets, future class sizes, and projected teacher replacement needs impact the number of teacher vacancies. The states with the largest projected employment rate increases over the next ten years are Utah (21%), Colorado (18%), Washington (16%), Idaho (16%), and Arizona (15%). States with the most projected job openings over the next decade include Texas (5,800), New York (3,890), California (3,280), Florida (2,840), and Georgia (2,530).

Get Started Today!

We hope we’ve inspired you to take the next steps toward your teaching journey! As a middle school teacher, you’ll create a positive impact on the lives of future generations. You’ve learned what schooling is needed and where to find online courses that won’t break the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Our nation’s future leaders need a role model like you. Start your journey as a middle school teacher today!