Middle school teacher...

i am taking a break this semester but i was going for my elem ed degree....however with how hard it is to get a job i am thinking of doing middle school....are they job openings in middle schools? or this is just as hard? what is a good school for this? is the degree hard? i know nothing about the middle school degree

Re: Middle school teacher...

There is no such thing as a middle school degree. Middle school is generally grades 6-8. You can teach general 6th with an elementary degree. In order to teach 7th and 8th, you are going to have to pick a specific area to teach, and those licenses cover you for grades 7-12.

I have my math 7-12 license, but I love middle school. I don't know if I could ever see myself teaching HS.

Depending on what area you pick, it might be easier to get a job (such as math, science). But other areas, like English and social studies, are just as competitive as elementary jobs are.


ETA: NYS has a middle school license you can get in specific subject areas now that cover grades 5-9, if you know you really don't want the uppper HS grades.

Message edited 9/10/2007 6:59:22 PM.

Re: Middle school teacher...

Getting a job in middle school can still be a challenge. It all depends on your certification area and the timing.

I believe the current new certifications are in a subject area and a grade level. For example, English grade 6-8.

Good luck!

Re: Middle school teacher...

thank you ladies! told you i was clueless

Re: Middle school teacher...

I actually received my Masters in Middle School Education at the Bank Street College Graduate School of Education. It was a great program because it really focused on middle students and these are the students that need the most support. Bank Street was the first to start a program like this, but I am pretty sure that there are other graduate schools that offer similar programs. The license I have is k-6 in all subjects and 7-9 in social studies.

Re: Middle school teacher...

most job listings are posted as 7-12 and not middle school specific. You'd have to search around.

Re: Middle school teacher...

I am a middle school teacher in New York City, actually tomorrow is my last day because I am going on a maternity leave, and I have always found listings for middle school positons. In New York City most Middle Schools are 6-9th grade and these schools post their openings. As far as ceritification goes if you get certified in math, science or speacial education you will have an easier time finding a job. There are sooooo many people with english and social studies degrees so these positions are quite competitive.