What Kind of Teaching Credentials Do You Need to Teach Middle School?

Bachelor's Degree

Middle school teacher must typically obtain at least a bachelor's degree. An education or teaching degree may be acceptable, but most middle school teachers major in a particular subject, such as math, English or social sciences. For elective courses, students should choose the types of subjects they wish to teach. For instance, a future math teacher should take algebra, geometry, statistics, calculus, measurement and basic number skills courses to get a broad background within mathematics.

All U.S. states require public school teachers to get a teaching license or certificate. Licensing programs and specific requirements vary from state to state, but they all include pedagogical coursework and supervised teaching experience. Some schools and states combine middle school and elementary school teaching certifications. Most states also require applicants for teaching credentials to take a basic skills exam covering reading and writing. According to the BLS, many now use a demonstration-based system, requiring applicants to satisfactorily teach for a period of time before granting a full license.

A degree beyond the bachelor's may not be required to gain employment initially as a middle school teacher, but some districts and states require those hired with bachelor's degrees to obtain a master's degree within the first years of employment. Teachers must obtain continuing education credits to retain their teaching licenses in most states, so instructors may choose to enroll in a master's or doctoral degree program to fulfill these requirements. Postsecondary degree students teaching middle school major in education, teaching, liberal arts or specific subjects.

Teachers in private middle schools may be exempt from state licensing requirements. While a teaching credential may help applicants get a job in private schools since it demonstrates some experience and education in pedagogy, private institutions sometimes hire those without licenses. As a trade-off, however, private schools may demand a higher level of education, preferring employees with master's or doctoral degrees. Each private school determines its own minimum qualification requirements.