Middle school teachers held about 627,500 jobs in 2014. The majority of middle school teachers work in public and private schools.

Most states have tenure laws, which mean that after a certain number of years of satisfactory classroom teaching, teachers may have some job security.

Watching students develop new skills and gain an appreciation for knowledge and learning can be very rewarding. However, teaching may be stressful. Some schools have large classes and lack important teaching tools, such as computers and current textbooks.  

Additionally, most teachers are held accountable for their students' performance on standardized tests, which can be frustrating. Working with middle school students also can be challenging because the students are becoming adolescents and teachers need to be able to understand what they are going through.

Work Schedules

Middle school teachers generally work school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school. Teachers often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons. 

Many work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. Some teachers teach summer programs.

Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 8 weeks in a row then have a break for 1 week before starting a new school session. They also have a 5-week midwinter break.