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Many people think that you need a specific degree to teach middle school, but that’s not always the case. You can actually teach middle school with an elementary education degree.
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Yes, You Can Teach Middle School With an Elementary Education Degree
You can teach middle school with an elementary education degree. In fact, you may be able to teach any grade level with an elementary education degree, depending on the state in which you are certified. There are a few things to consider, such as whether or not you are comfortable teaching older students and if you are willing to get additional certification.
Middle schools are organized differently than elementary schools
While the thought of teaching middle school may send some elementary educators running in the other direction, it’s important to remember that middle schools are organized differently than elementary schools. In fact, middle school curriculum is more focused on individualized instruction, which can be a good fit for teachers with an elementary education degree.
In addition, teachers who are interested in working with middle school students can benefit from taking additional coursework in adolescent development and learning. While not required, this type of coursework can help prepare you for the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teaching middle school.
The core curriculum is the same
At its heart, teaching is teaching, no matter the age of the students. The core curriculum is the same, whether you’re teaching first graders or seventh graders: reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The pedagogy might be different — games and songs for little ones; more discussion and reasoning with tweens and teens — but the basics are the same. So if you have a knack for teaching and want to try your hand at middle school after getting your degree in elementary education, know that you can make the switch.
You will need to take some additional courses
If you have an elementary education degree, you may be wondering if you can teach middle school. The answer is, yes, but you will need to take some additional courses.
There are a few different ways that you can go about this. One option is to get a master’s degree in education with a focus on middle school education. This will give you the coursework that you need to be able to teach middle school effectively.
Another option is to take some individual courses that are specifically designed for middle school teachers. These courses will give you the skills and knowledge that you need to be an effective middle school teacher.
You may also want to consider getting certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This certification is recognized by many states and will show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective middle school teacher.
Whatever route you decide to take, make sure that you are taking courses that are specific to teaching middle school. This will ensure that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective middle school teacher.
No, You Cannot Teach Middle School With an Elementary Education Degree
With an elementary education degree, you can teach kindergarten through fifth grade. In order to teach middle school, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license that allows you to teach middle school. You cannot teach middle school with an elementary education degree.
Middle schools are organized differently than elementary schools
While elementary education and middle school teaching both work with kids, they are vastly different types of jobs that require different types and levels of training. In order to be a middle school teacher, you must have a degree specific to teaching middle school or go through extra training. You cannot simply get an elementary education degree and then teach at the middle school level.
The core curriculum is not the same
While both elementary and middle school teachers need to teach reading, writing and math, that’s where the similarities stop. Middle school teachers need to be prepared to teach more complex versions of these subjects as well as social studies and science. In order to do this, they need a more in-depth understanding of the subjects they will be teaching. They also need to be able to engage with sixth, seventh and eighth graders, who are going through lots of changes physically, emotionally and mentally.
In order to get a middle school teaching certificate, you will need to complete a teacher education program that includes a student-teaching experience at the middle school level. You will also be required to take additional coursework in your subject area or areas. Elementary education degrees do not typically include this type of specificity, so it is not possible to earn an elementary education degree and then teach middle school without completing additional coursework or getting a second degree.
You will need to take some additional courses
If you have an elementary education degree, you can become certified to teach middle school in some states. Other states will require you to take additional coursework at the middle or secondary level before you can be certified to teach in a middle school. In still other states, you may be able to earn a middle school teaching certificate by completing a master’s degree in education with a concentration in middle level education.
