{"id":46519,"date":"2024-08-11T11:49:17","date_gmt":"2024-08-11T16:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=46519"},"modified":"2024-08-11T11:49:17","modified_gmt":"2024-08-11T16:49:17","slug":"how-much-does-a-middle-school-teacher-make-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-a-middle-school-teacher-make-in-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Middle School Teacher Make in Pennsylvania? [2024 Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Middle school teachers dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation\u2013 experiencing<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the joy of inspiring young minds, fostering curiosity, and making a lasting impact on students&#8217; lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re considering this fulfilling career path, Pennsylvania offers the chance to make a decent living and live in a vibrant state with a rich history and diverse communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like any career choice, understanding the salary landscape is crucial. Knowing what to expect financially empowers you to make informed decisions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The average annual salary of a middle school teacher in Pennsylvania is $71,140.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll dig deeper into the salaries of middle school teachers in Pennsylvania. We&#8217;ll explore the numbers and the factors that influence them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, we&#8217;ll provide insights into the requirements and process of becoming a certified middle school teacher in the state, as well as different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/encouraging-ways-online-teaching-certification-can-transform-your-career\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certification options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to suit your needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-363922\" src=\"\/media-tx\/middle-school-teacher-make-north-carolina.jpg\" alt=\"Adorable student learn with teacher in classroom\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a Middle School Teacher?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A middle school teacher is an educator who teaches students in the middle grades, from 6th to 8th grade. Middle school teachers specialize in one or more subjects and deliver their lessons to different classrooms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Middle school students are typically 11 to 14 years old. This means you must have patience and empathy to understand the unique challenges and developmental stages of middle school students and provide emotional support when needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The daily activities of middle school teachers include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lesson planning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Developing lesson plans that align with curriculum standards and preparing materials and resources for the day\u2019s activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Teaching classes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Delivering lessons, facilitating discussions, and conducting activities to help students understand and engage with the material.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grading and assessments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Evaluating student work, grading assignments and tests, and providing feedback to help students improve.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Classroom management: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining order in the classroom, addressing behavioral issues, and creating a conducive learning environment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Individual support:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offering extra help to students who need it through one-on-one tutoring, answering questions, or providing additional resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Collaboration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Working with other teachers, administrators, and parents to support student learning and address any issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Administrative tasks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Completing paperwork, such as attendance records, progress reports, and communication with parents or guardians.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Extracurricular activities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Supervising or organizing extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or school events, often extending beyond regular school hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Much Does a Middle School Teacher Make in Pennsylvania?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average annual salary of a middle school teacher in Pennsylvania, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/2022\/may\/oes252022.htm#nat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (BLS), is <\/span><b>$71,140<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is an average figure with the salaries ranging between <\/span><b>$45,720 and $101,590.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are various factors influencing the variations in wages across different middle school teachers in the state:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Salaries vary depending on the district or county. Urban areas like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh often offer higher wages compared to rural areas due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for teachers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Years of experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Teachers&#8217; salaries increase with more experience. Pennsylvania follows a salary schedule that increases pay based on years of service.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education level<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Teachers with advanced degrees (e.g., a Master\u2019s or Doctorate) generally earn more than those with only a Bachelor\u2019s degree.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>District funding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: School districts with higher funding due to local property taxes can afford to pay their teachers more. Wealthier districts offer higher salaries than underfunded ones.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Teacher shortages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In subjects with a shortage of qualified teachers, like STEM and Special Education, schools may offer higher salaries or signing bonuses to attract and retain staff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>School type<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Public schools, private schools, and charter schools offer different salary scales. Public school teachers often benefit from union-negotiated salaries, while private and charter schools have more flexibility in their pay structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-365031\" src=\"\/media-tx\/pennsylvania_wages.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Wages in USD<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A chart showing Pennsylvania middle school teacher wages by percentile based on data from the Bureau of Labour and Statistics<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Become a Middle School Teacher in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a certified middle school educator in Pennsylvania, you need to accomplish a series of steps. Here\u2019s a brief overview of what you need to do:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Earn a bachelor&#8217;s degree: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to obtain a bachelor&#8217;s degree from an accredited institution. The degree may be in education or in the subject area you wish to teach (e.g., mathematics, science, English).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete student teaching:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As part of your bachelor\u2019s degree, you\u2019ll be required to complete a teacher preparation program, which includes coursework in pedagogy and educational theory and a student teaching internship under the supervision of an experienced teacher.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pass required exams:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You must pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thelearningliaisons.com\/praxis-prep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Praxis exams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which assess your subject matter competency. The specific tests required will depend on the subject area you plan to teach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for certification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After passing your tests, you need to apply for a teaching certificate through the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.pa.gov\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pennsylvania Department of Education<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (PDE). You will need to submit your official transcripts, test scores, and any other required documentation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve completed the steps above, you\u2019ll obtain a<\/span><b> Level I teaching certificate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is the initial certification for new teachers in Pennsylvania. This certificate is valid for <\/span><b>six years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After teaching for at least three years and completing 24 post-baccalaureate credits or an approved master&#8217;s degree, you can apply for a Level II teaching certificate. This advanced certification is permanent and does not need to be renewed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Alternative Certification Program for Teachers in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you already hold a bachelor&#8217;s degree in a field other than education, you can use the alternative certification pathway to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/national-teacher-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative certification programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ACPs) are particularly beneficial for career changers and those seeking to enter the teaching profession without going through a traditional teacher preparation program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of ACPs is to provide a fast-track route to the classroom while ensuring candidates receive the necessary training and support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following are the steps involved in alternative certification:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be eligible: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must have a bachelor&#8217;s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 minimum GPA. Ensure you choose an alternative certification program that\u2019s nationally accredited.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete required coursework:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Enroll in and complete coursework that covers educational theory, pedagogy, and subject-specific teaching methods.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participate in student teaching: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gain practical experience through student teaching or working as an intern under the supervision of an experienced teacher.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pass certification exams:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pass the PAPA exams and Praxis subject exams.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obtain certification: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for a teaching certificate, which allows you to teach full-time while completing the remaining requirements for full certification.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete the induction program:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Participate in a state-approved program during your first year of teaching, providing mentorship and professional development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for Level I certification: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After fulfilling all program requirements and gaining teaching experience, apply for a Level I teaching certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative certification allows you to start teaching sooner, often within a year, compared to traditional programs, which may take several years. For instance, the T<\/span><b>eachers of Tomorrow program <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enables<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">candidates to work as full-time teachers while completing their certification requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative certification programs are self-paced, which is ideal for working professionals.\u00a0 They include support systems, such as mentoring from experienced educators.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professionals looking to transition into teaching can leverage their existing expertise and experience in a new, rewarding career without starting over. For example, if you have a degree in mathematics, science, or English, you can quickly move into teaching positions where your subject matter knowledge is in high demand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Highest and Lowest Paying Middle School Jobs in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified middle school teachers in Pennsylvania can teach in various educational settings. You can choose the environment that best matches your teaching style, professional goals, and personal preferences. These includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: They are funded by local, state, and federal government sources. Teachers here follow a state-approved curriculum.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Charter schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Publicly funded but independently run schools. They often have more flexibility in their curricula and teaching methods compared to traditional public schools.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private schools:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Privately funded and operate independently of the public school system. May be affiliated to religious organizations or cater to specific populations, such as those with learning disabilities or gifted students.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online schools: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual schools that offer online education to students. Teachers in these schools conduct classes, interact with students, and provide instruction through digital platforms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Special education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Teachers here specialize in meeting the unique educational needs of these students.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As stated, a teacher\u2019s salary may be influenced by the type of school they teach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-365032\" src=\"\/media-tx\/Pennsylvania_salaries.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<p><b>A graph showing the highest and lowest-paying middle school jobs in Pennsylvania.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>Become a Middle School Teacher in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a middle school teacher in Pennsylvania offers a fulfilling career with many opportunities to positively impact young learners. The state offers competitive salaries and a strong support system for educators.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pennsylvania provides a high quality of life, with access to cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a reasonable cost of living.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering a career change or holding a degree in a field other than education, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/alternate-teacher-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides an excellent pathway through nationally accredited alternative certification. The program\u2019s curriculum is research-based and designed to provide the support you need to succeed as an educator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a passion for education and a desire to inspire the next generation, now is the perfect time to pursue a career as a middle school teacher in Pennsylvania.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore Teachers of Tomorrow for more insights and resources <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">today.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><b>Related Careers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-365033\" src=\"\/media-tx\/Pennsylvania_careers.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Related Articles<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/florida\/teacher-resources\/teaching-in-florida-blog\/interview-questions\/\">8 Most Common Interview Questions for Teachers<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-elementary-school-teacher-make\/\">How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Make In 2023?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-kindergarten-teacher-make\/\">How Much Does a Kindergarten Teacher Make In 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-make-in-south-carolina\/\">How Much Does an Elementary Teacher in South Carolina Make?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Middle school teachers dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation\u2013 experiencing the joy of inspiring young minds, fostering curiosity, and making a lasting impact on students&#8217; lives.\u00a0 If you&#8217;re considering &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":45098,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2024-11-12 00:22:03","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46519"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46519"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46519\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46523,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46519\/revisions\/46523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}