Interesting Stats About Middle School Teachers

Middle school educators play a pivotal role in their students’ lives, often setting them on a trajectory that turns their passion and talent into success. Just recently, Chris Martin from Coldplay shared how his music teacher put him on his path in music when he was 11 years old. Similarly, legendary actor Al Pacino recently mentioned his junior high teacher in his new memoir.

These stories are a powerful reminder of the meaningful and lasting impact middle school educators can have on the lives of their students. So, what makes middle school teachers so special? We’ve collected some interesting stats about middle school teachers. Do these apply to you?

Who teaches middle school?

• 65% of middle school teachers are female
• The average age of a middle school teacher is 42
• More than 95% have a bachelor’s degree (or higher)
• On average, middle school teachers have about 14 years of teaching experience

Do middle school teachers enjoy their jobs?

• 50% of middle school teachers report being very satisfied with their jobs
• 83% remain in their profession after the first five years
• 80% stay at one school for a large portion of their career
• 45% say their students trust them to do their job well

Teaching middle school students:

• Full-time public-school teachers spend an average of 53 hours per week on school-related activities
• 84% say there’s not enough time during regular work hours to do tasks like grading, lesson planning, paperwork and answering work emails
• The average student-teacher ratio in middle schools is approximately 16:1
• 57% view anxiety and depression as major problems for their students
• 34% view bullying as a significant problem
• The average teacher affects 3,000 students during their career
• Middle school teachers can have 20x more influence on a student’s education than their class size or socioeconomic status

Middle school teacher salaries:

• The median U.S. salary is $64,290 (as of May 2023)
• Middle school teachers in New York have the highest average salary: $83,010
• The lowest average middle school teacher salary is in Mississippi: $42,540

What students say about their teachers:

• 83% of students say a teacher has boosted their self-esteem and confidence
• 79% of students say a teacher has encouraged them to follow their dreams
• 75% of students say teachers are their mentors and role models
• 54% of students say a teacher has helped them during a difficult time

One of our favorite statistics: Former middle school teachers are 91% more likely to work at education companies in comparison to private companies. At CompTIA Spark, many of our team members are former educators. We rely on their experience and expertise to make our curriculum the best it can be for both students and teachers.

The formative years spent in the middle grades help students learn what subjects they enjoy. Middle school teachers bridge the gap between early learning and high school, making their role essential in preparing students for the next chapter.

Related articles that may also interest you:

Does Tech Education Matter in Middle School? Yes, Here’s Why

6 Things That Are Hard to Do Today Without Digital Fluency

Online Resources for Middle School Educators