Professionally speaking, teachers of all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school—have a lot in common. They need to earn teaching certifications and licenses, they have similar workdays, and theyre skilled at managing classrooms. Regardless of the grade they teach, teachers have a profound impact on how their students learn.
But if youre a prospective pedagogue and youre considering what grade level to teach and how to prepare for the job, there are some distinct and important differences to know.
One of the biggest things to consider when pursuing a teaching career is how and with whom you want to build relationships.
“No matter what level a teacher teaches, building relationships with students is the key to being successful,” says Nancy Barile, a veteran English and language arts high school teacher and a contributor to Western Governors Universitys Hey Teach! content hub where she has documented her experience building relationships with students.
But connecting with a 5-year-old is different than connecting with a 15-year-old. Elementary school students are in the early stages of their social and academic development, so they experience tremendous growth in a year. When teaching this age group, your relationships with students are more nurturing and parental, as these young students are more dependent on adults than high schoolers.
That changes in middle school, when adolescents gain a new sense of independence. They push boundaries and challenge authority, but theyre as vulnerable as ever, so they still need adult allies. Teaching middle schoolers isnt for everyone, but many middle school teachers feel a special kinship with their students. Cult of Pedagogys Jennifer Gonzalez says that she landed a middle school job with plans to move to high school but ended up staying. “These students need adult allies to guide their growth and set them up for future success,” she writes.
High school students are still works in progress, but theyre now a lot closer to adulthood, and their unique personalities, interests, and quirks are coming into full bloom. High schoolers are curious and passionate, and they frequently test boundaries as they get ready for the next steps in their lives and educational careers.
Understanding the distinctions between, and needs of, different age groups can help you determine not only what grade level you want to teach, but also how you want to affect your students lives. If youre a strong nurturer, elementary school might be a good fit for you. If you enjoy empowering young adults to make their own decisions about their futures, high school might be better.
Content, classroom management, and teaching styles will look a lot different depending on grade level, too.
“Elementary school teachers are usually generalists,” Barile says—they teach all subjects to the same set of students over the course of the year. Elementary teachers are tasked with not only teaching students the content, but also the basic skills for collective and independent learning, such as how to stay focused and engaged for extended periods of time.
Teaching becomes more specialized in middle and high school, where teachers teach within specific disciplines. That means teachers need to have much more specialized knowledge of their subjects. If youre passionate about chemistry or math, for example, and hold a specific teaching degree in that field, youll likely be happiest as a high school teacher, where you can directly apply that specialized knowledge in the classroom.
For teachers, choosing the right grade level to work with is one of the most important early career decisions. The students you teach shape your daily experiences in the classroom. Some grades tend to align better with certain teaching styles, skills and temperaments. Making the optimal choice provides the foundation for fulfillment and success throughout your teaching journey.
But with so many grade levels to consider, how do you decide where you belong? This comprehensive guide examines the key factors to help determine your ideal teaching grade.
Assess Your Subject Interests
A primary driver should be the subject matter you enjoy most. Elementary grades focus on core topics like:
- Reading and English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
At the middle school level, curriculum expands to include:
- Pre-Algebra
- Basic Biology
- Early World History
- Foreign Language Introductions
High school provides specialized concentrations like:
- Literature and Composition
- Trigonometry
- Physics and Chemistry
- Government and Economics
Think back to your favorite classes as a student. Which subjects excited you? Match your passions and strengths to the grade when they are taught.
Consider Student Developmental Stages
Students at different grades have distinct developmental needs. Young children require lots of nurturing and encouragement. Pre-teens start seeking independence and exploring identity. High schoolers need guidance through social challenges as they prepare for adulthood.
Reflect on which ages you most enjoy mentoring Do you excel at fostering creativity in elementary kids? Relate to middle schoolers? Or inspire high school students toward their dreams? Your sweet spot may lean toward a particular phase
Assess Your Energy Level Compatibility
Effective teaching requires boundless energy and patience The needs of students at different grades impact the stamina required
- Elementary – High activity levels and constant attentiveness
- Middle – Demanding social dynamics and curriculum prep
- High – Mature issues and academic rigor
Consider whether you’re up for chasing little ones or relating to moody tweens. Your energy and adaptability may thrive in certain settings over others.
Gauge Your Classroom Management Ability
Managing classroom behavior grows more complex as students get older:
- Lower elementary – Positive reinforcement and structured activities
- Upper elementary – Increased independence and self-control
- Middle school – Hormones, peer pressure and defiance
- High school – Motivation challenges and boundary pushing
Rate your aptitude for nurturing positive behavior vs. issuing tough discipline. Play to your strengths in grades requiring more of one approach than the other.
Evaluate Your Technology Savvy
Technology integration increases with student grade levels. Early elementary relies more on hands-on methods. Upper grades demand proficiency with devices and digital platforms.
If computers and new ed tech energize you, secondary grades allow bringing more technology into instruction. Love coloring and story time? Stick with younger kids.
Consider Your Patience Span
Some teachers thrive on rapid fire questions and constant noise of elementary. Others want thoughtful discussions found more in secondary.
Do you revel in nonstop stimulation or require quiet focus? Match your tolerance for activity and chatter to the grade with the right energy.
Reflect on Your Own School Experiences
Often an impactful teacher or formative memories draw us to certain grades. Recapturing the joy of a picture book read aloud may steer you to kindergarten. Struggling in middle school math could shape a passion for making it easier.
Take a reflective look back at your school journey. When were you happiest? What challenges inspire you? Return to those experiences through the students you teach.
Observe Classrooms Across Grade Levels
Exposure to real school environments informs your decision. Visit local schools and ask to observe different grades. Taking notes on the pros and cons of each provides helpful perspective:
- What student behaviors did you find encouraging or stressful?
- Were lesson topics and activities engaging?
- Could you see yourself thriving in that setting?
Hands-on observation in a range of classrooms often provides clarity.
Start With Substitute Teaching
Consider substitute teaching across elementary, middle and high schools before committing. Short-term positions let you experience the wide scope hands-on:
- Sample the energy and needs of students at various ages
- Teach lessons across subjects to find your favorites
- Identify classroom management techniques that do or don’t resonate
Subbing across grades before your first full-time teaching role lets you test-drive options to make an informed choice.
Talk With Teachers Across Grades
Connect with teachers at schools you’re interested in. Ask to meet for coffee or sit in on a teacher planning meeting. Inquire about their experiences:
- What are the upsides of teaching your grade level? The challenges?
- How is parent communication and involvement?
- What advice would you give teachers considering your grade?
Veteran teacher perspectives provide helpful anecdotes and wisdom to guide your decision.
Consider Teaching Multiple Grades
Don’t limit yourself to just one grade if you’re unsure. Many schools have combination classes or teachers shift between lower and upper elementary.
Maybe you student teach kindergarten in the morning and 5th grade in the afternoon. Experience shows teaching different grades before specializing.
Weigh Pros and Cons
Compile all your insights into a simple pros and cons list for each grade you’re deciding between. Highlight the biggest factors according to your skills, passions and temperament. Cross off any grade with more cons than pros.
Seeing the trade-offs visually can make your ideal grade apparent. Revisit this list as you gain more experience.
Trust Your Instincts
After gathering input and perspectives, listen to your inner voice. That gut feel of “I’m definitely a 2nd grade teacher!” or “High schoolers are my people” should guide you.
Teaching is profoundly personal. Have faith that your heart knows the right environment and students for you – then take the leap!
Changing Grades is Common
Don’t anguish if your first grade assignment doesn’t fit. Teaching skills transfer across levels. Many teachers shift grades throughout their careers for fresh inspiration.
Try a new grade, learn from it, adjust. When you find the one that just “clicks”, you’ll know you’re home.
The Rewards of The Right Grade
Selecting your teaching grade thoughtfully provides the foundation for fulfillment. You’ll find more:
- Passion for your daily work
- Strong connections with students
- Personalized strengths-based teaching
- Energy for the classroom
- Professional development aligned to your goals
- Achievement helping young people grow
Take your time, do your research, know yourself. The effort to discover your ideal grade level pays learning – and life – dividends for years to come.
Teaching licensure and salary.
In general, the older the students, the more it pays to teach them—but not by much.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for elementary school teachers is around $58,000, while middle school teachers make an average salary of around $59,000, and high school teachers make around $60,000.
This minor pay gap is largely caused by differences in subject matter specialization. Older students learn more advanced content in high school, so their teachers need deeper knowledge of each subject. This means that high school teachers are also likely to face an additional—or possibly more challenging—licensing exam. Every state is different, though, so you should look up your states requirements before pursuing a particular career track.
10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING INTO TEACHING | Salary, Schedule, Behaviors + More!
Should I teach at a certain grade level?
Making the decision to teach at a certain grade level requires you to assess your career goals, personal attributes, abilities and subject area expertise. All of these factors play an important role in determining what grade level would be the best fit for you as a teacher.
How do I choose a grade level for teaching?
To decide what grade level to teach, look at the curriculum of schools in your area and the topic structure of each subject. Choose a grade level by ensuring you are confident enough to teach the topics under the subject you’re interested in. 2. Consider the Salaries Being Offered Teaching is a notoriously low-paying profession.
What grades do teachers take?
Teachers often take subject area tests to get certified in a certain grade level and subject matter, such as grade 6-12 mathematics. Requirements for teachers at various grade levels also vary by state, so it’s important to check with the state board of education in the location where you plan to apply for jobs.
What grade should I teach?
It Depends on Your Preferred Age Group The first step to deciding what grade you should teach is deciding on a preferred age group. You have three basic choices: young children (preschool and elementary school), adolescents (late elementary school, middle school, and early high school) and teens who are nearing adulthood (high school).
