Once a teacher reaches the middle school level, he or she needs to become a subject specialist. This is because unlike elementary school teachers, middle school teachers generally teach one specialized subject, such as social studies, English/language arts, mathematics, or science, to several groups of students each day. However, some middle schools have teachers who teach all major subjects to one classroom of students.

To students in grades five through eight, middle school teachers represent key authority figures and role models. Middle school children are at a developmental stage where they are developing interests in specific subject areas; learning a variety of social lessons; and dealing with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. Middle school teachers are not simply educators—they are also coaches and facilitators for these children. This is a very sensitive time for students, and what they learn from their teachers during these years can greatly influence their experiences and successes as adults.

In most schools, middle school teachers appear in several classes, spending less time with each student than their elementary school counterparts. They may have larger classes in public schools, or smaller classes in private schools. They may also be involved in extracurricular activities such as coaching a sport or sponsoring a club. These activities traditionally go beyond regular teaching responsibilities and sometimes come with an additional stipend.