Teaching middle school is not for the faint of heart. But if you're called to do it, you know there's nothing else quite like it. Join us in discussing what works - and what doesn't.
What's So Unique About Teaching Middle Schoolers?
Heather Wolpert - Gawron
Middle school teacher by day, educational author/blogger by night
Posted on 10/13/2009
OK, so every middle school teacher that I've known has fallen into their current position. In other words, teaching middle schoolers rarely calls to new teachers so much as they discover how awesome it is.
What's so great about them, after all? Well, I've always said that Middle schoolers are ready to talk and ponder about the big issues, yet still yell, ‘Crayons!’ when the blessed colored wax sticks appear on their desk. Teaching middle schoolers is like working with a herd of wild fillies. You have to rein ‘em in and give them slack, rein ‘em in and give them slack. It’s harder to find a sub in middle schools then in any other grade level. Why? Because they’re crazy. And I love ‘em.
But why? I mean, they really are chemically crazy. They're wired for it. It's in their middle school DNA.
So why is it that we all love teaching this level? And what makes tweens and teens unique to teach in the educational world?
Come, join the discussion!
Comments (27)
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Middle School
Love them, definitely. Sure, they drive us crazy, but by tapping into our own memories of who were were in middle schools, we can appreciate them and love 'em. Sometimes their motivations and actions take translations on our parts, but there's always a method to their madness.
-Heather WG
Charged every day, but wish we had more parent involvement
All of your comments are so wonderful and what great laughter you bring! Most of my students have been just wonderful people. So polite and sweet. The sweetest!!!
Yes, hormone heaven...or hell. But, a great age.
I feel I have a great and lasting impression teaching storytelling through the ARTS! And, they really do love learning through the arts, even tho they do not always show it ...no they rarely show it, but that's ok cuz I never expect it!!
Tracy, you are so correct, it is a LOVE/HATE because some days it can be so difficult with very difficult and defiant bullying children. BUT, 98% of the time it is a joy to impart knowlege and fun and watch them OPEN THEIR MINDS and THEIR EYES and SHOW THEM BEAUTY!!!
HINT: Grade 8
JUST show the film "LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL"!!!
I give them a pre-teach and tell them " We are going on a trip, I am showing you a foreign film, it is going to be a fabulous experience, it is a really great gift I am going to give you that you will have forever." THEY LOVE IT. I show it after I teach THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Grade 7
I show "The Boy in Stripped Pajamas"
This is a marvelous film. They ask to see it again and again and again.
I find how wonderful it is to connect pain to the arts and show them what beauty is. It is a reward beyond anything I have ever received in education. Their silent reaction when the films end, their faces, say it all.
Children learning compassion and empathy, and connecting the big red dots is a great part of teaching 7 and 8 grade.
Lovin' the Enthusiasm!
Love/Hate is exactly their existence too, is it not?
Some watch the History Channel, some watch Disney Channel.
Some are preparing for the high school college entrance exams, and some still need parents to watch them put their homework into their back packs at the door.
Tweens and middle schoolers are, by definition, living in both worlds at any given time.
Thanks for the energy and for the comment!
-Heather WG
I did my student teaching in
I did my student teaching in 6th grade, subbed all grades, and middle school was always my favorite. I worked with k-3 special education for the past 5 years, and I am excited next year to be teaching middle schoo again, 7/8 graders.
They area challege, but so much fun. I've spent to much time in elementary school wiping noses, cleaning up throw up, speaking in simple sentances, and playing all the time. Middle school students are finding their place in the world. They have fun with art and gym yet you can have an intelegent debate with them. They like to experience things for themselves.
Quote:Love/Hate is exactly
Love/Hate is exactly their existence too, is it not?
Some watch the History Channel, some watch Disney Channel.
Some are preparing for the high school college entrance exams, and some still need parents to watch them put their homework into their back packs at the door.
-Heather WG
This is exactly my observations as well. They are such a diverse group. This is the middle of school. Many don't know if they're adults or children. Teaching 6th to 8th, I just had my first class to graduate 8th that were MY 6th graders. I loved watching them grow up and mature into very impressive young adults. I taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th prior to Middle School and only took the job because I had no other options. Now, three years later, I can't imagine being anywhere else.
When asked this question from
When asked this question from people outside education I have always said they are incredibly loyal and if they like you they actually help with classroom management. They also still love learning for learnings sake and while they may be concerned about grades it is not the end all be all as it is for some high school students. They are naturally curious and so teaching science is so much fun because I can hardly keep up with their questions. They also have an enthusiasm about life that is contagious and help keep me young.
I am a new teacher of middle
I am a new teacher of middle school students after being retired for 3 years. After teaching elementary school for 27 years I have to say that I am amazed at how much I like these 7th graders! They challenge and reward me in ways I never dreamed they would! If I had known daily association with my 7th grade math students would be like this, I would have "made the switch" years ago. They make me want to be the best teacher for them that I can be. I have become the sponge for innovative ideas that they are. What an eye opener!
Middle School Kids
I have been teaching middle schoolers for almost 13 years, and they are the most unique age to teach. They are still fascinated about the things around them, yet they come up with such intriguing ideas and thoughts!! As a music teacher, I also realize that middle school students are the foundation for our successful HS band programs across the country. Discovering through music has been a wonderful experience with my middle school students!! They are sponges!!
Travis A. Henry
River Ridge MS
New Port Richey, FL
Middle School kids ROCK
I have been teaching middle school general music and band for 13 years, and my kids are wonderful! They are naturally playful, and they get so excited when they discover new things. I know that my work shapes their future growth in music at the high school level. I love seeing their brains work when they try to figure out things, and their smiles are the best!! I love middle school teaching!!