I find it very interesting that I am taking a course in educating young adolescents at the middle level. Six years ago, when I was starting my undergrad degree in Elementary Education, I visualized my ideal future classroom. That classroom held 20 third graders all eager to learn. Throughout the four years of my undergrad education, I told myself (and others that asked) that I would NEVER, ever, teach middle school students. I could remember my time in middle school and how much my classmates gave the teachers a hard time. I never wanted to be that teacher. I had a negative view of young adolescents and their 'need for attention' in whatever way they could get it. I wanted to be an elementary teacher, where the students still loved their teacher and respected them. I never thought I could get middle school students to respect me.
My first teaching position was as a French teacher in a middle school (grades 5-8). I was responsible for teaching the 5th and 6th grade French. When I took the position, I still had in the back of my mind that it would only be for a couple years, until I could find a 'better' position in the lower grades. The following year, which was this past year, I took a job at the same school as a 6th grade classroom teacher. Again, at the beginning of the year, I was still thinking it wasn't going to be a permanent position. Now, having finished that year, I LOVE my job. I have come to appreciate this age group. I am able to have fun with them, joke around, and still they respect me as an adult in their life. They can be very creative and keep me on my toes with the questions they ask. I truly enjoy the challenge that I once thought I could not handle.
I now believe that my calling is to teach at the middle level. I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Frequently, in passing, people outside of the school make comments such as "I can't believe you teach at the middle school! How do you do it?" or "I would never be able to teach middle school students!". In reply I tell them, "I never thought I would teach at the middle level, but now that I do I love it. It truly isn't as bad as most people think!"
Does anyone else get these comments from people? If so, how do you handle it?
-Sarah
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of teachers go into the field saying, "I will never teach middle school" and then once they try it, they find out that it is more rewarding and interesting than any other grade level. My principal always said it is easy to make a younger child love both you and school but in middle school you have to earn that love and respect and work very hard to get them to enjoy school. She looked at it as a daily challenge.
I have taught 5th grade for the past two years and when people ask me how I do it, I simply reply that I love it and I love my students. Each position comes with its own challenges. It takes someone willing to stand up to that challenge to take it on and rise to the occasion.
Sarah-
ReplyDeleteWhen I tell people I love kids this age, they ask me if I'm nuts. I say, "I am." What a wonderful, awkward, quirky age. I guess I didn't get too cool to hang out with them. I love how they still look up to you, but they're outspoken enough to question you. They finally want to know "why" and can understand the answer.
-Kathy
For some reason the general public understands the purposes and functions of elementary schools and of high schools...but is unsure of what middle schools are all about. Hence questions (or unstated thoughts) like..."Couldn't get a real job?" or "When are you moving to the high school?"
ReplyDeleteGlad you have found your niche with this unique age group. And, after all, don't all kids deserve excellent teachers...those who want to teach a particular age group.
The issue of certification in states like Maine is key here...but a discussion for another day.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI get a lot of the same comments from people and I teach at the high school-level. It was my intention to teach middle school students because I had such a great student teaching experience. The available jobs led me to teaching 9th grade--and I love it there too! I think, if you love students and teaching you can be happy just about anywhere. As far as peoples' comments about the age level you teach, I think a lot of people don't understand why anybody teaches and view our job as something that is really hard--and it is! But it's rewarding as well--no matter what grade level.
- Melissa