After eight years teaching middle-school students, I have learned what works and what doesn't. I also know how to survive the classroom of adolescents. I've taught 6th grade at an elementary and 8th Grade science in middle schools. No, I won't lie. When I answer the question of what grade level I teach, I usually get a confused look and am asked, "How do you manage it?" It's hard to believe that middle school is a difficult age! Or "It's a very special soul that teaches middle school!" Quite frankly, I understand. It's an exciting time for a child. The title of "middle-school teacher" was a badge I proudly wore. You guys, middle-schoolers are the coolest children out there. It's just a stereotype. A STATEMENT. Middle schoolers are a tricky bunch, but this is true of ALL teachers. You will find that every age group has their own mountains and peaks. If you get hired as a teacher in middle school, REJOICE. Get ready for some .
This year, a new adventure awaits me as I return to third-grade. This was a natural progression for me. It was not easy to make the decision. I felt like I had stopped growing and was in a rut. I truly believe my team of teachers has a talent for understanding the needs and wants of students in middle school. In order to share my experiences, I thought it would be a great idea. This is a lot of good teaching that will benefit students of any age. Please let me know if there is anything that should be added. It is my goal to create a space for collaboration and conversation.
Here's what I learned as a middle-school teacher.
1. Relationships matter a lot
Although this statement shouldn't have been necessary, I feel so strongly about it, I can't help myself! The building of relationships is central to my classroom management philosophy, my pedagogy as a teacher, and everything I believe in. Let's not forget that building relationships takes time. You won't be able to build a relationship with a middle schooler overnight. You need to be dedicated and energetic in order to establish a good relationship with the students who are occupying your classroom each period.
All relationships are not perfect. You can bet that your students won't be super excited to participate in the "first-day icebreaker" you planned. You'll probably find that students are hesitant to engage with you at first. They'll want to see if you're not a phony who will force them to participate in activities they find ridiculous. You've probably seen the movie "The Office".
As an educator, I want to make the point that relationships are truly everything. To be honest, I was looking for some help with this post. So I asked my #instateacher network. When I asked middle school teachers for their best advice on how to be successful as an educator, EVERY single one said "Get To Know Your Students" EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Don't give up. You will be able to connect with your students if you know their interests, what they hate, and perhaps even the newest Tik Tok Dance. Let your students know more about you! Your interests deserve to be heard. Our DNA is wired for connection, so it makes sense that we would use that value as the basis of our classroom plan. Over time, as you become more familiar with your students, you will be able rely on that trust. It takes time.
2. Genuinely Show Interest in what They Care About
It is important to show your students that you care about their interests and go beyond the content of your course. This may be difficult. Middle schoolers love to follow the latest trends.
Try to understand what makes your students smile. All the students here…not just those that are vocal and express themselves. You may have to dig a bit deeper to find out what students care about. At the very least, show an interest in their interests. Validate their interests, even if they are not your own. What is the harm of being educated about what makes students tick? What about Tik Tok? These things are important to know and you can use them in your teaching analogies.
Video games are not my thing. I'm terrible . It's a common belief that I am the one who inspired the Wii. As a kid, I used to play Mario with the big brother. We would wave the controller wildly around in the air to try and get the Mario character to jump. I'm terrible! But what do you think? I'm not the worst "gamer" in the universe. Who knows more than I? The people I teach. The students will be happy to do so, as they will talk about anything that interests them. Let's talk (literally). Just maybe I'll ask them in the future to make a connection between something that interests them and a topic I teach. What's this? All are beaming with joy!
Your analogies can help students connect the content of your lessons to their everyday lives. It's not a lie… I've been using my analogy about how the atoms going through phase changes are similar to the students at a middle-school dance for the past eight years. It always works.
I completely understand the feeling of being overwhelmed when trying to find out what 100+ students are interested in. After all, you've got CONTENT that you want to share. Use every opportunity in the classroom. Has a child arrived early to class? They finished an assignment early. Are they looking like they are in desperate need of a break? You can plant a seed by spending a few minutes with your students. As you learn more about your students, you will develop a closer relationship.
3. Always lead with love and understanding
Middle school was a place I hated. I didn't hate middle school because of the classes, teachers, or workload. No, the feeling of discomfort was what made me dislike it so much. Really dislike change. I take a long time to adjust to new situations. It's not a joke. I cried the first time my parents bought a new seat for their toilet. Yes. It's true… I was only five. It's true.
As I entered middle school, it was like being thrust into a brand new world. It was difficult to adjust to a big campus, constantly changing relationships and peer pressures. And, while I wanted to be independent, I wasn't confident that my ability would allow me to. Then, add to it the joys of being a young girl who is adjusting her hormones as well as her ever-changing appearance. I remember getting laughed at, being side-eyed, losing the student council election and feeling mortified… but now, I wasn't that bad. I had (and have!) I was blessed with a loving and supportive family. If I consider the entire population of my middle-school, I'm sure I was lucky. It was still a horrible experience. The transition to tweens and teens is hard.
When I got hired to teach eighth-graders, I asked myself, "What was I getting into? I was terrified. How could I teach middle school at a time when my life was so difficult? I finally realized that I had survived. After graduating high school, I obtained a degree and credential as well as a fantastic job. But was the biggest thing I realized. Before, I had been my student. My eighth grade year was filled with the typical struggles faced by middle school students. I couldn't
I can't prevent every negative experience, but if I acknowledge it, give support, and keep my mind open, then that would be a start.
While students fought, broke down in tears, struggled and were behind, I did my best to search for the catalyst. What was the cause of this problem or behaviour? What if the student doesn't know that they are dysregulated in how they respond to tension? What can I do to support them in these difficult moments? I can tell that all it takes is for you to be a good listener and give them time to reflect. It is important that they WORK THROUGH IT. No one can avoid the struggles they will face, but you can help guide them. Connection is the key to successful teaching. You are a content expert. (I'm sure you are!) The connection is more important than the content. Even though providing students with engaging content will help them learn, a strong connection must be made first. Don't talk at children, but with them. Grace them. Keep eye contact every day with each child. You will be better able to spot when a student is in trouble or on the brink of one.
In retrospect, the reason I struggled with middle school is because I didn't feel connected. It was hard to feel like a normal student. If I didn't have any issues, I would be grouped into the " She is doing her homework and getting good grades " group. One class, however, was a little different. Thomas Schy taught me every single day. Mr. Schy was my math teacher (my least favourite subject) and I honestly couldn't remember a single test score or a mathematical strategy I learned. In fact, I'm sitting here in tears as I recall how talented he was as an educator. His sole purpose wasn't to simply teach content, but to teach STUDENTS… And that is the biggest difference. I was compelled to google this man's obituary. Although I was saddened to hear of his passing, this line eloquently expresses my feelings about Mr. Schy.
It is impossible to teach middle school effectively if you don't build relationships and make connections. I recently had the great privilege to hear Dr. Jody in a virtual learning opportunity. She is able to speak directly into the heart of parents, teachers, and anyone else who works with children. I'll be listening to Kid These Days for a long time (I listen instead of read because Dr. Carrington was one of the best speakers I heard, and I find her hilarious). This book is a must-read for all educators. It's a book that every educator should read.
4. Take part in Campus Activities
It's not just the teachers who are busy. Middle school campuses have a lot of activities. I hope so, because my campus was great! You should get out and explore the world around you.
What if you can chaperone the event? Do it. Do you have any lunchtime events? Participate. Do you need to cover a supervisor spot for admin? Why? No, I am not suggesting that you overbook (there is simply not enough time). You can help students learn more about you by getting out of your classroom. It doesn't matter if you make yourself look foolish playing student vs.teacher dodgeball, or joining an all-teacher band… Speaking from personal experience.
Enjoy your time outside of class!
5. Your classroom environment should reflect you AND your students
Although I hold this belief as a core one, I find it difficult to live by. When you design your classroom, don't forget about your entire student body. Although I love floral and farmhouse decor, I know that many students will not be interested in these themes. I want them to feel at home in the classroom. Not Mrs. Hansen's. Do not misunderstand me, I am not saying to ignore your personal interests or to keep them out of your classroom. But, you should create a space where your students feel comfortable. Post any drawings, pictures, or notes that students send you. If you provide a place for them to be creative, you will be amazed at what they can do. You can also use the walls to display subjects that you and your students are studying together. So, divide your space into three parts. You can have a space for yourself (pictures, pennants from college, etc …),), a place for your students to add their contributions, and a section for all class materials and resources. You still have space? You still have room?
I would also recommend that you choose a color palette that isn't gender biased. The last time I thought about this was when I attended the Happy Go Teach conference with Jen Jones. These wonderful educators made me think about why we build a classroom. Who's it for? Who is it for? Years ago, my bedroom was filled with everything I liked and I didn't think about the students. Now, when I decorate my room, I consider the students who will be walking through. They might feel alienated or excluded by my color choice. Would they feel overwhelmed by the walls covered with bulletins that are themed and decorated? To be honest, it took me some time to re-design my classroom so that it suited both my personality as well as that of my students. Due to this, it is possible that your classroom won't be "finished", or perfect from the start. It's fine! You shouldn't be swayed by the #teachergram and Pinterest posts. Your classroom should reflect your growth and that of your students throughout the school year.
You have the answer. It is all you need, IMHO, to be a middle-school teacher. Remember to first teach the student and then the subject.
Are you in agreement? Do you have anything to add? What did you learn about teaching in the middle school classrooms? Comment below and continue the discussion. I would love for you to get in touch.
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