What are some positive things about teaching middle school?

Question

What are some positive things about teaching middle school?

Answer 1

M.S. is great. You get a planning period or two (none in elem), don't have to deal with silly issues like bulletin boards, and have interesting students who don't view you as their mother or father.  Unlike h.s., you don't have to worry that your grades or comments are going to keep someone from attending college.

Answer 2

Wow, so many positive answers here!

My middle school teaching experience was horrible, but I teach PE so it was different.

I guess you gotta just get in there and see if it's for you.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hmm...I don't teach it, but I can think of some things.

1) I guess the age has some benefits.  They are old enough that they are more interesting, you aren't just teaching some little kids anymore.  They can have serious conversations with you, etc etc.  They are also young enough that...idk...things like drug problems, or drinking, or other high school problems aren't as prevalent.  Lol definitely no senioritis, thats a plus

2)It would also be easier to teach than high school.  In high school, the material is more advanced, the kids no more, and they ask more in depth, smart, questions.  Those are nice to hear, but hard to answer.  But at the same time, these kids are learning more than elementary schoolers, they are asking better questions.  They know more about the topics, but not so much that its difficult for them not to overtake you.  

Wow thats really all I can think of.  I guess its just a nice mix of not too old, not too young.  

Honestly, though, I would want to teach middle school the least.  High school the most.  High Schoolers are more intelligent, they have less petty problems (though they definitely have their share of stupid drama), and are in general more fun to talk to.  I'm not just saying that cuz i'm in high school.  Its true, I talk to my teachers a lot more now, and I can relate with them a lot more on real issues.  

Elementary school is ok, but they are kinda too young.

In my opinion, middle schoolers have the worst personalities.  They are all arrogant and stuck up.  The sixth graders think they are very old because they just came from being the oldest in elementary school, and have horrible attitudes.  Eighth graders are even worse.  High school kids are old enough to be a little more mature, and they realize they aren't "all that" just because they are older than some other kids.  

Anyway, i guess the second part of the answer was kinda the opposite of the question. But i had to say it lol :P

Answer 4

The students arent young children but arent adults yet. They can be mature and immature at the same time.

They are eager to learn if you can make it interesting.

Now, reality.

Because they arent quite adults yet that means you are going to deal with puberty (all of it).

The weekends are a great break and a chance to prepare for Monday when all the 'drama' of the weekend comes to school.

Getting homework back is nearly impossible.

Students always forget their folders, pencils, books, etc.

The hall pass is on a rotation and you can never seem to keep all the students in the room at the same time.

You will find notes all over and the desk is considered paper to be written on.

Because these students are hitting puberty and some have learning disabilities (ADD, ADHD, etc.) their medication needs to be tweeked and you will wonder if it is all worth it on some days.

I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Answer 5

I taught at the middle school level for 5 years and loved it.  

The age of the kids is fun:  they are interesting and relatively easy to engage.  (As long as you keep them interested!)

I enjoyed teaching 1 or 2 subjects a day instead of all of them as in the younger grades.

If you have strong classroom management skills and a quirky sense of humor you can accomplish anything at the middle school level!

I have been home 6 years now (stay at home mom) and I will tell you that I still miss it!  I guess I am just a glutton for punishment!!!!!!

Answer 6

I am a middle school teacher in an urban school.  I love it.  As a middle school teacher, I can watch the little kids turn into young men and women. Middle school kids have great senses of humor.  The kids look to you, their teacher, as a surrogate parent, or older sibling, and will have deep, important conversations with you.  The kids are very creative, and like to do fun, educational projects  that elementary kids wouldn't understand and high school kids would roll their eyes about.  Overall, I would say that the kids are the best thing about teaching middle school.