What are the challenges of teaching high school vs. middle school?

Question

I currently teach middle school but I am interviewing for a high school position. What are some of the more significant challenges I should prepare for?

Answer 1

I'm going to answer this in the reverse. Middle school students are much more immature than high school students. They are not looking ahead to college and jobs, and are not aware that in a few years they will be in the adult world. Middle school students are more dependent. The entire middle school concept revolves around protecting the children and supporting them.

In high school, the students are more mature, although they have  much to learn, but don't know it. They think they are independent, but when they need help, they do not have the same amount of support as they have been used to. Although 9th graders are not that different from middle schoolers in their behaviors and views, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are more well behaved, more focused on their graduations and their careers, and are looking forward to the colleges (or jobs) they will be attending.

However, that really depends on the community you are in. So I'm going to make a suggestion. I suggest that you take a leave day and go visit the high school. Get permission from the high school administration beforehand, and spend the entire day there. Talk to the teachers, have lunch with them, observe the kids, and speak to the people in your department. That will give you a better idea of how the high school is different from the middle school and whether you would be happy in high school.

I taught middle school for many many years. I was interviewed for one high school program about 15 years ago. I observed for a day and decided I didn't like the school and I wasn't impressed with the administration or the tenor of the school. I declined the position. Then about 8 years ago I was offered another high school position. After a day of observing, I loved the school and was there until I retired.

Answer 2

Be prepared for an increased level of anxiety over exit level testing. (Especially if you teach a core area!) Bless every teacher out there who teaches middle school....it is a difficult age to teach!