Over the last two days, I have had the time to reflect on my experiences as a middle school teacher compared to when I was an elementary school teacher. The question has come up several times while visiting with colleagues at CCSS trainings: "How do you like middle school?" The answer is I LOVE IT! I am amazed every time I say how much I love it because I NEVER pictured myself as a middle school teacher. I always thought I wanted to ONLY teach elementary school. This was partially because of a few bad experiences I had as a substitute in middle school. I remember the last time I subbed in a middle school I could not wait to get the hell out of there. The kids were disrespectful and clearly were not there to learn. After that day, I took middle school off my sub list and out of my mind. Fast forward 4 1/2 years later and the only contract job opportunity is not only a teaching position at a middle school but I was also charged with the task of making HUGE growth with students in a very short amount of time. I jumped at the opportunity because I needed to pay my bills. Now almost a year later, I can say that I whole heartedly LOVE my job.
The kids are bigger, the attitudes are definitely bigger, and the problems are bigger. I no longer hear, "Miss M you're so pretty." Instead I hear, "Miss M, do you like me?" and "Is this period your favorite class?" Kids are kids no matter how old they are or how big they are. And most of my students are taller than me. But at the end of the day, they still want to hear that they are special and loved. Especially now.
Many of my 7th graders are experiencing their first real crushes and rejections. Many of them are experiencing conflict with their friends. Many of them are trying to find their way and to fit in amongst their peers. It is an interesting age. Everything is super important to them and every problem is HUGE.
Emotions are heightened.
Sometimes I find myself wondering, "Was I like that? Did I have an attitude with my teachers?" I was a pretty studious and quiet kid in 7th grade. I was more concerned with my ballet classes than boys. I didn't follow the fads at all-no boy band posters for me. But I do know at home was a different story and I remember getting in trouble for my attitude and eye-rolling. Now as an adult and as a teacher, I understand just how annoying and disrespectful it is.
This past year has been rewarding and interesting though and while I wouldn't say no to an elementary teaching position, I have to say that right now I am enjoying the middle school ride. Every day is different, every period is different, and every kid is different. I LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
New Endeavors
The past six months of my life have been filled with new endeavors. I bought a house, fixed almost the entire house (with my now husband), got a dog, got engaged, gave up a dog, got a new dog, and most recently-got married. All in six months. You would think things would start to calm down, but that isn't how life works. The same weekend I was getting married, I also had to make a decision about what school I want to work at next year (first time I've ever had a choice). This was a difficult process because both schools and principals are EXCELLENT leaders! Ahhh! But I made a choice. And in the middle of all that, I also made the decision that I want to pursue a doctorate in education. Which means, I will be taking the GRE in a little over a month. AHHH (again)!
My life has changed drastically in the course of the last six months and I think it will continue to change. My home is now filled with a husband (still getting used to saying "husband"), two cats, and one dog. It seems as if it is perpetually dirty and chaotic and sometimes I long for the days when I had carpet and no dog wanting my constant attention. There are days when I wish I could sink my toes into some carpet instead of paw print covered hardwood floors (especially after rainy days when I just finished mopping the day before). But then when my husband is home and I am surrounded by the small "zoo" of furry friends, I smile and think how lucky I am. Much has changed both personally and professionally for me in a short amount of time. I feel things are starting to move upwards and onwards which is a stark comparison to where I was not so very long ago. If you have been following my blog, then you know how hard the last few years have been for me as a teacher. But I am hopeful, thankful, and blessed for all the change that has come my way and I know the best is yet to come.
My life has changed drastically in the course of the last six months and I think it will continue to change. My home is now filled with a husband (still getting used to saying "husband"), two cats, and one dog. It seems as if it is perpetually dirty and chaotic and sometimes I long for the days when I had carpet and no dog wanting my constant attention. There are days when I wish I could sink my toes into some carpet instead of paw print covered hardwood floors (especially after rainy days when I just finished mopping the day before). But then when my husband is home and I am surrounded by the small "zoo" of furry friends, I smile and think how lucky I am. Much has changed both personally and professionally for me in a short amount of time. I feel things are starting to move upwards and onwards which is a stark comparison to where I was not so very long ago. If you have been following my blog, then you know how hard the last few years have been for me as a teacher. But I am hopeful, thankful, and blessed for all the change that has come my way and I know the best is yet to come.
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