Teaching Middle School is hard.
There are layers and layers of developmental science that teach us educators all about the why’s and how’s and when’s and wow’s of adolescence. Socially, new social circles are emerging. Diverse opinions are converging. Physically and emotionally, young emerging adults feel like roller coasters who are operating at unstoppable and slow moving speeds (that often crash without warning.) By the way, it’s an assigned life ride that they never purchased a ticket for.
Unsure of Their New Destiny
As an educator who has taught every grade level in my career, the transition in my elementary students as they engage in the aging process is sometimes downright heartbreaking to witness. As they reach ages 11-14, gone are the days of universal peer acceptance and rose colored glasses. The shared mentality of “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” becomes “I’m Unsure of My New Destiny.”
The unique characteristics that they once celebrated and demonstrated in early childhood now hide under a new umbrella called“disinterested” and being “unavailable.” Add in the assault of social media on their precious hearts and minds, and one would think that teaching and supporting students in this chapter of life is unattainable.
Middle School Teachers Step Up, Always
Yet everyday, I watch middle school educators around the world lead students through the ups and downs that this jet pack of a ride creates with unwavering confidence.
- They start dozens of before and after school clubs for students to try out topics that I never even knew existed.
- They encourage kids to meet new classmates and invite others to join.
- They attend sporting events, music concerts, and art shows.
- They connect with families, and coach Mom’s and Dad’s and family leaders through an at best, tumultuous time.
- They listen to the craziest kid ideas and silently chuckle and nod.
I’ve admirably observed middle school teachers infuse interest and motivation into their daily lessons. This is no easy feat! They are masters at celebrating the glow ups, convincing kids to share what’s going on without seeming too “sus,” and are depended upon to never give up.
What We Know
After 25 years and counting of serving in this field, here is what know for sure:
Everyday, no matter what is happening in their own worlds, these amazing teachers are all in. Through the TikTok trends and friendship mends, redirecting choices kids didn’t intend, meeting academic changes and expectations that seem like they will never end…they are all in.
They have chosen to ride alongside the newest class of roller coaster riders each year, and delicately infuse joy into the peaks and valleys they will collectively experience along the way. It’s a short ride…3/12 levels in the educational journey(6,7,8) get to instruct the traditional middle school track.
But talk to any middle level educator who steps onto the platform each day, and they will share with you why it’s worth it.
Share this with a middle level educator you admire today.
About Andrea Bitner
Andrea Bitner is a proud wife and mother of two beautiful daughters. She lives on the East Coast among some of the fastest speaking people in the country! Through her twenty years in public education, she has worked with students in grades K-12 from all around the world. Her work as an English Language Teacher, Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, Presenter, and High School English Teacher inspired her to continue to share the great news: Learning a Second Language is an asset, not a handicap! She hopes to inform, influence, and inspire all readers and leaders to continue to be a champion for all stakeholders in the education community around the world.
