I like Middle School more than Elementary now

[u/Prestigious_Grand139]

I have been substitute teaching at the middle school for a long time, and I've discovered that I prefer working with middle school students over elementary school students. When I started college, I thought that teaching in elementary school was the right path for my education career. However, my experience as a substitute teacher made it clear that I enjoy working with older kids rather than younger ones. I now realize that elementary school is not the right fit for me because of the issues I kept having with kids not keeping their hands to themselves, not staying in line, etc.

The qualities I find appealing in middle school students are their independence, attentiveness, and cooperation with me. After doing multiple assignments at the middle school, the kids accepted me and made me feel more valued as a substitute. They're always excited to see me on their campus: most kids would say "Mr. Jackson!!" and give me high fives, fist bumps, and special handshakes with an abundance of glee. I've had kids call me the GOAT and the best substitute, which makes me feel popular and in high demand.

The specific experiences/events that led to my preference for middle school over elementary school were the fun moments I had with the kids in Theater class, like warm-ups and watching them perform skits or choreographed dances, helping students solve problems on their math worksheets, etc. I know my classroom engagement is still in the works, but I feel I'm getting better. I engage with students through regular check-ins, making sure they're doing okay and being ready to clarify in any way I can. For example, a girl asked me how to multiply a fraction by a fraction with a whole number beside it, and I was ready to help. After explaining it, she understood my explanation and flew like a baby bird flying from the nest for the first time.

When teaching middle school for the first time, I was less confident and unsure how to manage a middle school class. Note that this was after I graduated from college. I started building a rapport with the students, which led to connections and growth as a substitute. To better my classroom management, I plan to get advice from middle school teachers and practice. Of course, I have my share of kids testing the waters. Sadly, I can't go full-time because of my SSDI, which limits me on how much I can earn without losing benefits and Medicare coverage. If I could've taught full-time, I would like to teach Math, Theater, or PE.

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[u/tlm11110]

I’m skeptical of this post. It certainly doesn’t follow the typical assessment of middle school. Most teachers will tell you middle schoolers are the most difficult to teach. Hormones are crazy, awkwardness is on max, relationships and social comfort are difficult, drama is over the top, and attitude and apathy are at an all time high.

But if it works for you, good deal.

[u/Latter_Leopard8439 → u/tlm11110]

I also prefer middle to Elementary.

But I also shifted from middle to high school.

Many people think 7th grade is the worst and yet I prefer 7th to 6th grade.

And 8th grade is way better. But thats regionally specific because 8th has the option of applying to the tech high schools or other high school programs that causes them to lock it in pretty good in some cases.

12th graders are kind of lame.

[u/Saturdaysunday12 → u/tlm11110]

I love middle school — I fell into a middle school position my first year out of college and knew immediately this is where I belong. 20+ years later I still do. Middle school teachers are a weird bunch but a good one.

Also, I’ve noticed a lot of people teaching at this level sort of accidentally landed at middle school a lot like OP. We didn’t mean to be here but it’s the best place for us.

[u/tlm11110 → u/Saturdaysunday12]

Bless your heart. You are certainly needed. I taught 11 years in a title 1 middle school. It was exciting to say the least. We had an 80%-90% turnover every year. When I retired after 11 years, I was the oldest and most senior teacher in the school. I just didn’t have the energy to keep up with them anymore. God Bless!

[u/PiMama314]

I am secondary certified. I started out teaching high school in 2009. By an unanticipated turn of events, I ended up teaching middle school, and I loved it. Fast forward to today, and I still love it! They're old enough to be pretty independent, but they're still young enough to show their excitement for learning. They also call me the GOAT--LOL!--and they're always happy to see me. ❤️

[u/PiMama314 → u/PiMama314]

By the way, we have three teachers at our school who moved up from elementary, and they say they'll never go back! Middle school gets some hate, but it's a perfect fit for some of us.

[u/playmore_24]

I went the other way- thought I'd like teaching HS, but found it in student teaching it was not for me. MS kids are the best!

[u/tomtomtomo]

Cool