High School to Middle School

For the past 6 years, I have taught high school. I had a class in every grade 9-12. At the end of the year, I was excessed, but there is a full year leave at the middle school, which I will be doing. Does anyone have any advice about middle school vs high school? I student taught at a MS, but that was 7 years ago. My department chair already gave me a tour and all the curriculum materials so I am set that way, but any advice on dealing with MS students would be appreciated.

Re: High School to Middle School

FM DiamondGirl. She's a MS guidance counselor.

Re: High School to Middle School

I started in the HS and LOVED it, like you I was excessed, I got a job (as a guidance counselor not a teacher) in a MS that was close to home and a much more desired area so I stayed.

I cannot really speak to curriculum as a GC but it was VERY different at first. I made a sixth grade student almost cry my first week with my sarcasm talking to MS students is a totally different ballgame and at first I really needed to be mindful of that.

Like anything else, you get used to working with the younger kids. TBH I miss the HS I do feel I was able to connect better in many cases with the older kids but as time goes on I find myself becoming more a "MS educator", and hey, in this climate a job is a job, right GOOD LUCK

High School to Middle School

I think you just have to adjust for maturity, or lack thereof. You'll probably have to be more strict/consistent with discipline at the beginning than you're used to, as be more specific with organizational strategies and help. I teach in a 7-12 school so I have any of those grades Ina given year and find that with the younger kids behavior and organization are the biggest struggles in the beginning, but once we set up our routines it is fine.

Good luck :)

Re: High School to Middle School

i've taught everywhere between 6-12

i actually love MS, and never thought i would

you'll be more of a mother figure-but they need that

also, they need a TON of help with organizing..and then content needs to be more "fun" than in HS

you'll also get a TON more questions

Re: High School to Middle School

Thanks Ladies!

Most of what you said is what I figured. I taught a low level 9th grade class and figured they would be the most similar to the 8th graders I will be teaching this year - my boss agreed.

As for fun activities, I have no problem doing that. In fact that is the only way I know how to teach. In the HS, we had a lot of reluctant learners, especially in the science elective I taught.

Re: High School to Middle School

The difference btwn 8th and 9th is big fish/little pond syndrome...lol


My district hired Nancy Doda to train us. I have to say, I really enjoy the training. Perhaps you could see if the library has her book?

link

High School to Middle School

I have been teaching MS for 8 years now...8th grade specifically. It is honestly the hardest grade to teach (I have taught high school as well). Organization is key, you need to work them from the very second they enter the classroom until they leave. I have a "do now" on the board every day so when they come into class they know they have something to do, it takes away any "down" time. MS kids want to be your friend, but they can also smell the weak link and will eat you alive if given the chance. IMO they respect a teacher that is fair, strict, organized, and nice all in one.
What subject do you teach?

High School to Middle School

I teach science (regular 8th grade science and then the accelerated regents class).

I have had no real classroom management problems in the past so I have no idea why MS makes me nervous. In the past four years, I have had to send out a total of maybe 5 students for unacceptable behavior.

I have high expectations for students and very thoroughly planned lessons. I am big on routines and practicing routines in the beginning of the year. I greet them at the door and have a do now ready to go also. I am the first person to contact home if a student is not meeting behavioral or academic expectations. I assume many of the students will be brother/sisters of the students I had in the high school.

I guess I am just nervous: new school, new co-workers, new curriculum, new grade level. Luckily, I have the same supervisor and my old AP at the HS is now the Principal at the MS.

Re: High School to Middle School

High School to Middle School

Going into my 17th year in middle school and I will never leave. I love it. It's a different animal every day depending where their hormones are. 7th graders come in very immature and scared but they LOVE everything and think everything is fun!! They are enthusiastic still about learning and love to be silly. 8th graders come in too cool for school and gradually they begin to realize they can still have fun and be the cool 8th graders.

Just remember that everything you say will go home to their parents under a 12 year olds perspective.