personally, if i was going to teach, i would never teach middle schoolers. they are the worst out of them all.

Depends on a few things. One would be if you have a “free period” or “free block” for planning. At the elem level, you don’t really have this necessarily, which makes the job a bit tougher in that way, because you have to have the whole day ready to go from the very beginning of the day and you only have after school and the morning to do so. This can begin to cut into your own life, so if you have a planning period, this can really help in not being overworked. However, it also depends on you as a person. In the beginning, you will definitely be overworked because you will be a new teacher, but as time goes on, and you nail down a routine and schedule of what you like to teach, you won’t be feeling as much pressure most likely. *** Just to point out this fact, to clarify for other users.. I have worked in elem, middle school and high school. So it actually is not emotions.. just an honest option 🙂 Thanks!

My certification was for grades 4-8 which was perfect for me! I didn’t want HS, and I didn’t want primary (K-3). It hit just the right age.

I loved teaching 8th grade. They are everything negative you’ve heard – hormonal, attitudinal, snotty. But they are also fun, insightful, and engaging.

You have to have a thick skin, good sense of humor, and a true passion for the age group and subject. It also helps enormously to have a school that is a good match for you. If you like the admin. and the fellow staff, it will help you a lot. Mind you – planning may be easier, especially if you only have one prep – but the grading can be overwhelming. 100+ assignments at one time.

I also taught 4th grade after I moved (and I was shocked I wasn’t hired for another MS position). I loved 4th grade as well. The kids were more independent and really coming into their own as thinkers and I liked having the same kids all day – I felt like I really got to know them. I also liked the creativity of integrating the different subjects, etc. In E.S. you have to plan for multiple subjects yet only grade 25 papers at a time. (And trust me, it was no easy way out.)

Try and find opportunities to get into classrooms of all levels – internships, professional development classes, or even subbing or just volunteering. That’s the only way to truly tell.

I have been teaching junior high and middle school for the last 18 years. I had the opportunity to move to the high school but turned it down. I find middle school to be a nice mix of youth and blossoming maturity. Yes, the hormones are raging and mood swings are everywhere. But I feel that I can still make a difference with this age whereas the high schoolers are set in their ways already. The little ones scare me. They cling and I am afraid I will mess up their psyches or something. I have heard middle school and high school described this way. Middle school kids are like puppies….friendly, always around, etc. High school kids are like cats….they will let you know if they need you.

It just depends upon your personality. Everyone must find their niche. I have found mine.

Your best bet is to get into classrooms doing observations. Most states require them to some extent. Try to observe in as many settings as you can. You’ll find what you like and what you don’t like.

I’m a middle school teacher, but I’d rather be in an elementary school. I teach in a very rough area (picture the school from the movie Lean on Me) and my kids are extremely difficult, but I love them. By the end of the year even the horrible one’s I’ll be missing . . .

You’ve gotta have a heart for the area that you choose to teach. It must be your passion. If not, you won’t last. Some people love HS, while others love MS. Some like elementary while others love preschool. Some will only do college level teaching. It depends on your passion. Follow your heart.

Do you want to really help society? Teach middle schoolers! Yes, hormones are raging. Yes, their insignificant (to us) problems are gargantuan to them, but I’ve taught all 12 grades in the past 30+ years. A true teacher who will go in and love kids will have more impact with this age than any other!

If you just want an easy way out, don’t teach middle schoolers, but if you want something REALLY fulfilling, they’re the ones to teach!

I think middle school is the worst to teach. Stick to elementary. Its easier to teach somebody young. Besides they pay more attention they dont have hormones getting in the way.

First of all just to let you guys know I’m a Middle Schooler.

Downs

-we are moody and hormonal

-cat fights! (mostly over guys)

-DRAMA!! (yuck)

-someboys like to make weird sounds and do spit balls and crap

-someboys are pervs and like looking at teachers boobs (sat inbetween pervs in social studies!)

UPS

-if you’re young and fun and strict and maybe play music kids will love you

– most of us are responsible

-if you tell us to be quiet most of the time we will

-easier to teach and not clingy

-you can change some peoples lives and make them change to kind and nice before they go all drugy and stuff!

It would help if you were to teach middle school. Remember to alway try to be understanding.