Teaching Middle School
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Kenneth Said:
What are some positive things about teaching middle school?We Answered:
M.S. is great. You get a planning period or two (none in elem), don't have to deal with silly issues like bulletin boards, and have interesting students who don't view you as their mother or father. Unlike h.s., you don't have to worry that your grades or comments are going to keep someone from attending college.Kristina Said:
What is it like teaching Middle School?We Answered:
I've taught elementary and middle school. Elementary is very hard to teach, because you have to teach all subjects, you have to be with the same group of kids all day long, and you get fewer prep periods. In middle school you only have to teach one subject, you get two preps a day, and you only have to be with one group of kids for about 90 minutes or less at a time.On the other hand, in elementary school you do develop a closer bond with the students, because you have fewer total students. Also, you have more control over what happens to them, since you are with those students most of the day.
Management issues are different depending on the age and of the kids; K - 2 are babies - you have to be prepared for them not to be able to control their own behavior. 3-5 are fairly easy to manage (depending on the setting and the kids' backgrounds). They still want adult approval, but they can be very immature and cannot do much independently.
Middle-schoolers are at a weird stage where they are still very immature, but they become extremely concerned with their social lives. They are more independent in a lot of ways, but they're never as independent as you want them to be. They have just discovered the fun of rebelling against authority for its own sake. They have also discovered serious peer pressure.
I would recommend middle school over elementary, because in the end elementary is just too much work. If you like younger kids, teach 6th grade.
But stay away from 7th. I would wish 7th grade on my worst enemy!
Harry Said:
What are the pros and cons of teaching middle school vs. high school?We Answered:
my point of view...i think middlel school students are usually immature. highschool students are more responsible.Alexander Said:
When it comes to middle school teaching, would a district be more inclined to hire a man over a woman teacher?We Answered:
I know plenty of male middle school teachers. I also know plenty of female middle school teachers. I know men whom students walk all over. I also know women whom I've been intimidated by while working with them as a sub in their school. The discipline thing isn't gender-related.Jerry Said:
What is the difference between teaching in middle school and teaching in high school?We Answered:
The students in middle school are much more energetic and difficult to control, you're lucky to hold there attention for more than 20 minutes, they continually forget there homework and expect you to let them turn it in late yet they are still able to change and straighten up, given a teacher who is willing to work at it, at times you'll feel more like a baby sitter than a teacher and will be the bad guy to all whenever you punish one.High School students are more varied, some very dedicated to there work, some just want to goof off and get out and others are rebellious against the school. There minds are mostly made up so you would have trouble changing a students attitude toward something. High School students are also more likely to quiz you, if one knows something they think you don't they'll try to call you out on it and if they do the whole class will remember it.
So basically if you want to teach because you enjoy working with children middle school is the way to go, if you want to teach because you enjoy the subject and want others to learn it well then high school is the route to take.
Michele Said:
Requirements for teaching middle school math?We Answered:
You need to know enough calculus to be able to pass the Middle School Math content area exam. The questions in the Praxis II exam for Middle School Math, I believe, are mostly high school and college level, including calculus. (The idea being, the state doesn't want to grant a teaching license to someone who hasn't learned more than middle-school level math.)No, you don't need to major in math in college, but a math education major would be helpful, or just be very, very good in ALL math concepts (algebra, functions and graphs, statistics, probability, geometry, measurement...) and hope that "missing" the calculus questions don't drag down your grade too much.
Best to you.
Cheryl Said:
I have a masters degree in environmental science and would like to go back into teaching middle school science?We Answered:
too vague - here is what is needed to answer correctly:Were you certificated before? All states have a method for recertification.
which state? every state has different rules on this.
until I know more: go to your states website, look for credentialing rules.
If you have never been certificated, then its: credentialing program, tests and student teaching.