During my student teaching experiences in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, I discovered my love for teaching middle level students. I student taught 8th-12th grade and felt the strongest bond with the youngest students. The 8th graders (who are now going to be seniors) were goofy in all of the right ways. The stories they would tell and the questions they would ask always kept me on my toes. As a young teacher, student's felt like they could relate to me more than their older teachers, and of course this was highly flattering for a new teacher. Since this was a junior-senior high school, often times the "junior" students were given the short end of the stick with the 11th and 12th graders getting the most attention and credit. While this wasn't evident in their teacher's love for them, it was evident amongst the student population. Since there were two choirs and two teachers I was in charge of the 8th grade choir while my cooperating teacher took the 9th-12th grade choir. From my first time observing, to the first time I conducted them, I noticed a dramatic change in their demeanor. The 8th graders loved the extra attention and focus they were getting. This opened my eye to the idea that middle schoolers are just kids who need permission to be kids! They get a bad rep for being "moody" or "mean" but I see that side of them way less than I think people assume. Teaching middle school is fun. It's unpredictable, but every day is a new adventure. One thing's for sure, my job will never get boring!
(last day party- wasn't expecting to be lifted)
I really enjoyed how real you are about your experience with your students. I work with all age groups for Gifted, but I had the opportunity to teach both 6th and 8th graders this year on top of my Gifted caseload. It goes without saying that even on your worst day, your students will still care. I had a student who was truly struggling emotionally, academically, personally, and socially. That being said they would give me quite a challenge everyday. I think in a way that was their way of expressing the need for help. They eventually came to talk to me and it really was eye opening that things that go on in our students lives that we have no idea about. We have to always remember that they are human too and have emotions just like us. If we are allowed to have a bad day then so should they.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I have tried to practice is that my room is always a safe place if you need to talk or just have a minute. I enjoy the ability to open up my doors at all hours of the day including my lunch and prep. I do not think there was ever a day that I did not have students eat lunch with me in my classroom. I can say that being that teacher who is consistently giving students the chance to have a place that is safe and open has made me a better person. I was able to truly have educational discussions with those students, as well as get to see a whole other side of them as well. I learn daily from my students and am so blessed to have the ability to work with them daily. I wish they knew the impact they have on me as an educator.
Ms. Biechy,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing about your experiences! I am a sixth year teacher, and in some ways I feel like I just started yesterday, and in some ways I feel like I have learned and changed so much. My favorite thing about my job is exactly how you described it, "everyday is a new adventure." I think that is what makes it great, that no two years are alike. I will never have all the answers, kids are just kids and they will always surprise us!
Merci!
Kelley