The top 5 obstacles facing middle level teachers--
A) Facing more discipline issues from students:
Classroom management is key during middle school. Students may be moving from class to class and may have difficulties with this transition. Because middle school students need more rest and food as their bodies develop, they may be more tired/cranky throughout the day--which can lead to discipline issues. Physical and emotional changes may make them more prone to bullying, being teased, and relationship issues.
Some ways I can mediate these situations--ensure students have time to settle down prior to the beginning and at the end of class. This can give them time to get focused on the lesson and be ready to move on to the next class at the end of the period. Regarding rest and needing to eat--if a student nods off--let them take a moment and then quietly have them join in after a minute or two. Have non-allergy snacks on hand for students who may need a little energy boost, and maybe bottled water. Monitor and facilitate the classroom activities and work time to ensure that conversations are on task and students are receiving the assistance they need--e.g. be ready to offer extra study time (before/after school, lunch time) if necessary.Plan to differentiate and re-address concepts which may be challenging for students. Be ready and open to talk to students that are having personal/emotional issues--create an environment where the students can trust me and come to me--have resources available for students if the issue needs to be resolved by the school nurse, psychologist/social worker, principal, or an outside professional. Be available to meet with families if need be. and Empathy!!!
B) Dealing with students going through a significant physical/emotional/psychological growth period
As students are developing very rapidly at this time, my best ways to help students is to build trusting relationships with them so they can come to me to discuss any issues regarding their feelings/emotions/pains.
I can set up times to talk to them individually and have resources--both in an outside of school--for them to utilize if further assistance is needed. I can let students have appropriate bathroom time during class and can have feminine hygiene products in my desk. If students are uncomfortable giving a presentation in front of class due to insecurities with their bodies I can be flexible and allow them to sit at their desk. Best thing to keep at the forefront of my mind is to remember I WAS THERE TOO and remain empathetic and available when needed.
C) Possible resistance from team members when planning lessons which are "outside of the box"/teacher relations
As a new teacher, I may be more energetic in creating lessons that may not be as traditional as more seasoned teachers, especially since I am testing the waters and seeing what works and what doesn't. During team time, I can certainly present my ideas, but need to ensure that I am listening to team members and heeding their advice or taking it with a grain of salt. I need to ensure that I am present when possible at social staff events and build positive rapport with my peers. I also need to avoid becoming part of the gossip mill--if I have issues with another staff member or teacher, I can certainly air my grievances outside of the school environment.
D) Apathy from middle school students
My job here is to make the classroom an active, stimulating place. Lessons should be planned around sharing and discussing to build critical thinking skills and make learning enjoyable. When I plan, I need keep my lesson objectives and outcomes at the forefront of my mind and make sure the students can reach these outcomes in various ways--e.g. differentiating lessons and giving a wide variety of topics to approach (e.g.essays, inquiry projects) as appropriate. I need to be interacting with students to ensure that students are on the right path to meeting the objectives of the lessons. I need to ensure the classroom environment is a safe, stable environment where students can take risks and explore new ides while building problem solving skills.
E) Professional growth for middle school teachers
Now there seems to be more opportunities for professional development for middle school teachers.
I need to ensure that I take advantage of these opportunities both within the district, attending conferences, and keeping abreast of trends, strategies, and best practices.
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Obstacles facing middle school students:
A) physical and emotional growth and changes
Yikes! What a critical time for students socially, emotionally, and physically. SEL standards--obviously--need to be integrated into lessons and units. Creating a trusting environment where students can approach me or be approached is critical. Having same sex gender-related health/development conversations and discussions with same gender staff member, teacher, nurse, or outside health professional can certainly ease some of their anxieties and questions. I can also provide inquiry stems to help answer questions or concerns, as well as provide resources--books, websites, magazines--that can help further their knowledge. Also educating parents and guardians is key--through programs and resources to guide them in talking with their children and finding mental health/doctors to help them through these transitions.
B) bullying, ostracizing, being picked on
This is one critical issue facing middle schools students that needs to be addressed. Advisory, enrichment, and exploratory programs regarding internet safety, positive conflict resolution, mediation by teachers and staff also needs to be addressed. Furthermore, in the classroom I can plan activities that not only encourage positive relationships (conversation and discussions), but also be available--along with appropriate staff--to talk to students. Empathy and trust between me and my students is key, so they feel comfortable to come talk to me about any negative situation facing them.
C) parent involvement and support
I can provide--while working with staff and the community--opportunities to have parents concerns and questions addressed. This can come in the forms of homework support strategies, tutoring programs, how they can become involved with school-based activities, ensure parents are up-to-date on student performance, and collaboration/participation with school-based projects. Also, I need to ensure that any program can be made available in regards to parent-work schedules--scheduling any activities and programs for before/after work hours and possibly weekends.
D) academic preparation for high school and beyond
I need to ensure that the classroom activities are engaging and that the students are receiving the necessary support in and outside of the classroom. As mentioned above, I can make myself available for more tutoring for struggling students, and also ensure that higher level students are receiving materials that are challenging and appropriate for their academic levels (this needs to be available for all students). I need to also be engaged in school activities, supporting and encouraging student to belong to clubs and sports to develop positive relationships among staff and peers.
E) Feeling safe at school
As aforementioned, bullying can certainly be an issue. Isolation is also an important situation to identify. Not only is it my job to ensure that the classroom is an environment where these topics can be addressed, but also to provide and encouraging learning and exploration about these topics. Working with advisory teachers, staff, principals, parents, and community members/leaders is key. This can occur not only during in--school programs, but having students attend interactive assemblies, providing student-led activities, giving parents the information and support they need to work with the school and community resources available if they need additional help.
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5 things I believe young adolescent students do know:
A) It's okay to take risks and try new things
Get involved at school! Middle schools provide clubs, exploratory, enrichment, and sports activities that you can participate in. There are free programs in your communities to take advantages of--libraries, community centers, museums, and service opportunities are available for you to explore and enjoy that meet your interests.
B) It's okay to feel uncomfortable in your body
Everyone is going through changes, and it's okay to have feelings about this. Trusted adults at school, in your family, and community members are available to talk to regarding questions and concerns. Don't feel afraid to approach them and have private conversations about what you're going through. A good friend is also someone to rely on. There are resources--books, magazines, and websites to help you answer your questions.
C) There are ways to be healthy
You need lots of sleep, healthy foods, healthy lifestyles, and positive activities to engage in. Make sure you're going to bed at a reasonable hour, even if it means putting sleep before finishing homework--you can work with teachers to accommodate this if need be. Choose healthy foods at school to eat and at restaurants. Drink plenty of water. Make sure you are aware of personal hygiene. Get engaged in activities in your school and activities to build positive relationships with others. There are resources available to give you advice on these issues.
D) You can talk to your teachers
A good middle school teacher is there to help you with your schoolwork and any other concerns you may have. Find a time to talk to a teacher if you need help with your schoolwork and ask for resources. Don't be afraid to do so--that's why they are there. They want to make sure you are safe, successful, and healthy.
E) Enjoy these years
There is no reason to rush through your days at middle school. It's still okay to play games and have play dates with friends. There are activities available at school and the community that are age appropriate and free. Again, there are plenty of resources to give you ideas for fun, safe activities if you are feeling stuck or bored. Spend time with your friends and family. It's okay to want to do things you did in elementary school that you enjoyed, and to take on new challenges.
Advice/views from YAMWBP:
Chris Stevenson, the 15th recipient of the John Lounsbury award, offers some good advice. He advocates going the extra distance to get to know students as best as I can on an individual basis--which can be done through casual conversation and discussion, and through inquiry stems--like their interests, priorities, curiosities, and important issues. Creating a trusting relationship where a bond can be cultivated between the teacher and student is what he has seen to be the most effective in keeping young adolescents engaged in learning.
Another middle school teacher's advice is that middle school teachers be organized, have a good sense of humor, love their craft, flexible and go with the flow, have thick skin with both students and parents and not take things seriously. It is critical to respect students, so in turn, they can respect the teacher
Middle school teachers be role models for positive behavior--greeting people, polite interactions, and respecting each other and adults.
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