Re: Middle School Students -- EDPR 7/8112 Adolescence Sec. 001 0500-0800 R

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Date Posted: 16:28:55 03/21/07 Wed
Author: Jeff Osborne
Subject: Re: Middle School Students
In reply to: Derwin Sisnett 's message, "Middle School Students" on 08:17:10 03/21/07 Wed

As a middle school teacher myself I can understand the need to have committed individuals that really do want to teach at that level. Originally, I wanted to teach high school, but ended up in middle school, similar to what the article said. However, nearing the end of my first year, I am happy to be with this age group. I love the uncultivated potential in these young minds. I believe this is the perfect age to find a student who has had struggles before and really help them break through and achieve success. As far as the storm and stress that is beginning to occur, it is a major challenge. Imaginge teaching 26 males and females who are just beginning puberty about sexual and asexual reproduction. One minute they are grasping every word you say and really enjoying the conversation, the next minute they're shouting out obscenities and the classroom erupts. It would seem that they're uncontrollable, but the opposite is true. They are at a time in their life when a bit of guidance is what they yearn for. They just need somebody that is patient, kind, and understanding to help them out. Oh yeah, a sense of humor wouldn't hurt.

>I read an article in the NYTimes the other day that
>addressed the woes of middle school education. They
>addressed the fact that most teachers desire to be
>elementary or high school teachers, but they become
>middle school teachers out of necessity. Although
>middle school students begin to experience changes
>that can cause them to "act out," the very fact that
>many teachers are not passionate about working with
>them can cause more harm than good.
>
>A very interesting point that was made was that many
>middle school teachers across the country are not
>required to be certified in adolescent development or
>adolescent pedagogy. As we discuss the MANY issues
>that adolescents face, it would only seem logical that
>middle schoolers get as much attention (if not more)
>as elementary school students and high school
>students. What would it take for middle schools to
>receive the attention that is needed?

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[> Re: Middle School Students -- Cassandra Schuyler, 19:34:27 03/21/07 Wed

As a middle school teacher, I agree with what you are saying. The reason why I think that having encouraging teachers, who really want to be there, is so greatly important is because you are not only there to teach them at this age, you need to show them a path for a brighter future. This age is so vital and they really need somebody who cares and wants to be there for them. If a teacher really does not want to be there or just wishing to be someone where, than they are not going to give their 110% and show these students that there are people who care about them. And this more than anything is what they need, a person who is there for them, cares, and teaches them workethic and values which they will use for the rest of their life. Many kids get frustrated at this age and this is where they either drop out or change their views.

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