Are middle school students really that mean to the teacher?

Question

I am thinking about becoming either a elementary or middle school teacher. But I was wondering if the students in middle school are mean to the teacher.

Answer 1

I am a middle school teacher and I say, as a whole, middle schoolers are probably meaner than elementary schoolers. However, that comes down to a variety of factors; mainly puberty. They have sudden surges of hormones that can cause them to act in unpredictable ways. For example, my students ripped my Christmas tree apart while I was absent. The next day, they bought me a new one--unrequested. Also, many middle schoolers are finding themselves either just being diagnosed with learning disabilities or behavior disorders, or in the process. They are also at the age where they look like adults, but do not have the cognitive abilities--especially the decision making skills--of adults and often times teachers (and parents) forget that fact and have unreasonable expectations. My advice would be for you to observe middle school classrooms where an experienced teacher is present. Elementary children are often very cute, but middle schoolers can get jokes and make you laugh more than the younger kids. Personally, I enjoy the middle grades because I like the inside jokes and the constant soap-opera like recounts I get from the kids about what goes on. Also, the curriculum is a bit more interesting and challenging. Good luck!

Answer 2

My brother who is a big man (6'5") taught middle school some time ago and he quit after a year. He majored in education and gave it all up. Why?
He said the students were in his face. Mean and almost as big as him. They threatened him and made fun of him daily. He tried to get back by posting bad grades (D & F's) and the school did not stand behind him and forced him to pass out only good grades. Why? They did not want trouble with the parents as the parents had power in the community. This town was a suburb of Phoenix.

He said it was hell and the farm kids had all the power. What did they learn nothing? He said homework was assigned regularly and they would never do it. Exams, he had to let them pass without an effort.

My suggestion is to check out the school district and the school that you want to work at. How do they handle the students? What are their policies for bad students and unruly students. There are great middle schools out there and then there are the bad ones. And the school is only as good as their school board and district policies. Check them out real well.

If you want to be a middle school teacher, go for it. We need good teachers for this age group. The kids are at an age where there hormones are racing all the time and it causes problems. But a good teacher can learn to handle any student. Give it a try.

Answer 3

I teach middle school science and my students are general quite nice to me. You must remember however that they are at the stage in life where THEY are the center of their universe and their hormones keep them on a roller coaster. Their behavior is erratic from one day to the next, but you cannot take this personally because it has nothing to do with you, the teacher. I enjoy this age group (call me crazy) for their enthusiasm and curiosity which older students have often times lost. I would suggest that you do as much observation and tutoring at this grade level as possible to see if you enjoy the age group. Good luck!

Answer 4

Kids at any age/grade level can be mean. There are lots of factors as to why kids are mean. You just have to take the time to get to know them personally. Do NOT rely on other Teacher's assessments of behavior for certain students. How they behave with one teacher may be totally different than how they behave with you.

How they behave in class has a lot to do with your own classroom management style and how supportive your administration is in dealing with kids who are disruptive. Middle School/Jr. HS students are usually at a difficult age where they are trying to find their indentity. They can be moody, rude, aggressive, etc... I have taught in 1st, 4th, and a 5/6 combo. Each has it's share of troublesome kids.

You may want to try substitute teaching for awhile to see which grades you enjoy the most. When i first started out substitute teaching (while i was working on my credential) I subbed in K-12. The older they get, the more involved they are in discussions and more aware of how they should be acting. I found that i liked k-6 the most. 3-5 are usually pretty good grades, Just My Opinion, because they are independent enough to do most things on their own but are still young enough that they want to please the teacher.

Good Luck with whichever grade level you choose.

Answer 5

I'm a middle schooler... most of us aren't mean to the teacher unless it's just to joke around, but a lot of people joke about teachers they don't like behind the teachers' backs. If you're gonna become a middle school teacher, you'd better be a fun one who teachers and doesn't give lots and lots of homework... otherwise, kids will be gossiping about you.

Answer 6

well ill tell you this to be a middle school teacher you have to be very patiencent. you must understand that the children are going through a cycle of there life where they are unsure and unsteady. also try to be fair and you will most likely gain respect. however if you are shorttempered i would not recomned this job. you will encounter a lot of different personalities. i would reconmed bieng a substitute for a while until you get used to the worse side of student behaviour, if you can handle them then go for the job if you cant go for it anyway after all practice makes perfect. good luck

Answer 7

At my middle school the kids were pretty nice to the teachers. Although we always had a few trouble makers. It's always gonna be that way but I'd say that if you became a high school teacher it would be a lot harder...

Answer 8

Well, in college, do some observation and make sure you student teach in the middle school level. Those will give you an idea of what kind of atmosphere in which you'd like to teach.

I love my 8th graders. As long as you're motivated and thick skinned, it actually can be a fun experience.

Answer 9

Every teacher has their favorite grade to teach. The main problem with middle school kids is that's the time they are going through puberty. Besides that there is really nothing wrong with middle school kids........the secret is that you just have to be as crazy as the kids are and enjoy yourself.

Answer 10

I think, like everything, it depends. I think a lot of it has to do with where you teach, what the school's culture is, etc. I work in a k-8 school and teach 6th grade--the kids seem to stay younger longer because there are always young ones around watching their behavior. However, I love middle school--and that's the key really. If your kids sense that you don't like them, they'll treat you like crap. If they sense that you love them, they'll love you. It's the key to teaching in general, if you ask me. No one wants to learn from someone who doesn't like them or doesn't have faith in them. Therefore, one of your responders was absolutely correct in saying you have to find the grade you like. Look around, spend time with different grades. When you find the age you mesh with the best, teach it--and you shouldn't have any "out of the ordinary" problems as long as you enjoy what you do. They are adolescents--they do have tantrums, etc., but as long as you remember it's never personal, you're good. Emphasize the behavior, not the child-- a lot of kids think they're "bad" kids when they misbehave. Make it clear it's "bad" behavior--they're not "bad" kids. I love teaching 6th grade. They're goofy and fun and intellectually stimulating. They're young enough to be cute, and old enough to have a great conversation with.