What is it like teaching Middle School?

Question

I would like to teach Elementary school but I rather teach just one subject (Language Arts). I wouldn't want to teach High School so, that leaves me with Middle School. Can anyone tell me what it is like teaching middle school, the pros and cons of teaching middle school and do you go on fieldtrips. What do you all prefer the most: elementary or middle school?

Answer 1

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!

Answer 2

I cannot compare elementary school and middle school since I have never taught elementary, but I can tell you about middle school. Some of the pros, kids are more self sufficient, you get to teach only one subject although it might be at several grade levels, kids are fun. Some cons, hormones are running rampant and the moods changes from minute to minute, kids are very social and school takes a backseat. For some reason I enjoy the middle school age. They make me laugh although some days they make me want to pull my hair out. I would suggest you give it a try.

Answer 3

I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. I have also taught in a one room school house K-7 grades. I now have taught 7th grade reading and communication arts for 5 years . I love middle school. You have to have a certain mentality to handle it, but if you have the right sense of humor it is a great experience. The kids are alot of fun. Their hormones are all out of wack, puberty is starting and they really start understanding sarcasm. I like older elementary, and younger high school, but the younger the students, the more whining you get. The older you work with, the more attitude you get. Good luck with your career.

Answer 4

I teach 7th grade ELA and I really enjoy it. I also coach so I know my kids in a different way outside of the classroom. Yes we do go on field trips. What I really like is being able to reach kids and help learn not only my content but about life. Don't get me wrong they are rough and are going through puberty and it is difficult at times to deal with. But if I had a choice between Elem and MS, I would pick MS.

Answer 5

I want to first put out that middle school and high school students still love positive, fun teachers - my absolute favorite teacher is so happy and willing to help after school and she almost begs you if your having trouble

but to answer your question
it depends what school you go to for feild trips
private schools go on feild trips more
if you only want to teach one subject then go for middle school
you can always change if you don't like it (as far as I know)

Answer 6

i prefer elementary, because the kids are less of a nuissance. Plus, the kids will listen more