TESSA DANIEL, SPANISH I love teaching middle school for so many reasons, but above all because students are at what I think is their most vulnerable. It’s a difficult three years navigating hormones, new social constructs, and solidifying successful academic habits (or trying out new ones!). I feel blessed to be a part of their journey. It’s a place where kids can still be kids, but they’re also learning how to be young adults. Every class is different, every day is different, and I spend the majority of my day laughing. They are full of laughter and an amazing amount of energy and fun. I don’t think it’s possible to love my job more!
RACHEL PHELPS, VOCAL MUSIC In college I was sure I wanted to teach high school. The maturity of voices, high-level performances, opportunities for competition, and complex music literature were all factors from my own high school experience that I was hoping to be professionally part of. But the first time I did practicum teaching hours with middle school students, I was hooked. Over the years I’ve realized that of all the reasons I love this age group, perhaps foremost is the fact that these
students are so real. They can’t hide anything very well—their emotions, struggles, and joys are all easily apparent. Although this can be exhausting at times for students and the adults in their lives, for me there is a certain refreshing and energizing quality to it. Their honest reactions mean I know right away how my students are relating to their learning. This dynamic affords an especially effective opportunity for reflecting on my teaching approach and offering input for the students’ perspectives. Working with these kids means less guesswork and more mentoring and learning—and a whole lot of really memorable and funny moments along the way.
NANCY TESKEY, MUSIC/ MUSIC DEPARTMENT CHAIR I’ve taught middle school instrumental music for 14 years. I absolutely LOVE teaching middle school! I love that the kids are so real. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, they’re not afraid to say what they think and feel, and excited about almost everything. Even when they’re totally NOT excited about something, I don’t have to guess about it—they’ll tell me! I love being able to meet a sixth grader in September and truly not know at all what or who they’ll become in the next three years. The mystery of the unknown is fascinating to me. There’s SO much change that happens in middle school. I love the change and the excitement and anticipation that comes with it!
ANN VON OFENHEIM, MATH People outside of education always ask why I teach middle school, mostly in shock, remembering how difficult they think middle schoolers can be. For me, I love middle schoolers and teaching them. Middle schoolers are never boring, they are naturally funny, and they are quirky and charming. They are still sweet but also they’re developing strong passions of their own. They are curious and bright, they demand fairness, and they are devoted to their friends. Middle schoolers keep me on my toes always, but more importantly, they remind me constantly of the need to lighten up, smile, and enjoy being around them.
BECKY TOOLEY, HUMANITIES/RELIGION I teach middle schoolers because it’s so much fun each day. They are growing and learning to use their brains in new ways. I love to push their boundaries. I think every middle school teacher may be transmitting their own inner middle schooler. One has to be humorous and flexible to teach the 11–14 age range.
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