It’s funny too, I never received much of a reaction when stating I taught middle school, but I do as a high school teacher. Middle school is the toughest, in my opinion. I value those 7 years, but I’m glad to have transitioned!
@@teachingwithalexa i always thought kids gave teachers more of a hardtime in high school than middle school. yeah, kids wew bratty in middle school but in highschool theyre very harsh from what i remember from when i was in highschool.
As a special education teacher I’ve had the opportunity to work in elementary, middle, and high school. Hands down high school is my preference. I’m too sarcastic to ever work with little ones. This year I’m running back to high school! I appreciate your content. My role this year will be supporting new teachers to implement restorative practices into their teaching and also support students with behavioral challenges. It’s great to hear from a teacher like yourself that appreciates working with high schoolers even with their challenges.
It helps to be well rounded! I suggest everyone dabble with various grade levels, if they can. It provides us with a greater understanding. I can relate about the sarcasm!
Everything you said is 💯! I taught middle school for 20 yrs 6th-8th grade (charter school) ESOL, Intensive Reading, and Language Arts. I did highschool, for four years Intensive reading. I'm going back to middle school this year for ESOL 6th-8th grade. Everything and I mean everything you said is true. I might add, if you have any highschool students that appreciate you, you will know at the END of the school year, it's not like middle school where they will draw you pictures or show that they are happy to see you all year. Just know if you are teaching high school they are listening even between all the complaining.
You’re so right about high school! I laugh sometimes when students tell me later that they miss my class. They’re much more apathetic to learning. One of my tricks comes from being a middle school teacher. I pull from activities I used with my middle schoolers. You’re never too old for certain things. Not a whole lot you can do for students there just counting the days down to graduation
Good video. I am a first year teacher doing 7th grade math. I get the sense that middle schoolers are the toughest out of the three. I am thinking about trying my hand at high school.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed teaching 7th and 8th grade (mostly 8th), but high school resonated with me more. Some people do not want to deal with the adversity that comes with young adults, but there are many upsides as well. I always suggest spending some time with each age group, if possible, to figure out which feels best. You can always transfer. Most teachers I know have taught various grade levels. Good luck!
As a fellow UA-camr and middle school teacher I LOVE this video (and your channel). You have such a fun and beautiful energy! And oh my goodness I felt it to my core when you were talking about middle schools yelling and just throwing themselves against things 🙃😂
That’s great! Good luck, I love high school. I think transitioning middle school teachers add a nice change of energy to high schools. Maybe you’ll get what I mean…
I am a 6th grade teacher and you are spot on with your description of middleschoolers! Thank you for this video. I feel better and have a better understanding of difficult student behavior.
Thank you for the validation! Not to put middle school down because I loved it, but I could never go back after entering high school. Everyone’s different.
Hi Alexa! Loving your videos. I am a K-8 teacher taking on my first middle school position in 15 years (7th self-contained). Plus I'm starting for second quarter. I'm like you a lot energetically but am concerned that I should be more restrained at the beginning. What is the wisdom with energy? (My students have had subs all during first quarter btw)
I teach at a small rural school. I am the only English teacher, so I teach all grades 7-12. It is straight English, with no electives. My favorite grade to teach is 9th grade. They are over the shy, awkward, afraid-of-all-the-high schoolers stage but not quite at the point where the school is just a complete waste of their time.
Do HS teachers have to do as many of the bs things like posting work on bulletin boards or submitting student work samples? Do you post CCSS on boards and stuff like that? Weekly plans submitted? How do observations work out in such a large building with so much staff in your experience? I'm a 5 year MS teacher here in an large urban district and title 1 school. So sorry for all these questions. You seem like one of the few on youtube who actually gives useful info. Really loved the way you delivered the info. Thank you for this video.
I feel it ultimately comes down to each school's administration, but there's less pressure for that type of expectation. It's important, but from my experience, nobody is going around with a checklist or sending those reminder emails like many elementary and middle schools do. If your title 1 school is also a turnaround school, the expectations are far worse. There was a time that I needed a rubric to post anything and each piece of work needed detailed feedback. Dates mattered and they expected bulletin boards for everything. High school, in that sense, is much more relaxed.
This is a wonderful video. I'm just starting the teacher credential program for single-subject English. I just want any level I can teach the Hobbit or Fellowship of the Ring. LOL. But seriously, this is a second career for me, I'll be entering the classroom at age 53! I'll be the oldest new teacher ever!!!
You can teach those in middle or high school! I think 8th and 9th would be best. As long as you focus on the right standards, you can teach those. Congratulations on your transition! If you haven’t already done so, try a little subbing first in both schools
It’s not a simple response because my vlog lacks context. Context matters (her behavior and my history with dealing with erratic behavior). She mumbled it so that only I could hear her; I knew it was something she didn’t mean and said out of anger. I chose to ignore it in the moment, as well as completely ignore her. I did not speak to her about it until the next day when her mood was completely changed. She said something along the lines of, “Oh I didn’t mean it, I was just so annoyed at…” She apologized. That doesn’t make the situation okay and many would argue I should’ve sent her somewhere. This is where context really matters. In the end, it was squashed and we were fine. She graduated this year, visiting me all the time to share highlights of her senior year. Teaching is a full of GRAY area. Navigating the gray area is part of what we have to deal with on a daily basis.
@@zain2512 Each person has an age group they feel more comfortable serving, and for me it's young adults. Besides that, I enjoy the deeper level conversations we can have as well as a more relaxed atmosphere.
Middle school teachers go straight to heaven. It takes special talent to teach at that level.
It’s funny too, I never received much of a reaction when stating I taught middle school, but I do as a high school teacher. Middle school is the toughest, in my opinion. I value those 7 years, but I’m glad to have transitioned!
@@teachingwithalexa i always thought kids gave teachers more of a hardtime in high school than middle school. yeah, kids wew bratty in middle school but in highschool theyre very harsh from what i remember from when i was in highschool.
@teachingwithalexa I agree. I have taught middle schools for 5 years.
As a special education teacher I’ve had the opportunity to work in elementary, middle, and high school. Hands down high school is my preference. I’m too sarcastic to ever work with little ones. This year I’m running back to high school! I appreciate your content. My role this year will be supporting new teachers to implement restorative practices into their teaching and also support students with behavioral challenges. It’s great to hear from a teacher like yourself that appreciates working with high schoolers even with their challenges.
It helps to be well rounded! I suggest everyone dabble with various grade levels, if they can. It provides us with a greater understanding. I can relate about the sarcasm!
Everything you said is 💯! I taught middle school for 20 yrs 6th-8th grade (charter school) ESOL, Intensive Reading, and Language Arts. I did highschool, for four years Intensive reading. I'm going back to middle school this year for ESOL 6th-8th grade. Everything and I mean everything you said is true. I might add, if you have any highschool students that appreciate you, you will know at the END of the school year, it's not like middle school where they will draw you pictures or show that they are happy to see you all year. Just know if you are teaching high school they are listening even between all the complaining.
You’re so right about high school! I laugh sometimes when students tell me later that they miss my class. They’re much more apathetic to learning. One of my tricks comes from being a middle school teacher. I pull from activities I used with my middle schoolers. You’re never too old for certain things. Not a whole lot you can do for students there just counting the days down to graduation
20’years in a charter school wow 😂
Good video. I am a first year teacher doing 7th grade math. I get the sense that middle schoolers are the toughest out of the three. I am thinking about trying my hand at high school.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed teaching 7th and 8th grade (mostly 8th), but high school resonated with me more. Some people do not want to deal with the adversity that comes with young adults, but there are many upsides as well. I always suggest spending some time with each age group, if possible, to figure out which feels best. You can always transfer. Most teachers I know have taught various grade levels. Good luck!
As a fellow UA-camr and middle school teacher I LOVE this video (and your channel). You have such a fun and beautiful energy! And oh my goodness I felt it to my core when you were talking about middle schools yelling and just throwing themselves against things 🙃😂
Thank you SO much. I really enjoy vlogging 😊 It’s nice to hear from a fellow UA-camr. Yeah, middle schools kids can be a little wild in the hallway!
Thank you so much! As someone transitioning from middle to high school, this gave great insight!
That’s great! Good luck, I love high school. I think transitioning middle school teachers add a nice change of energy to high schools. Maybe you’ll get what I mean…
I am a 6th grade teacher and you are spot on with your description of middleschoolers! Thank you for this video. I feel better and have a better understanding of difficult student behavior.
I’m a middle school teacher of several years who recently transitioned to high school, and I can tell you everything you said is true
Thank you for the validation! Not to put middle school down because I loved it, but I could never go back after entering high school. Everyone’s different.
Hi Alexa! Loving your videos. I am a K-8 teacher taking on my first middle school position in 15 years (7th self-contained). Plus I'm starting for second quarter. I'm like you a lot energetically but am concerned that I should be more restrained at the beginning. What is the wisdom with energy? (My students have had subs all during first quarter btw)
I worked as a para sub a few times in middle and high school! People would tell me I was brave to be in middle school.
The bravest teach middle!
I teach at a small rural school. I am the only English teacher, so I teach all grades 7-12. It is straight English, with no electives. My favorite grade to teach is 9th grade. They are over the shy, awkward, afraid-of-all-the-high schoolers stage but not quite at the point where the school is just a complete waste of their time.
Thank you so much. This was helpful.
Thanks for sharing 😃
I teach both but it's hell everyday
Do HS teachers have to do as many of the bs things like posting work on bulletin boards or submitting student work samples? Do you post CCSS on boards and stuff like that? Weekly plans submitted? How do observations work out in such a large building with so much staff in your experience?
I'm a 5 year MS teacher here in an large urban district and title 1 school. So sorry for all these questions. You seem like one of the few on youtube who actually gives useful info. Really loved the way you delivered the info. Thank you for this video.
I feel it ultimately comes down to each school's administration, but there's less pressure for that type of expectation. It's important, but from my experience, nobody is going around with a checklist or sending those reminder emails like many elementary and middle schools do. If your title 1 school is also a turnaround school, the expectations are far worse. There was a time that I needed a rubric to post anything and each piece of work needed detailed feedback. Dates mattered and they expected bulletin boards for everything. High school, in that sense, is much more relaxed.
Thank you that was so informative and helpful
You’re welcome. I’m glad you found it helpful!
This is a wonderful video. I'm just starting the teacher credential program for single-subject English. I just want any level I can teach the Hobbit or Fellowship of the Ring. LOL. But seriously, this is a second career for me, I'll be entering the classroom at age 53! I'll be the oldest new teacher ever!!!
You can teach those in middle or high school! I think 8th and 9th would be best. As long as you focus on the right standards, you can teach those. Congratulations on your transition! If you haven’t already done so, try a little subbing first in both schools
Yep you are brave!
As an upcoming first year teacher, I’m curious - what was your response to the girl who made the threat of punching you on her way to the trash can?
It’s not a simple response because my vlog lacks context. Context matters (her behavior and my history with dealing with erratic behavior). She mumbled it so that only I could hear her; I knew it was something she didn’t mean and said out of anger. I chose to ignore it in the moment, as well as completely ignore her. I did not speak to her about it until the next day when her mood was completely changed. She said something along the lines of, “Oh I didn’t mean it, I was just so annoyed at…” She apologized. That doesn’t make the situation okay and many would argue I should’ve sent her somewhere. This is where context really matters. In the end, it was squashed and we were fine. She graduated this year, visiting me all the time to share highlights of her senior year. Teaching is a full of GRAY area. Navigating the gray area is part of what we have to deal with on a daily basis.
Thank you, good advice.
How long have you been teaching?
About 9 years
Omg on point 😂
What do you prefer more hs or elementary
High school
Thanks! I have to make the decision soon! Just wondering what's your main reason why. This is from Toronto, Canada!!
@@zain2512 Each person has an age group they feel more comfortable serving, and for me it's young adults. Besides that, I enjoy the deeper level conversations we can have as well as a more relaxed atmosphere.
😘
These sound like title 1 schools
Yes, they are.
@@teachingwithalexais title 1 charter ?