Advice from Experienced Middle School Teachers for New Teachers

Strive to be respected, not popular. Be patient and compasionate; maintain your sense of humor. (Middle School English Teacher)

Be patient and be ready to learn a lot from your students and about yourself. (Middle School Special Education Teacher)

Even though they might seem adult in size, they are not mentally ready to be assessed in adult ways. Keep in mind that their brains are still growing. On the other hand, if you treat them with adult-like respect, they often reciprocate with an adult-like response. (Middle School Social Studies Teacher)


Remember that teenagers can be mean and sensitive at the same time. They can be cruel to one another and to you, but cannot take the same in return. Give them "timeout" space to get it together when they are angry or upset. They do not respond well to sarcasm--they don't always get it, so avoid using it in the classroom. Never be alone with a student. Keep the parents on your side; they can make your life miserable. In other words--bite your tongue. (Middle School Gifted Teacher)


I don't think you can assume the following.

don't assume they have prior knowledge of your topic
don't assume they are outgoing and comfortable with participating
don't assume the smile on their face means everything is okay
don't assume a frown means they are unhappy
don't assume a kid with expensive clothes has money
don't assume a kid in rags is poor
don't assume a kid in corn rows is going to be a behavior problem
don't assume a kid in a wheelchair is not capable
don't assume a kid has eaten breakfast or dinner the night before


Do assume:
Do assume that kids have bad days and need a break
Do assume that kids will only meet your expectations if they are high
Do assume that all kids can learn
Do assume that all kids want to make people laugh
Do assume they can behave if you are consistent and clear with rules
Do assume they can express themselves properly
Do assume that all kids want love
Do assume that all kids want attention
Do assume that all kids want to succeed
Do assume that if the material is over their head, they will struggle
Do assume that all adolescents want to fit in
(7th Grade Special Education Teacher)