What makes a successful middle school teacher? Well...in my opinion, in order to be a successful middle school teacher, you will have to possess many traits and incorporate them all together. Just having one trait will not do, all of them have to be combined together.
First, the teacher has to have a love for teaching, educating students, and the well-being of the students. If the teacher only took this job for a pay check or because they thought it was easy, this job will not work for them. The teacher has to be enthused and be able to motivate and get the students to be enthusiastic as well. The students will be able to detect if the teacher really does not care for them and the students will not want to perform as well. I feel the teacher should come in everyday excited about the lesson at hand. Additionally, the teachers should want the students leaving their class excited and informed on what they learned that day.
Next, I think a teacher should possess cooperation. The teacher should be able to cooperate with other teachers and their students. If the teacher is working on a team, I think it is very important to have cooperation skills especially, if collaboration is involved. The teachers should also know how to cooperate with their students. I think if the teachers does not let their students take part in rule making processes or grading rubrics, they are headed toward disaster. I think students are more inclined to meet goals if they helped to make them. Of course, this is my opinion and a number of people will disagree but, I feel this is necessary.
A teacher will also have to provide variety. The teacher will have to provide variety as far as teaching methods. All students do not learn the same and a varied instructional method would take care of this. A varied instructional method will allow each student to be accommodated and no student will be left out on the educational train. On the other hand, if students did all learn the same way, a varied instruction would still be useful. It will prevent boredom and give students something to look forward to each day. A teacher with variety will help students learn in the best way possible.
Finally, a teacher must have a level of professionalism. Professionalism will permit the teacher from crossing any lines that could jeopardize their job. The teacher must be professional with students and other faculty members. A teacher must also dress professional and not wear anything provocative. When a teacher possesses professionalism, it does not mean that they cannot be nice or likable teachers, it just means that the teacher-student relationship is just that, a teacher-student relationship. A teacher can be professional and still genuinely care for the students’ education and well-being.
In order to be a successful teacher, one must posses all of these attributes. In my opinion, having all of these characteristics will allow for the best student achievement rate. To conclude, it will allow for the best teachers all around.
Great job. I also teach middle school and I couldn't agree more with everything that you have to say. When I meet new people and I tell them I teach middle school, I always get the "wow..... that would be difficult" but I think that if a middle school has all of the characteristics that you have written about then one will succeed.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your section about making sure that there is a lot of variety. This is importance for students of all learning styles (like you said) and also to spice up the class. Great job! H
Being a former middle school teacher I do applaud you because these are the most difficult years of any young adult. I decided to teach 5th grade elementary school because many of the 6th grader weren't prepared or equip in some form or fashion for middle school. Not organized, lacking some basic skills, no motivation, etc.
ReplyDeleteI compare middle schoolers to being in our early to mid twenties. For many this may be work hard, play hard but unlike twenty-something adults. Middler schoolers only want to play hard and not work hard. lol! Not to mention once they discover they have some freedom by the end of 6th and into 7th grade they are "off the chain."
The number #1 quality should definitely be LOVE! Teaching period on any grade level requires a love for it. That love for teaching surely extend to the kids. Once they know you are there for them and you will LISTEN to what they have to say they'll accept your role in their lives and embrace it. Trust you to guide them and teach them.
AS a middle school teacher I certainly agree with your points. Middle School is such a great age to teach, they are so inquisitive but yet, think they know it all. The are a challenge on a daily basis but well worth all the extra effort it takes to keep them focused and interested.
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