8. What k-6 people bring to middle schools

8. What k-6 people bring to middle schools.

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

* Leaders demonstrate courage and collaboration. Courageous & Collaborative Leaders

This we believe (NMSA, 2010) provides sixteen characteristics of exemplary middle schools. This is the eighth characteristic, and falls under the category of Leadership and Organization. I teach in a middle school in a rural county in North Carolina. We are in our second year as a middle school, having left the junior high model. The high school implemented a ninth grade academy and we brought sixth graders from six elementary schools into two six-eight school. One of our gifts has been the addition of former elementary teachers.

I asked the former elementary teachers what the biggest difference has been for them, moving from elementary school to middle school. All of them love it! Here are a few quotes from their stories.

“I was hesitant, when I was moved to middle school…I always said I would NEVER teach middle school, and ironically, I am pretty sure I have found my niche. I love my kids; I love working with my team; I love teaching one subject four times!”

“I realize how much I love the kids, and how I can tease them, while teaching them and showing them I care…My kids know I like to antagonize them with my middle school humor; …but they also know I have super high expectations for them. I try to make it clear through the relationships, that if they ever need to talk to me or tell me things, or need advice, I will always have a listening ear. I have found that my sixth graders are the same as elementary kids, just in bigger bodies, with a little different set of needs and interests.”

“Getting to know them helps understand what drives and motivates them and helps me, as their teacher, to understand what causes them to perform …the way they do.”

“What I love about middle school includes: teaching one subject – the more narrow focus helps me be a better teacher, and the maturity of most students – they are able to joke, understand more complex ideas, and are able to discuss issues in a more organized manner. I also love planning time and the team approach!”

“I love middle school. The kids are great and I enjoy seeing them grow and change. I feel more trusted as a professional.”

Advice

1)    If you are a k-6 person, and you have never considered working in a middle school, I challenge you to observe one.

2)    I find elementary licensed people are masters of differentiation and integration. They are masters of creating experiences that are hands-on, concrete, visual, and relevant. Elementary licensed people understand the developmental characteristics of children and know where middle school students have been. They are tuned into the emotional needs of children and adults. They are nurturers and collaborators. They are gifts as faculty and administrators.

3)    I am not saying secondary licensed people are not all of the above. I am just saying, elementary people bring a commitment to community and collaboration, celebration and spirit, that is needed in exemplary middle schools.