I always knew that I wanted to teach, I even always knew what I wanted to teach. However, I never knew where I wanted to teach. Even to this day I'm open to exploring areas. Before coming to college I always told myself I wanted to be a high school choir director. It wasn't until I did my first round of field experience that I discovered that teaching middle school students might be my calling. Even though every time I say I want to be a middle school teacher I only get "more power to you" or "WHY?!" as a response, I am beyond excited to one day step into that middle school classroom and watch music transform the lives of many young, awkward students, like it did for me.
Whether you're here to question me, like many of my peers do, or you want someone to relate to, you'll learn from this article that I am currently very passionate about teaching middle school aged students. Now, in ten years down the road, who knows, maybe I'll end up teaching elementary students, or maybe even college kids, but no matter where I end up I know I will love my job.
Many people have questioned why I would "want to put myself trough that" when I say I want to teach middle school, yet despite all the negative reactions, I am still thrilled to step into the classroom. Being a middle school teacher won't be easy, everyone tells me that and I believe them, and although it won't be easy it will definitely be a journey I am willing to take.
The best thing about teaching middle school is that every day is an adventure. No two days look alike like they would at any other grade level. On Monday the quiet girl in the back row could be over filled with joy because her crush talked to her and the next day she could be mentally torn apart because she found out said crush asked out the show choir captain that happens to sit right in front of her. Being a middle school teacher doesn't mean just showing up and teaching the material, you're also a therapist (which I've also wanted to be).
Along with being a teacher and a therapist, you get to play correctional officer. Hormones run high in middle school kids, and as a result of those built up emotions, some crazy things can happen. Sometimes some not so nice words are exchanged or other times it might turn violent. While this at times can seem scary to 5'3" girl who'll have students her height (aka me), I'm ready to put on my tough boss look and keep things in order.
I think the reason most people find it so crazy that I want to be a middle school teacher is that those years are good to absolutely no one. Braces, acne, weight, love, all these so called troubles can make middle school a nightmare for any kid, which is exactly why I want to be there again! I remember being super awkward for me, but now that I look back at it, it really wasn't all that bad, most of it comes from those hormones. I want to be able to be there for students who need guidance and support, who need a friend or even a parent. Being in a middle school will not only help me grow as a person, but it'll also give me the opportunity to really make a difference in someones life.
Despite the crazy days and the moody kids, and disregarding any negative comments about my intended career path, I am beyond excited to visit and explore the middle school classroom and be able to leave my mark on a generation one day. While middle school sucked for me, and most others as well, I want to be able to make less awkward for at least one kid one day and help them become the person that middle school helped me to become. That's why I want to teach middle school.
