Middle School Teachers

Middle school teachers, there is no doubt about it, are special. Although not nearly as recognized as elementary or high school teachers, middle school teachers are on the frontlines of student development and teaching. How are middle school teachers so different from the rest? We investigate.

On the Frontline of Early Adolescence

One of the reasons that middle school teachers hold such a special place in the pantheon of great teachers is just how trying their jobs are. Middle schoolers are notoriously difficult to reach and teach, but middle school teachers have to face each day understanding these special challenges and meeting them head-on. A good middle school teacher will turn any moment, even the most challenging, into a teaching moment.

High Attrition Rates Mark the Middle School Years

Middle schools are marked by some of the highest teacher attrition rates in all of the K through 12 years. In some areas, attrition rates have been noted to be as high as 30 percent in first year middle school teachers. It certainly takes a certain and stubborn breed of teachers to be able to survive and thrive in the often-turbulent middle school years. What do experts attribute this to? Most education researchers and surveys indicate that the high teacher attrition rates during the middle school years has to do with poor training and the inherently difficult conditions and challenges that come with the position. Many would-be elementary and high school teachers end up teaching middle school because that's where the jobs are. However, many new middle school teachers are simply not prepared for what they find.

Middle School Teachers Deepen Student's Knowledge

One of the main challenges and tasks of middle school teachers is to help students achieve a deeper understanding of concepts they already know about from elementary school. Middle school teachers are also charged with preparing their students for the rigors of high school.