Round two of interviews on Thursday for the same position at the same school. I guess they liked me enough for me to come back and show them a lesson plan. I’m not doing a demo lesson but rather just showing them a plan. I’m a little confused as to how to present the plan though. Do I script it out 5-plan Institute style? If I do that, will the principal think I’m nuts? Oh I’m nervous. I WANT A JOB.
Now here’s the dilemma. Ok it’s not really a dilemma. If I get this job, I’m taking it. But I wonder if 6th grade single subject is what I really want. That’s what I wanted coming in. I applied hoping for secondary history. I majored in History and Art History, so I felt like that is what I absolutely wanted to teach. I also have dealt really extensively with middle school kids for all of college, so I felt really comfortable with that age group (haha can you imagine?). However, I got placed in elementary, which was a little disappointing. The thing is…throughout institute I’ve been teaching 4th grade and falling in love with it. I love teaching kids about reading comprehension and math problems. I love the idea of having them for the whole day and building a class community. I also feel like that’s so much of what I have been learning about this summer. I know many things will carry over to middle school like classroom management and lesson planning, but all these little tips and tricks. I feel like they’ll be lost on middle school kids. Will they be as excited as my 4th graders for 30 seconds of “doodle time” on their whiteboards as a reward for good behavior?
I need motivational stories of classroom community from secondary teachers. Maybe I took Ms. Lora’s story too much to heart…
I’ve been in the middle school for 12 years and just love it! Yes it’s different from elementary, but the kids processing and communication is at such an advanced level from elementary. You can build real community while teaching the kids how to interact in positive and productive ways- all while dealing with hormones and physical growth!
I never thought I’d like middle school, until I started teaching there. Any you’re right. The kids won’t be as motivated for 30 seconds of whiteboard time, but they will be motivated for five minutes of social time. I use a once-a-week Fun Friday where kids get organized fun time for meeting behavioral expectations.
Good luck with the interview!