Jump from Middle School to High School

Marie - posted on 08/20/2009

Well...I enjoyed both (last year I taught in a middle school and a junior high at the same time !) The main difference I noticed is motivation and curiosity. I teach English as a foreign language in France and the subject is complulsory for kids from the age of 11 to the end of high school. So they sometimes completely reject it or English becomes part of their routine, "it's compulsory anyway..." but middle school pupils are much more motivated and they're eager to know more everyday whatever language they learn ! This year I'll also teach at high school and I can tell you that I really LOOOOve it since students are a bit more independant when it comes to speaking so I focus my teaching on English-speaking countries civilization, the students are mature and they express interesting points of view, we debate a lot! I'm sure you'll love teaching at high school, it's not the same job at all but you'll love it! Come and tell us, I'm curious to know about your experience!

Victoria - posted on 08/11/2009

You are gonna love it!!

Becky - posted on 08/10/2009

Johanna, Like you I teach students with learning disabilities and I have taught at all three levels, elementary, middle, and high. High school is much easier than middle. Most students lose the 'attitude' by then. The biggest challenge for me at the high school level was students that lived a very 'adult' life. I had a few students who already had kids of their own. I am back at the middle school level and like it, but if given a choice, I would choose elementary school again. Although the younger ones are more work, they are less of a challenge to sustain their attention than the older ones. Yet I wouldn't change my experiences for the world. You are going to love high school students. They are much more mature and most are working towards a goal by then. Good Luck... and ps, don't be their friend... that will only compliment things. Keep the line drawn as teacher and pupil. It's nothing personal... just a job.

Jamie - posted on 08/09/2009

Middle school is the beast of education. In high school students see the pay off coming around the corner. They want to prove they are mature enough for the car, late evenings with friends and some are begining to work, investigate careers and college. In middle school they focus on their peers much more. I worked in high school nine years ago, returned to Middle school for a whiile because I''m a challenge junky. This year I will return to high school because I want to end my teaching career teaching theatre. I am excited about returning to high school and working with young adults.

Mary - posted on 08/09/2009

I went from MS to HS and loved it the students were much more mature. I was able to read more intense material and have more in depth discussions. You will still have some challenges, but I think teaching HS is soooooo much easier.

Jacqui - posted on 08/09/2009

I went from teaching 4th, 5th and 6th grades to teaching high school math. It was amazingly easy. The easiest part was the the kids are still the same (They want to be accepted, challenged and respected.), the hormones are just a lot more active. The hardest part for me was dealing with the sexual innuendos. My advice, be honest, up-front and enjoy them. Don't ignore the little things but don't make them into big things. Good luck.

Tanya - posted on 08/08/2009

I think you will find high school to be easier than middle school. I have done that and have actually made the jump DOWN to preschool last year. I love it. I use to love high school, but after having my children, I decided I am better suited in a preschool program. Middle school is often a sea of confussion mixed with 8th graders who suffer from BMOC syndrome. Embrace high school!