Lent Challenge: Day 29 - D.E.C.I.D.E

So I was going through papers from previous semesters to help me write my candidate work sample. Basically, a candidate work sample this HUGE assignment where I given a student with a learning "challenge" and I talk about how I would accomodate them in my classroom and in the lesson/activities. Anyways, I came across one of my papers from Spring 2009 about my decision to pursue a degree in Middle School Education. Everything still rings true up until this point, where I am about to finish classes and will be student teaching in the fall. It is not too terribly long!

Here it is: (keep in mind that I wrote it a year ago!)

As I make the transition from the first semester of education to the second semester of education, I realize I have to make a significant decision. This decision is what field I will get my degree in. Throughout the course of the semester, I have been leaning towards middle school education. When I was finally able to observe a middle school classroom, I knew that this environment was where I am supposed to be once I graduate from college. According to Brighton (2007), “every life stage has its challenges, but most adults would agree that early adolescence is perhaps the most difficult one to successfully navigate” (p. xi). As I continue towards becoming a middle school education teacher, I need to keep in mind my strengths and needs as a potential teacher, understand the demands of this particular teaching level, and be able to delineate my goals.



What are my strengths and needs as a potential teacher? My strengths are desire for learning and teaching as well as believing that all students can succeed. An area that I need to work on is not being too hard on myself when a student falls behind or doesn't understand the information. “Teachers may face particular challenges because of the pressures on them to narrow achievement gaps and improve the academic performance of all children” (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009, p.258). I hope that I am able to balance the demands of meeting the students’ needs as well as creating an enjoyable, learning atmosphere.


What are the demands of my selected teaching level? Middle School is a time of socialization and independence. It is also a time where they care less about pleasing their teachers and parents and care more about finding acceptance within their peers. “In comparing my strengths with the demands of middle school, my ability to stay organized and staying on top of things will be beneficial for me in this role. Children prosper with warm and sensitive teaching… [and] a blend of child-guided and teacher-guided activities” (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009, p.257). I will also be assertive and semi-demanding, while allowing my students to explore mathematics to their own liking. My desire for all students will be helpful because I will continue to make sure each student has a successful school year. I would also like to continue furthering my education and knowledge by taking additional courses while I am teaching. I want to influence the students' desire to learn about mathematics and science in a positive way and keep up-to-date with information as much as possible.


So, why do I choose middle school education? These students need me. Throughout all the observations in each level, I felt like I fit in the best in the middle school atmosphere. This age group is one group that changes greatly throughout the course of three or four years. They change socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. “Through [all the] experiences, teenagers develop the cognitive, social-emotional, and moral strength they will need for the years ahead” (Wood, 2007, p.159). It is important for these students to have a teacher who makes the most out of the students’ time in the classroom. “Young adolescents need and deserve parents and teachers who fully understand them and can help them successfully negotiate the challenges that accompany this transition stage” (Brighton, 2007, p. xi). Adolescence is a very challenging age, but must occur for development. I look forward to challenges and I know these will be challenges that will pay off in the end in the developments that the students will make in the course of a school year and in the ways I am able to make their school experience even better.

Until next time,
K