What drives our spirit and commitment to middle level education? We need to capture ‘the spirit of middle school educators.’ Will you share your thoughts about middle school children, their teachers and staff… the magic of it. … why it matters?
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I have seen middle school children grow up before my eyes, weep when their world crashes, and dance with joy when their world shines without fear of what others think. I have seen the sam cc. Cc TT e of middle school teachers, preservice teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, and myself. I love the opportunity to walk beside my students and colleagues...that our journey is as much about ‘becoming’ (Sara Powell’s words) academically as it is about ‘becoming’ personally and for us, ‘becoming’ professionally.
I see middle grade students (grades 4-9) as seedlings. They will grow (physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually). We have the potential, the obligation, and the expertise to support all of their needs.
But those committed to middle level education care as much for our students as we care about and one another. We all need to know we matter. How can we share the importance of love and care, nurturing one another so we can nurture tomorrow’s leaders, without forgetting that middle school kids are today’s children?
I believe those who make a difference intentionally never give up on students, never give up on their colleagues, and never give up on themselves. We need passionate, committed middle school teachers, and we need to find ways to remind one another that what we do is some of the most important work going on in the world!