Liz, As someone who has taught at almost every level from high school to elementary and now middle school for the past 16 years, I can't recommend the move to 6th grade strongly enough! One of the best parts of being a 6th grade teacher is the process of helping kids transition from elementary school to becoming middle school students. I find developmentally working with 11 and 12 year olds to be so enjoyable too. They love being treated as older, more independent students, yet still love when you give them praise and tell goofy stories to help them learn. I think that you enjoy teaching middle school kids to begin with, and have already had a smooth transition from high school, as well as never regretting it, will make your decision easier as well. Although I enjoyed teaching 8th grade in the past, and loved helping them prepare for high school, I still prefer 6th grade. Let us know what your decision is. Best of luck! Laurie Wasserman Gr. 6 Learning Disabilities/National Board Certified Teacher Teacher Leader Network/Boston Writing Project Andrews Middle School Medford, Massachusetts [email protected]
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of McGivern, Liz Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 8:45 PM To: A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades. Subject: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I am considering a monumental move. I moved from high school to 8th grade 4 years ago, and it was a huge eye-opener for me. I love the age, the curriculum, and my colleagues, despite the fact that I always defined myself as "high school" teacher. The transition was smooth and fun, and I've never looked back. I was approached today and asked to think about teaching 6th grade -- same building, same boss, same administration. I never saw myself as a 6th grade teacher, but this position has some great benefits to it that are very appealing to me. We are a suburban middle school, grades 6-8 of about 1000 kids, funneling from 3 K-5 schools and into one 9-12 high school. I need some advice from those of you who have been on both ends of the spectrum. I know 6th and 8th are totally different. What advice would you give to someone moving from one end of that spectrum to another? I have not made a decision yet -- I work for an amazing department head who will support me either way -- but I'd love any input or advice! Ms. Liz McGivern 8th grade Language Arts Hudson Memorial School _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
