Pros/Cons of Middle School

[Kristy Garner]

I am currently going back to college to get my certification to be a media specialist. I have mixed feelings over which level I would like to work in. I am leaning towards the middle school because I teach in the middle school. For all of you reading this, what made you choose to work in the middle school?

[deb abbott]

Kristy,

I had reservations about even applying for the MS job I eventually landed, mainly because I didn't have any MS experience...and everyone in library school would shudder when anyone talked about MS students. I had worked with pre school levels at the public library, then elementary and high school kids during my library school practicums and I thought I was destined for one of those two levels. I really only applied for this postition as a practice interview opportunity. Little did I know that I would land the job and I'm so glad because as comfortable as I was with the other age levels, I have totally found my niche here. MS students are mature enough to get my humor but young enought to not think I'm totally lame. I like the fact that I'm teaching a lot, but not all of the time in a fixed schedule. I also love the research projects at this level...meaty enough to get into some real skills but still fun. I feel very lucky to have found "my place".

[Cinnamon]

The middle school is another world from any place else in education. If you already work with middle schoolers, then you already know many of their quirks. I have worked in a middle school for 8 years and I can't even imagine doing anything else. I have worked with other age levels and they were never as much fun as the middle school. I knew right away that I was not good with elementary age students (even though I have young children). I am not good with the nuturing that comes with elementary life. Middle schoolers don't need as much of that or they need it in less direct ways. High school, on the other hand, can be a different sort of challenge. The students rarely come in to find a good book to read, they are always busy to get everything done. It is harder to form lasting connections with them. Middle school has the best of both worlds. You can still recommend a fiction book and have ten kids want to read it. They are beginning to understand the importance of research and doing it properly. You can still pull a non-reader in and hope to make a lasting impression on them.
It's a gut feeling. If you love teaching in the classroom, then I think you will find the middle school Media Center very enjoyable.
Katie

[Jeff Vogt]

What I like about middle school is that you can have a rather large collection of fiction including some teen and YA genres.

I just wish that testing didn't put research projects where the Teacher-Librarian can really thrive were put on the back burner. Usually, the last month of school is when every department wants to use the library media center.

[Betty Jordan]

After working only in elementary for many years, my husband was transferred to another state and I decided I wanted a change. I have been in middle school for 9 years and LOVE it. The kids are still entertaining and still need me but I don't have to tie shoelaces and they can think on a higher level so they can do more creative things with technology. In the media center I can sponsor media clubs, have student advisory groups, facilitate studio production, etc. Many elementary libraries are still on a fixed schedule, which curtails some of those opportunities.

[Dana Buchanan]

I started in the public realm doing storytimes for 3 year-olds and preschoolers. My first school job was an elementary position. I really enjoyed working with the younger kids. When I applied for my current position, I wasn't sure I would be there long...Jeez, middle schoolers. I have been in my present position for 10 years, and I love it. It's fun getting to know the kids. Classroom research projects are interesting and challenging. Even the research classes that I teach allow for some creative fun. I even enjoy working with kids after school in different clubs. I don't think I could ever go back to elementary!

[Pat Johnson]

I started in elementary school which involved covering teacher planning time so I was basically teaching all day except for the 45 min I had at the beginning of the day for planning. I didn't have a lot of time during the school day to do all the other things, weeding, ordering, shelving etc which meant it was done after school, some long days.
When the opportunity came for me to go to middle school I took it. I do not cover teacher planning times. Teachers sign up to bring their classes. I do have reading classes regularly scheduled every other week. I don't take a set time for my planning, but I find between classes I can accomplish alot if I use my time wisely. I wasn't sure I would like middle school students but I found out I was wrong. They are creative and interesting. We discuss what they are reading, I look for the book that will get a reluctant reader to be a regular reader. They know they can give me recommendations and usually I will honor their requests. They challenge and they teach me what they know about books and computers particularly when they are working on projects. I sure them respect and they show it back to me. It's important to be consistent with them. I love it!!!