have you ever taught Middle School?

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have you ever taught Middle School?
By Michelle

Almost every person in MS will tell you that these kids are wonderful and evil all in the span of 2 minutes. Their hormones are crazy. You have to love this age group in order to work with them. Since you're well qualified,
you have to play up this angle. Do you really like this age group? How will you help them succeed? What about them do you like? Most MS Social Studies teachers also teach English. How can you combine your curriculum with a writing curriculum? It should be focused based. TEAM TEAM TEAM, in a word, TEAM. A good MS has a team focus. Many lessons are collaboratively taught and

interdisciplinary. Are you a team player? What in your background demonstrates it? Have you taught across the curriculum? For example, I teach the Constitution with Inherit the Wind and To Kill A Mockingbird. I teach the Bill of Rights with Fahrenheit 451, Julius Caesar & Govt.

Be confident, but not arrogant. Think TEAM. Bring your portfolio. What kinds of assessment have you given? How can you prepare your students for the standardized tests they must pass? What's your strength in SS? Is it World, American, Ancient Civilizations, Asia, what???? Today's newspaper reported that 79% of most MS do not know Asian history. How do you incorporate Current Events? What are the 5 basic requirements that students must learn before they go to the next grade, according to you? Look on-line if you're stuck. Are there state frameworks (guidelines) for MS? What are they? Do you know them? BE PREPARED.

Eat a nice dinner, go to bed early, exercise in the morning, put on a nice suit, and smile.

GOOD LUCK!