We found that to be the case also. I think middle school is ultra challenging, for both students and teachers. It is the only section of school I have not taught, and do not want to teach. My oldest is in 8th grade. I think she has had only a few really bad teachers in middle school, and oddly enough most of her worst teachers were PE teachers. She has had just horrible luck with PE teachers. HORRIBLE. On the other hand, she has had the best band teacher we could have wished for.
Your kids will probably have better teachers in high school. I am very impressed with most of my colleagues. There are a few that aren't so hot, but most of them are wonderful. They do need to learn more about teaching to all students- in California where I teach, elementary school teachers need to have CLAD, which means we have been taught how to teach and reach English language development students, and students with special needs. We learn how to differentiate instruction for all our learners. My high school colleagues have not been required to have CLAD (although they will be required to get it soon). I have high school and elementary credentials, so I can teach anything, and I feel really lucky to have had the in depth instruction with my CLAD classes and my reading classes. Most of my colleagues in the English department probably don't know how to teach struggling readers. They are aiming most of their instruction at the college bound kids, but in doing that they leave out the most vulnerable students.
I bet your kids are good students, so they'll be fine. But middle to lower end students can get a real raw deal in high school (and I hear it is even worse at the local Catholic high school- we get their "rejects"). |
