Teaching Middle vs High School | What You Should Know

Have you ever wondered what it’s like teaching middle or high school? Are you considering if teaching is right for you? Are you thinking about switching, but unsure? In this vlog I share some points I think are useful when considering where you’d like to teach and what you should consider before making your decision. No decision is final; we’re not trees! Do it sweat it if you are unsure; you can always apply elsewhere or for a transfer. Personally, I think it is wonderful to have experience teaching multiple grade levels.

My name is Alexa Borota and I teach High School English. I also taught Middle School ELA for 7 years. I enjoy reflecting on the craft of teaching while providing tips and suggestions along the way. We can all use a little encouragement and humor!

Instagram: teachingwithalexa

#highschoolteacher #middleschoolteacher #teacher

[johnlopez]

Middle school teachers go straight to heaven. It takes special talent to teach at that level.

[Quiche]

As a special education teacher I’ve had the opportunity to work in elementary, middle, and high school. Hands down high school is my preference. I’m too sarcastic to ever work with little ones. This year I’m running back to high school! I appreciate your content. My role this year will be supporting new teachers to implement restorative practices into their teaching and also support students with behavioral challenges. It’s great to hear from a teacher like yourself that appreciates working with high schoolers even with their challenges.

[er]

Everything you said is 💯! I taught middle school for 20 yrs 6th-8th grade (charter school) ESOL, Intensive Reading, and Language Arts. I did highschool, for four years Intensive reading. I'm going back to middle school this year for ESOL 6th-8th grade. Everything and I mean everything you said is true. I might add, if you have any highschool students that appreciate you, you will know at the END of the school year, it's not like middle school where they will draw you pictures or show that they are happy to see you all year. Just know if you are teaching high school they are listening even between all the complaining.

[jackpoirier]

Good video. I am a first year teacher doing 7th grade math. I get the sense that middle schoolers are the toughest out of the three. I am thinking about trying my hand at high school.

[AmandaAwakens]

As a fellow YouTuber and middle school teacher I LOVE this video (and your channel). You have such a fun and beautiful energy! And oh my goodness I felt it to my core when you were talking about middle schools yelling and just throwing themselves against things 🙃😂

[englishwithaltini]

Thank you so much! As someone transitioning from middle to high school, this gave great insight!

[khyberw]

I’m a middle school teacher of several years who recently transitioned to high school, and I can tell you everything you said is true

[patti]

I am a 6th grade teacher and you are spot on with your description of middleschoolers! Thank you for this video. I feel better and have a better understanding of difficult student behavior.

[warrensnook]

This is year 7 for me and I’ve taught both.

I’m currently teaching middle school and as soon as I can, I’m transferring back to the high schools.

I teach math and computer science (I’ve taught AP before, too.)

Their behaviors are too much in middle school for me, especially since I’m more introverted.

My days teaching high school were much more quiet. I related more to high schoolers, too.

[justjulie]

I teach at a small rural school. I am the only English teacher, so I teach all grades 7-12. It is straight English, with no electives. My favorite grade to teach is 9th grade. They are over the shy, awkward, afraid-of-all-the-high schoolers stage but not quite at the point where the school is just a complete waste of their time.

[musicgirl]

I worked as a para sub a few times in middle and high school! People would tell me I was brave to be in middle school.

[sarahdanielle]

Hi Alexa! Loving your videos. I am a K-8 teacher taking on my first middle school position in 15 years (7th self-contained). Plus I'm starting for second quarter. I'm like you a lot energetically but am concerned that I should be more restrained at the beginning. What is the wisdom with energy? (My students have had subs all during first quarter btw)

[cheikhdiop]

I teach both but it's hell everyday

[chrisr]

Do HS teachers have to do as many of the bs things like posting work on bulletin boards or submitting student work samples? Do you post CCSS on boards and stuff like that? Weekly plans submitted? How do observations work out in such a large building with so much staff in your experience?

I'm a 5 year MS teacher here in an large urban district and title 1 school. So sorry for all these questions. You seem like one of the few on youtube who actually gives useful info. Really loved the way you delivered the info. Thank you for this video.

[Brown_Barbie]

Thank you that was so informative and helpful

[TamaraD]

This is a wonderful video. I'm just starting the teacher credential program for single-subject English. I just want any level I can teach the Hobbit or Fellowship of the Ring. LOL. But seriously, this is a second career for me, I'll be entering the classroom at age 53! I'll be the oldest new teacher ever!!!

[coreychafin]

As an upcoming first year teacher, I’m curious - what was your response to the girl who made the threat of punching you on her way to the trash can?

[ZainElite]

What do you prefer more hs or elementary