I've been asked before which group of students I prefer subbing for, high school or middle school? Reality of the matter is that I like both for different reasons. I can pretty much guarantee a good day of subbing for either age group.
I appreciate high school students, because it can be a little easier to relate to them intellectually. They have begun to form coherent thoughts and opinions about their world, not just parrot the opinions of their parents. The conversations I've had with them are often edifying and challenging. I appreciate their optimism and hopeful attitude. At the same time, high school students can be a challenge. You certainly have to approach them more formally than middle school. Corny jokes while taking roll can often fall flat, with the accompanying eye roll. They can be aloof at first, even suspicious, so it can take some time to break the ice. Usually, with the class goofball doing something that makes everyone laugh. But once that ice is broken, once you show you're willing to listen, once you show them you're not the enemy, high school students are amazing.
Middle school is nobody's favorite time of life. I've yet to meet a person that would love to repeat middle school. It's a time of great transition that can oft be so confusing. Middle schoolers are wise in many ways. I can interact with them and marvel at their insights one moment, then wonder why they thought it was a good idea to kick a volleyball in their friend's face the next. The decision making process isn't quite well developed. They're learning and that's often a bumpy ride. Yet you walk into their classroom and usually they still want your approval. They're willing to laugh at your corny jokes and not roll their eyes. Mostly. If you have a little patience, aren't a stickler for the rules, and show you care, then those are days where my heart is full at the end. In fact, it was one such day that convinced me to go back and get my teaching certificate. Two more years seems like forever, but I think it'll be worth it.
The few times I've subbed for elementary students, it's been man down in fifteen minutes. They're a relentless tide, a horde Genghis Khan would be proud of. They show no mercy. In reality, it's just not my skillset and not nearly as bad as I just described. Yet I admire elementary teachers. As for me, I would love to teach 6th grade geography or find myself teaching AP US History (APUSH). Once they get to that age, they're easier for me to handle. In fact it can be heaven on Earth one moment, one moment, usually broken when Johnny writes on Bobby's forehead with a sharpie. Yet that's the wild ride that it often is with adolescents. Truth be told, I wouldn't have it any other way.
