Why do I want to teach middle school?

I only have TWO more semesters until I graduate with my BS in Middle Grade Education. Every time someone asks me what grade I plan to teach I either get "you must be crazy" or "you're asking for a drinking problem". Literally every person I know thinks I am crazy for wanting to teach middle school. I have several reasons why I want to teach middle school, and yes one of them is that there are more jobs in middle school grade level. I don't think this is a bad thing, I mean we all want job security after spending thousands of dollars and driving ourselves into debt for that piece of paper that qualifies us for a job. At the same time, I also chose this grade level because middle schoolers just need extra LOVE and never-ending patience.

Why middle schoolers need EXTRA love and EXTRA patience:

They're weird. Plain and simple, middle schoolers are weird and they are fully aware of their weirdness and it makes them uncomfortable. Middle schoolers are going through so many changes within themselves, within their families and within their friendships. I mean just think about how awkward you were as a middle schooler.

They aim to please. Middle schoolers generally aim to please anyone. They want the reassurance that they are wanted and noticed. Some middle schoolers don't get this any where else than at school. So when I have a classroom, I hope my students feel noticed, and that they aren't just numbers or test scores.

They are at a crucial point in their lives. Most middle schoolers are decided which path of life they want to take, and the outcome of middle school could potentially pave the way of their behavior for the rest of their academic career. As a teacher, I will get to help students continue down a good path. And yes I know, easier said than done, but as a future teacher, if I get to change one life than it will be worth it.

Middle schoolers are mean to each other. When I was in middle school, I literally didn't know if I would go to school and have the same best friends. Middle schoolers are flippy-floppy, they change friends on a daily basis. As a teacher, I will get the opportunity to be a constant in their life, not many students have many constants at all in their lives.

Now I know, I am just a student in the teacher education program, but I would venture to say I do see a lot of middle school behavior and interaction with them. I also now being an educator is one of the HARDEST jobs anyone can do. You can't just pick up an education degree because you want your summers off, it ain't that easy friend. I know my views on teaching and middle schoolers will change and grow as I begin to teach. But for the most part I am extremely excited to begin teaching! I am blessed that after 4 majors and 3 schools, God finally opened my eyes to what He was calling me to do. ;)