Hi Guys,

So after 6 years of teaching high school I’m choosing to jump into the Middle School arena. Wise? Crazy? Insane? Depends who you talk to. Seems as if there’s a love/hate relationship out there between teachers and middle schoolers: teachers either love them or hate them! One of my colleagues (now in H.S.) described his experience as corralling a box full of ping pong balls that had been emptied onto the floor. Be that as it may, I feel compelled to try to strengthen Middle School math instruction. Can 1 person make a difference?

My new teaching assignment is a Math/Science position wherein I have a class for 2 hours. Yes…2 hours, everyday. I’m free to mix up the instruction to be integrated or separate Math and Science components and my hope is to focus more on the math piece. So, can somebody help me with the following questions?

1. What can I expect on the first couple of days and throughout the year in terms of attitude and behavior?

2. What can I do during the first 3 days to set a positive and productive tone for the year?

Thanks!

Josh