Meet Me in the Middle: Chapter 1

Chapter one discussed the importance of attitude in several different aspects; how we as teachers look at our profession/calling, how the community at large views the middle school experience, and how students see the difference in attitude and respond accordingly. Some of the different ways to display a positive attitude are through examining our own behaviors and intonations, and making sure that we listen, hear, and understand the students when they are trying to convey their thoughts and feelings to us.

I really liked that chapter one had an invigorating rant about how people underestimate the power of the teaching profession and calling, focusing on (what else?!) the middle school teacher and experience. It was quite refreshing to be exposed to an attitude right there on the page that declares it a privilege to do what we (will eventually) do. I also found it refreshing to find that the first aspect of teaching that the author suggested be dissected is the teacher themselves- I think that, given that the teacher is often the emotional barometer of the classroom, this is incredibly important to remember to do.