National teacher leader and NBCT Nancy Flanagan reveals the essence of excellent teaching in the middle grades by answering four questions that a new middle grades educator might ask. Question #1: How can I build trusting relationships with these students?
Remember the You’re Not Special graduation speech? Teacher Bill Ivey says students might be better served with the message: “Each of us is special.”
Articles / New Teacher Advice / Teaching the Whole Adolescent
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/15/2012 · Last modified 11/26/2019
In the second of two articles, expert Rick Wormeli urges new middle grades teachers to make quality feedback a priority and not to become slaves of the pacing guide.
Articles / Inquiry Learning / Teaching Practice
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/12/2012 · Last modified 01/05/2026
The teaching landscape has changed since Marsha Ratzel put students in charge of learning. They are stronger, more confident and willing to do the hard stuff. “Once you’ve tasted this kind of teaching — seen students learn so much more in your classes than they ever have learned before — then the fun of it, the reward of it, is so great that you strive to get back into this kind of flow every time you walk into the classroom.”
Paradigm-shifting PD leader Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach tells a story about her grandson to illustrate the power of passion-based learning.
Special educators share many of the same challenges all teachers face, says teacher and instructional coach Elizabeth Stein. They also share the same guiding question, “What can I do for children?” Included: Managing the co-teaching relationship.
What can our students possibly learn if we only give them easy tasks? How can we motivate them to accept a challenge if they doubt their own ability?
In this excerpt from a soon-to-be finished book, educator, blogger and activist Jose Vilson recounts his memorable first year teaching in New York City.
Articles / Digital Learning / Student Support
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/28/2012 · Last modified 02/05/2014
Teacher-librarian Jenny Luca explains her school’s commitment to helping students develop ePortfolios and good digital footprints.
Middle school dean Bill Ivey reflects on teaching and learning about racism, in the wake of racist comments about the casting for The Hunger Games.
