I taught 8th grade US history for 16 years in the same school. I loved the kids and the curriculum, but I knew it was time for a change. And personally, I could not teach the Declaration of Independence one more time. If you are interested in making the move to high school, I’d like to walk you through my decision process and the impact it has made for me personally.
How I made the decision?
- I was out of creative ideas. I am one of those teachers who change how I teach things almost every year. The last couple of years teaching 8th grade, I was struggling to create the next great lesson.
- I was tired of the curriculum. I could teach early American history in my sleep. It was clear to me that I needed a challenge and let’s be honest, I was ready to teach World War II! If I’m being honest, what history teacher DOESN’T want to teach WWII? Right?
- I knew that if I wanted to remain in the classroom, I needed to “recharge” and give myself a challenge.
Once the job was offered to me, I took a deep death and took the plunge. And then I had the “what have I done?” feeling. Very quickly I knew I just had to dive into every textbook I could find. I had not had a class on the Gilded Age in 20 years. It was time to reteach myself EVERYTHING.
What were the challenges?
- Because I also changed school districts, I had the learning curve of learning a new gradebook system, attendance and all the day-to-day things we do as teachers.
- It took about 6 weeks to adjust to teaching juniors. The age difference may only be 4 years, but the maturity levels are night and day. I did have to adjust.
- I became a 1st year teacher again. Remember the days of being only 1 or 2 days ahead of what you were teaching? Yep. That was me that 1st year. But like every 1st year teacher – I survived. Was it my most stellar teaching that 1st year teaching juniors? Nope. But, am I improving every year – yes!
What are the benefits of moving to high school?
- Juniors are awesome. They are almost adults and you can have mature conversations with them.
- Juniors are human. They understand when you are having a bad day.
- No more fart jokes. Do we have other jokes, yes – but they are on a different level. They understand (and appreciate) sarcasm. Yes – sarcasm is in my bloodstream.
- I feel energized. I’m back to myself – always looking for more effective ways to teach.
- I love supporting my students at their games and activities. Friday night football is so different when it is YOUR students on the field.
- I get to teach World War II now – enough said.
Moving to high school was the best decision I have made in my teaching career. If you are thinking of making the move and want help making your decision, head on over to Instagram and DM me. I’d love to help!
