17 Middle School Teacher
What is it Like Being a Middle School Teacher
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a middle school teacher with Mark Domeier.
Guest: Mark Domeier is a 7th and 8th grade English teacher at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva, where he has taught for 29 years. He is also heavily involved in the local education system. Mark serves as the Voice of the Panthers, acting as the PA announcer at sporting events and providing play-by-play commentary on livestreams. Additionally, he writes a weekly column for the local paper, has published three novels, and is actively involved in his union, where he serves as lead negotiator and an elected member of the state governing board.
Connect with Mark:
Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
On this episode, middle school English teacher, Mark Domeier, discusses his career path and the realities of teaching seventh and eighth grade. He talks about his journey into education, his typical work week, his summer schedule, and the challenges and rewards of his job. He also shares his advice for those considering a career in education, including the importance of developing leadership skills and working with diverse populations.
What We Discuss:
Choosing to Teach Middle School
Discovering a Passion for Education
A Typical Week as a Middle School Teacher
Summers as a Teacher
Challenges of Working with Middle Schoolers
Advice for Aspiring Educators
Misconceptions about Teaching Middle School
The Most Rewarding Part of Teaching
Recommended Books for Middle Schoolers
Why Choose Middle School Teacher For a Career?
Mark's journey into education began with a simple observation during his freshman year of high school: if his seemingly uninspired teacher could do it, anyone could. However, his passion for teaching stemmed from a deeper desire to interact with and influence people. This, combined with his love for reading and writing fostered by his mother and third-grade teacher, led him to pursue a career in English education.
While his teaching license allowed him to teach grades 7-12, Mark ultimately chose to focus on middle school. He found himself drawn to the energy and potential of this age group, recognizing that when channeled effectively, it could lead to remarkable achievements. Moreover, he appreciated the opportunity to coach these students in basketball and baseball, further strengthening his connection with them.
A Typical Week of a Middle School Teacher
A typical week for a middle school teacher is anything but typical. Mark teaches five classes a day, leaving him with one preparatory period and one supervisory period. While technology has streamlined some tasks, much of his time is dedicated to planning, creating materials, grading, and anticipating future lessons.
Mark emphasizes the importance of student-centered learning, minimizing lectures and maximizing hands-on activities. He believes in setting clear expectations for classwork and homework, encouraging students to use their time wisely to minimize the workload outside of school.
Mark's day begins at 7:45 a.m., allowing him time to connect with colleagues and prepare mentally for the day ahead. Summers, while offering more flexibility, are often filled with professional development opportunities, community involvement, and time for personal pursuits.
The Joys and Challenges of Working with Middle Schoolers
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of his career, Mark highlighted the impact he has on his students' lives. Witnessing their growth, hearing about their accomplishments, and seeing the long-lasting influence of his lessons brings immense satisfaction. He cherishes moments when former students return to share their successes or simply say hello, recognizing the profound impact teachers can have.
However, working with middle schoolers comes with its own set of challenges. This age group is navigating puberty, experiencing emotional shifts, and grappling with increasingly complex issues. Mark acknowledges the difficulty of understanding what students are going through, especially when they struggle to communicate their problems.
Another significant challenge is the changing nature of parent-teacher communication. Despite technological advancements, reaching parents can be difficult, with some avoiding contact altogether. Mark stresses the importance of a strong student-parent-teacher triangle for effective learning and support.
Dispelling Misconceptions of Being a Middle School Teacher
Mark addressed common misconceptions about working with middle schoolers, emphasizing that it is a conscious choice driven by a passion for this unique age group. He rejected the notion that these students are inherently rude or disrespectful, highlighting that the vast majority are respectful and eager to learn.
He also countered the misconception that teachers are poorly compensated. While acknowledging the need for fair pay that reflects the importance of the profession, he noted that salaries can become comfortable over time, especially with advanced degrees.
Advice for Aspiring Educators
For those considering a career in education, Mark offered valuable advice. He encouraged aspiring teachers to seek leadership opportunities, develop strong interpersonal skills, and embrace discomfort as opportunities for growth. He emphasized the importance of being able to handle conflict effectively, recognizing that it is an inevitable part of the job. He also urged aspiring educators to recognize the calling of the profession, understanding that the rewards extend far beyond financial compensation.
Beyond the Classroom
When asked about alternative career paths, Mark expressed his passion for sports broadcasting. He enjoys providing play-by-play commentary for his high school's sports teams and believes he could excel in a professional setting. This highlights the possibility of pursuing passions outside of teaching while remaining committed to the profession.
How Teachers Find the Right Books For Their Students
Mark believes in the power of reading to engage and inspire young minds. He encourages students to explore different genres and authors, aiming to help each student discover a book they genuinely love. He uses various strategies to support struggling readers, including comic books, recognizing the importance of visual aids in comprehension.
This interview with Mark Doemeier offers a valuable glimpse into the world of a middle school teacher. His dedication, passion, and insights shed light on the joys and challenges of working with this dynamic age group. His story serves as a reminder of the profound impact teachers have on their students' lives, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a Middle School Teacher:
Teaching middle school requires a passion for working with students and a willingness to adapt to their changing needs.
Building relationships with students and creating a positive learning environment are key to success in the classroom.
Standardized testing is a major challenge in education and can be detrimental to student learning.
The most rewarding part of being a teacher is seeing the impact you have on students' lives and hearing from former students about how you influenced them.
Finding books that students enjoy and fostering a love of reading is an important aspect of teaching English.
For those considering a career in education, gaining experience working with students and developing strong communication and leadership skills are essential.
Special thanks to ThoughtfulCollection.com, where you can shop from a wide selection of curated products you can feel good about, helping you express friendship, gratitude, and love.
The next time you need to, don't just gift. Gift thoughtfully at www.ThoughtfulCollection.com.
(Summary provided by NotebookLM. May not be 100% accurate.)
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music
If you are interested in being a part of the program, media inquiries, or advertising, please contact us.