How Will My Students Be Different This Year?
As I enter my 16th year of teaching I am quietly anticipating a new cadre of students who will undoubtedly surprise, test, challenge, and inspire me. It happens every year; you get your roster of students and at that moment, you have no attachments. But soon I will re-enter the world of Middle School Land, a place that can be very bizarre, hilarious, and humbling.
Preparation begins before Day 1, and in reality, it never stops. During the summer I read several Young Adult Literature books recommended by the school librarian; these will be made visible on the chalk tray in the front of the classroom, for students to check out at any time. This weekend I will rush to finish Mockingjay, the third
