The thing that surprised me most about my teacher preparation program was that we never talked about how kids learn. Instead, we were taught how to structure a lesson and given tips on classroom management. I took “methods” classes that gave me strategies for discussions and activities. I assumed that I would eventually learn how […]
Middle School
Middle school is often synonymous with the awkwardness, uncertainty and sheer terror of early adolescence. But it can also be an amazing time of brain development, when children’s growing sense of self can blossom as they take more agency in their lives and learning. In this special report, Hechinger looks at what schools should do to help children at this critical inflection point in their personal development and academic careers.