Essay Articulating Personal Philosophy and Understanding of Middle Level EducationAs I begin to take my first tentative steps into the real world of teaching, and no longer just in the purely theoretical world, I find I focus more on what I can do for my students rather than what I will teach. I think back to when I was a middle school student myself and discover that what I thought I knew then from my teacher really pales in comparison to the reality I face today. Teaching is not just about knowing what I know about my subject (although this is important for any teacher), but also about ensuring that by having a solid understanding of our students, we as teachers can provide the best education. it's possible. Additionally, I believe it is imperative that teachers are able to coordinate and cooperate with each other to ensure that all of our students' needs (both academically and developmentally) are met . Developmental Changes As I begin to focus on the students I will teach, I can't help but continue to reflect on a time when I myself was one of them. I grew over a foot taller, weighed almost a hundred pounds, and had even started shaving, to name just a few of the changes that occurred during my time there. The young adolescents who enter our schools every day are perhaps the most unique age group that we, as teachers, will ever face. Middle school students are undergoing drastic physical, mental, emotional, and even social changes, and as teachers, we must be prepared to meet as many of these developmental needs of our students as possible. These challenges are challenges that middle school teachers must face every day. This forces the...... middle of paper ...... when it comes to teaching in middle grades; The philosophy is based on best practices regarding adolescent development. The question, as well as the answer, has always been the epicenter of my thoughts over time. The answer is simple: I want to make a difference. If what I know is capable of positively influencing just one person and making them better, then I have done what I set out to do. The more people I can help by teaching only middle-level math, the greater my impact, and to me, that's worth any trials and tribulations that may come my way..