Chapter 9: Conversations From the Middle

Entering a middle school was a very frightening thought for me. In 2009, I was afforded an opportunity to teach sixth graders with the initial idea of looping which ignited and intensified my passion for teaching. For 3 years I experienced stronger teacher-student relationships. Over the years there had been a plethora of conversations, but looking back, I now realize that those interactions from the past provided insight into situations with my current learners. These past conversations are like a kaleidoscope embedded in my psyche.

In my eighth grade classroom, I was not prepared to have this conversation. A normal day in class, learners were working on quick writes and Monica came up to my desk.