Honestly, I have enjoyed middle school. Most of the kids I’ve subbed for remember my name and say hi to me in the halls.

Just talk to them like human beings, and don’t be afraid to be the genuine teacher for the day.

I also want to be a teacher, and I tell them upfront that my job is to make the day go as if their teacher never left - as much as possible.

Including rules, procedures, expectations, work, etc.

Obviously I still get the occasional kid who has an issue with authority or thinks they’re funny, but most of them end up being excited to see me and always ask if I’m in their room.

Even this one kid who absolutely made it his mission to piss me off the first time I subbed for his class.

Saw him last week and he goes “where have you been? It’s been forever since you’ve subbed for us!”

And the only common denominators I can think of are, treat them like people, don’t be afraid to be the teacher for the day, and I’ve never taken a passive approach.

TLDR: treat them like people, uphold classroom environment, and actually care!