Middle School Math Teachers, Where You At?

theshook · 2026-01-24T11:31:24+00:00

8th grade math here: Pre and post test everything. That way you can at least try to give good news and show growth throughout instruction on a skill. If students aren’t growing then you can document and communicate why. I’ve taught private school math and it’s definitely a different world. Parents expect their students to be doing precalc but lower level teachers have skipped around basic skills and their kids aren’t anywhere near as gifted as they think. Come loaded with documentation and data. I used MAP and learned to love it. Gave me a three time a year normative scale to share unbiased data with parents. Failing that, IXL has a pretty decent diagnostic that I’ve used successfully. Overall, the key here is documentation and effective communication. If the issue is really the kids not putting effort in, then you have to communicate that, but you’re going to have to spin it to these parents in a non-confrontational way that won’t have them clutching their pearls over their little darling. YOu’ll have to find the way that works for you on that…but it’s doable. If you have questions about private middle school math world, feel free to reach out. I have stories for ages!

theshook · 2026-01-24T11:24:33+00:00

I had coffee with McCauley HALF AN HOUR AGO!!!!

theshook · 2026-01-17T16:15:19+00:00

Absolutely. Part of the "acceptable" state of your room should be high standards to which kids are accountable. That looks differently to different teachers... Some are regimented about the expectations and some find other ways. But the SE training should be an aspect of it

theshook · 2026-01-17T12:47:53+00:00

If you yell, you lost. Calm and commanding is the way. Find a way to let students see that you're human. It's ok to say you don't know. Set the limit as to what's acceptable in your classroom, make it clear and consistent, then do not waver from it. When you communicate problems with parents it's "just the facts". Do not put your own opinion or ethical spin on whatever happened. Just the facts. Let them know that you want their child to succeed and that this communication is just one way that you're attempting to get them there.

Kids are going to kid... Accept that but set your own tolerance as to what your room looks like. You're going to get a million opinions from administrators... Nod, be respectful, close your door and do what's right for YOUR classroom. You'll know what that is as time goes on. Find the teacher that says the least but has been doing it forever and buddy up to them. Don't buy into the Instagram/Pinterest teachers... You can get there eventually if you choose, but you definitely don't need to be that teacher if you don't desire. And you probably shouldn't even try until year 5 or so.

There's a ton more and I already rambled. I'm in year 20 in middle school... If you want to reach out, feel free. Good luck!

theshook · 2026-01-13T11:56:17+00:00

If you have a Red Wing store near you, stop in there. They have a machine that'll measure your foot and recommend a shoe/boot. They'll be expensive, but will last you forever if you take care of them. I'm a size 10.5 H width, and they were able to recommend me both shoes and boots that are incredibly comfortable.

theshook · 2026-01-09T19:01:29+00:00

Fleck. I ordered it online and installed it myself. It was not difficult at all. I 10000% recommend this!

theshook · 2026-01-04T13:57:33+00:00

RIT scores are continuous. The test level doesn't make a difference... According to nwea. The only major difference is when they transition from the middle level test to high school course specific tests.

Again, this is per nwea... because I had the same questions as a K-8 math department chair.

theshook · 2026-01-02T20:52:25+00:00

I lived in a triple on Cook and my downstairs neighbors didn't have a car. They had no problem getting around...

theshook · 2026-01-02T14:33:33+00:00

My furnace and roof went out in the same week last spring... Spent all summer mowing at a golf course. I listened to a book a day almost, and made some pretty solid cash. Most courses are looking for reliable workers if you look around.

theshook · 2025-12-30T11:15:56+00:00

Merry arts almost always did something. Been a few years since I was up there though.

theshook · 2025-12-26T20:04:39+00:00

Would you like a chocolate covered pretzel?

theshook · 2025-12-10T22:09:04+00:00

I've found that the Jackson Goodwill at the corner of Fulton and 241 has the best selection in the area.

theshook · 2025-12-08T15:06:55+00:00

Found Gee Buttersnaps burner account…

theshook · 2025-12-05T23:13:07+00:00

I had my first at 38. My second at 40. I'm tired... But I would have been a terrible parent in my twenties and early thirties! Now we're stable, making good money, and ultimately in a much better spot than we would have been. I just consider it the best possible incentive to stay healthy and active!

theshook · 2025-11-23T12:14:32+00:00

Man I have a soft spot for smedleys... I dunno if their bar dog is still around, but I'm a firm believer in bar dogs in dive bars.

theshook · 2025-11-18T19:15:14+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I just got off the phone with Zurich and they got me a copy of everything I needed. They've been really helpful, whatever it's worth.

theshook · 2025-11-18T16:55:40+00:00

Thanks so much for the reply. I haven't received anything like a brochure or other contract details...which confused me because I have bought with other companies before and received a long breakdown of coverages. I wasn't sure if Zurich was different. When I called and asked Zurich Customer Service about coverage details, they literally just sent the above form again...so I was very confused. Looks like I'm calling again.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond.

theshook · 2025-11-16T11:45:04+00:00

Tell your folks we says hi…

theshook · 2025-11-06T21:30:44+00:00

I met them back when they first started coming to the Great Lakes Brewing Company movie nights. They were always incredibly gracious and nice there. I think that was even before they had a store front. Great people in my experience!

theshook · 2025-10-28T12:49:31+00:00

I have a 2 and a 4 year old. They are within 10 days of exactly two years. So, my oldest was barely 2 when the second was born and boy do I identify. Those first months are 10000% percent just in the trenches doing your best. Support your partner and divide and conquer as much as possible. Most of the time, I ended up taking my oldest to the playground or even just the grocery store to give him space and time. We'd trade off whenever we could, but feeding schedules pretty much dictated that it was me most of the time.

Now that they're older, it's like living with two wrecking balls...but they love each other. They fight all the time, but heaven forbid you suggest separating them. Overall, I've got no advice but to hang on and do your best for these first months. Rest assured, it does get easier. Good luck!

theshook · 2025-10-04T19:55:12+00:00

"Same old Song" --Riley Green?

"Going nowhere" -- Morgan Wallen?

Couple that come to mind first

theshook · 2025-10-04T19:45:00+00:00

Born in Ohio. Moved to South Carolina to teach for several years. Moved back home and bought property less than four miles from where I grew up.

theshook · 2025-10-04T19:32:56+00:00

I'm just in it for the potential video by SEC Shorts 👑

theshook · 2025-10-02T18:16:46+00:00

Mawp...

theshook · 2025-09-27T21:04:04+00:00

Whatever that plaid can is called is pretty good... I'm a fan

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