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 not just that purely theoretical, I find that I focus more on what I can do for my students rather than just what I will teach. I think back to the time when I myself was a middle school student and find that what I thought I knew then about my teacher really pales in comparison to the reality I face now. Teaching is not just about what I know about my subject (although this is important for any teacher), but it is also about making sure that by having a solid understanding of our students, we as teachers can provide them with the best education that is possible. Furthermore, 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. Evolutionary Changes As I begin to focus on the students I will teach, I cannot help but continue to reflect on a time when I myself was one of them. I had grown over a foot, put on nearly fifty pounds, and had even started shaving, just to name a few of the changes that had occurred during my time there. The young adolescents who enter our schools every day represent perhaps the most unique age group we teachers will ever face. Middle school students undergo dramatic 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 something middle school teachers face every day. This forces the... central part of the paper... as it concerns teaching in the middle classes; The philosophy is based on best practices regarding adolescent development. Resume Introductory Filler Sentence/Reflection Sentence Concluding Sentence Evaluation Introductory Filler Sentence/Reflection Sentence Closing Paragraph Perhaps the most common question I am asked whenever I have been identified as a potential teacher is “Why?” The question, as well as the answer, has always been at the epicenter of my thoughts as time has gone by. The answer is simple: I want to make a difference. If what I know can positively influence just one person and make them better, then I have done what I set out to do. The more people I can help by teaching them only middle-level math, the more impact I will have, and to me that is worth every trial and tribulation that may come my way...