"Those" kids

I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my vocation as a middle school teacher lately. My introspection is fueled by the fact that I will teaching at a different school next August. Although the students will be the number one thing I will miss about my current school, I have to be honest and admit that there are students who I will miss more than others. These particular students are not necessarily the smartest of the bunch or the ones with perfect behavior; they are the students who have kept me on my toes, day in and day out. These particular students have probably endured my wrath more than others have, but every single one chooses to stay in my classroom during recess to hangout and "talk story," so I guess they realize there IS a point to my madness. :)

Prior to the start of the school year, my homeroom had already received the dubious distinction of being the worst-behaved class in seventh grade, maybe the entire middle school. Year after year, I see the same patterns occurring in the class placement. All the "behaviorally challenged" students are sent my way. I could either be upset about this or take it as a compliment. I choose the latter. In fact, these students are actually the very caring and compassionate to each other; they just struggle with self-control. Typical 21st century middle school students. Or any century, for that matter. 

And that is where my struggle lies. lays? Saying good-bye to this unforgettable group of twelve and thirteen year olds; not knowing when or where I will bump into them again, wondering what they've been up to and how they are doing. Will their eighth grade teachers accept them as they are and work with their strengths, while strengthening their weaknesses? Or will they look at these kids with scorn on their faces and sarcasm jumping from their tongues? I hope, with a little time and lots of patience, they will discover what I adore about these kids even if they need to dig extra deep to let these lights shine.