Teaching in Milan, Michigan: It's Not Just an Art; It's a Passion

I am in awe of the amount of time, care, and passion that #PowerUpMMS educators put into their practice and students. While these examples are in no way a comprehensive list of what our educators do at Milan Middle School, they do paint a picture of these amazing soldiers of learning and character, making the world a better place one child at a time.

Milan educators are constantly thinking about what is best for students. They meet at least weekly to discuss student needs. They collaborate by teams and departments to prepare students by integrating technology, personalize learning, and create ways to engage students. They unite on ways to manage their classroom and unify expectations offering consistency and routine for students. However, they also work in student choice and voice to personalize learning.

Milan teachers deprivatize their practice by opening up their classrooms to each other to learn from and model for each other. They work monthly in departments and as a whole staff to analyze data, explore gaps in subgroups, and strategize on interventions, strategies, and activities to support students and push for growth.

Milan teachers and parapros learn about the whole child and work to understand hardships, celebrate successes, and be a champion to students who need an extra trusted adult in their lives. We greet students with smiles, teach character, show empathy, challenge their thinking, and hold students accountable.

Our Milan students are fortunate to have such amazing people in their lives. The outside perception or public opinion of education is not always kind or appreciative of what our school employees do, but the Milan Community does seem to get it, and for that, we, Milan educators, are very fortunate.

It is not easy being a champion for students. It is time consuming to care for, challenge, and teach 150-200 students a day, but together--from the transportation crew, custodial crew, food service, office staff, counseling staff, teachers, paraeducators, and admin--we strive to empower our students to be the best possible versions of themselves, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to do so. Here's to a great new school year at Milan, where teaching is not just an art; it's a passion.