Teaching middle school: scary for some, a calling for others

Fort Worth, TX

5/16/2008

Ryan Hambley knew he wanted to be a teacher when he was a freshman in high school. Everything has been pointing – or calling – him to be a middle school math teacher. He realizes teaching middle school scares many people, but not this determined educator.

Career Selection

When Ryan tells others his career plans, he gets one of two reactions, “Bless your soul, child,” and “Nope, you couldn’t see me doing that!” He always gets those two reactions, but his career choice doesn’t scare him. Ryan feels that if he ran away from everything that he was afraid of, he wouldn’t grow. His heart is in it.

He doesn’t know the current status of science and math in the middle schools. From what he’s heard, it’s not looking so good, but he looks forward to finding out first-hand. “Math and science bring the logic and reasoning into ones education,” said Ryan. “It’s fundamental and in middle school, it’s even more vital for the students to receive an enriched education in math and science.

He noted that the students are learning how fundamentals work. “Math is somewhat chronological,” Ryan continued. “If mastery is not achieved in middle school, how are spatial reasoning or complex math skills going to be developed in high school?”

His advice for middle school students is to think of numbers like toys. He thinks math is learning how to play with ones toys and there are a lot of things that can be done with toys. Ryan also encourages creativity.

TCU experience

Ryan didn’t choose TCU because of its credentials, but rather its opportunities. At the time in his life, it was the only worthwhile opportunity. He believes TCU to be a complete blessing to him and was introduced to TCU through a family church friend at University Christian Church. “I knew I was going to be taken care of,” noted Ryan.

When asked about what he liked most about TCU, he responded, “I have enjoyed the close-knit community. I can walk from one side of campus to another, and I will have seen at least three people I know.”

“TCU’s mission really has pushed my core values and purpose into my profession/career,” Hambley continued. “TCU is a well-balanced community.”

Ryan also is very fond of the College of Education and loves the professors. “The thing about the College of Education professors is they know how to teach and not just one style of teaching, but also multiple,” said Ryan. “They facilitate your passion and nurture it. It's more of a dialogue with the professor rather than a direct instruction. This develops autonomy. One thing I did appreciate is that amount of in-school experience we got. It makes an amazing transition for the real job.”

Recalling his favorite professor or class, Ryan reflected upon specific activities, “Dr. Kelly's semester unit project showed me that my curriculum could be effective. Dr. Sacken helped me bridge the gap between who I am as a holistic individual and who I have to be in the classroom. Dr. Debois demonstrated her passion for special education. Watching someone be passionate about their passion automatically liberates those of us who what to be effective individuals in this world.”

In addition to being busy with school, Ryan has been active on campus including hall council, Soul Steppers and Brothers Under Christ, and he served as resident assistant for three years.

Due to Ryan’s dedication and hard work, the Texas State Association of Personnel Administrators recently awarded him a $2000 scholarship at the state conference. Hambley said he was honored. “This is the first time in my academic career where I flat out won a scholarship. I am proud of what I am doing,” he said. “I don't need a scholarship to confirm it, but the scholarship is helping me continue my journey to being an effective teacher.”

After TCU

After graduation, Ryan hopes to teach middle school math through Teach for America in Houston. Their mission is to provide a quality education to all students, specifically targeting lower socioeconomic school districts. He is currently waiting to hear where his campus assignment will be.

For incoming education students, Ryan offers the following advice, “Be critical in everything you do. You learn not only how to assess yourself which will be needed when you become a teacher, but it also challenges the professor and in return you learn the why of your teaching.”

He also recommends visiting the professors in their office. “Allow them to be part of your life, he continued. “They are where they are because they have passion for education. If you want it, then the professors have great ideas on where to find it. Watch your professor and analyze how they teach. You can learn a lot.”

Ryan looks forward to teaching and giving back what he learned. Teaching is truly his calling.