Educator Monica McGinnis believes teaching middle school is the best of both worlds.

Born and raised in Lake Charles, she graduated from LaGrange High School. She said that throughout her education in the Calcasieu Parish school system, she was taught by caring and attentive teachers who “paved the path” for her.

“I had a few really inspirational teachers at each level … who I often think about, and the strategies they used; how I was learning and didn’t even know it,” she recalled. “I think about the problem-solving skills I was taught that have made me the person I am today.”

While at LaGrange, McGinnis took an early admission course in education to earn some college credits.

“I decided to try it out, and if that wasn’t my path at least I had the experience.”

During the class, she found the coursework and fieldwork to be “much more rewarding” than she originally anticipated.

“I knew this was where I was supposed to be.”

Following that path, she attended McNeese State University to earn a Bachelor’s in elementary education (grades one through eight) and a Master’s in educational technology.

During her college observation hours, McGinnis realized she most enjoyed her time in middle school classrooms.

“The students were old enough to be independent but still young enough to get excited about learning,” she said. “I have found this to be true throughout my time in the classroom and cannot imagine teaching at another level.”

After 25 years in the field, she has taught both English language arts and social studies. Her first two years were spent at Reynaud Middle School, where she taught Louisiana history.

Her other twenty-three years have been at S.J. Welsh Middle School. Currently teaches seventh-grade American history, but has also taught seventh-grade English language arts there.

She enjoys teaching history because she can make it as interactive and creative as she wants.

“There is so much storytelling, interaction and so many events of the past that are relatable, even in current times. It is easy to connect with students when they can identify with what is being discussed and this makes them want to join in the conversation.”

She has developed good relationships with her students over the years, but her teacher-student relationships have evolved since she became a mother, she said.

“I now have my own daughter in the seventh–grade, which makes me even more cognizant of their feelings and my expectations.”

She said this synergy is enhanced by a fast-paced, interactive and engaging classroom environment that leaves students asking “Class is already over?”

These students who leave her classroom energized and more knowledgeable are the future workforce, she said. It’s vital they learn more than the curriculum.

“It is important to help them learn strategies that will take them into their careers and to help them find their interests. These things together will create productive members of society.”

On the job, she is observant and flexible. This isn’t a complicated, but a strategy, she said.

“Just learn how to read people and read the room. Be prepared to make a quick shift if things are not going in the expected way. Some things that work with one group of students does not work with another.”

Current and future educators should remember that change is inevitable, ask questions, keep up with technology and share knowledge with your peers, she said.

One of her favorite parts of the job is her students. The other is working with her best friends.

At this point in my life, I have been a teacher for longer than I was alive before teaching, so the friends I have made are my life-long friends,” she said. “My favorite part of teaching is getting to work with and share ideas with people whether that is a student or a fellow teacher.”