This I Believe
This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents is the primary position paper of National Middle School Association (NMSA) and reflects our philosophy and understanding of young adolescents and the programs and practices of successful middle schools. To help individuals declare their personal commitment to middle level education a This I Believe statement was developed. Share this statement with colleagues and others, reflect upon its importance to your daily work with young adolescents, and let it help focus your commitment and advocacy to middle level education. The following activities are suggested for consideration.
- As part of the Month of the Young Adolescent celebration, hold a signing ceremony and publicize it.
- Have the faculty discuss the belief statement and develop a list of ways your school demonstrates these affirmations. Share the results and the This I Believe statement with parents and community members.
- Encourage teams to discuss the statement, endorse it, and incorporate it in team handbooks or other team-developed material.
- Present a copy to the school board during one of its meetings after the faculty has endorsed it.
- Present the belief statement at a back-to-school night.
- Frame this document and hang it in your classroom or office.
This I Believe poster - 2' x 3', full color
This I Believe flyers – full color, sold in bundles of 10
Poster Text
I have chosen to be a middle level educator, for I recognize that the years of early adolescence are pivotal and abound with individual potential and opportunity. Therefore, I will care for these students personally, listen to their voices, respect their concerns, and engage them in meaningful educational experiences that will prepare them for a promising future.
I believe that every young adolescent …
- has the capacity to learn, grow, and develop into a knowledgeable, reflective, caring, ethical, and contributing citizen.
- must have access to the very best programs and practices a school can offer.
- must be engaged in learning that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory.
- thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a democratic learning environment where trust and respect are paramount and where family and community are actively involved.
- faces significant life choices and needs support in making wise and healthy decisions.
- deserves educators who are prepared to work with this age group, who are themselves lifelong learners and committed to their own ongoing professional development and growth.
Therefore, I proudly dedicate myself to becoming the best middle level educator I can be and an active advocate for all young adolescents.