March is Middle Level Education Month
March is Middle Level Education Month (MLEM), devoted to celebrating the opportunity of the middle grades and the profound and consequential years of early adolescence.
This year, we are lifting up the voices and the champions of the middle grades. From students sharing their perspectives through our expanded Student Sound Off Contest, to adult advocates who guide, mentor, and inspire young adolescents every day, MLEM is all about recognizing the impact happening in middle schools across the country.
Join us as a champion for middle level education! There are a variety of ways both students and adults can get involved and celebrate the power and promise of the middle grades.
Why Middle Level Education Month?
Young adolescence, typically encompassing the middle school years (ages 10-15), is a period of significant biological, cognitive, and social-emotional change. The adolescent brain undergoes substantial development the scope and speed of which is second only to the period from birth to age three, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. This phase is foundational for setting lifelong learning patterns, behaviors, and attitudes towards education, making it ideal for exploration, self-discovery, expanded learning, and thinking towards the future.
The stakes are high for middle schoolers as their personal development and academic growth during these years can dramatically impact their futures. The quality of students’ middle school experience substantially affects their overall sense of well-being and, in particular, their later chances for high school completion and post-secondary success. Put simply, creating successful middle schools is crucial for both the success of the individual and the success of society at large.
Decades of research tells us that young adolescents thrive when they have access to an education that is specifically designed to meet their unique developmental needs. Learn more about the middle school model, including the 5 Essential Attributes and 18 Characteristics of a Successful Middle School.
2026 Middle School Student Sound Off
Now in its fourth year, AMLE’s Middle School Student Sound Off is a world-wide celebration of student voice. Open to ages 10-15, students are invited to sound off by creating submissions that share their experience as a middle schooler in 2026.
Because we all have different talents, interests, and ways of expressing ourselves, students can submit in the format that most appeals to them.
AMLE will select submissions to feature on our website, in the forthcoming new edition of The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, and at AMLE26: The 53rd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education. Plus, there are some cool prizes in store for all participants!
Shine a Light on an Adult Advocacy
Nominate an Advocate in Your School!
In a successful middle school, every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate. In fact, research shows that students who can name an advocate at school experience many benefits, including greater engagement at school, and are less likely to bully or be bullied and participate in risky behavior. Each day, thousands of adult advocates show up for kids in ways that matter to them, from teachers and administrators, to counselors and coaches.
Advocacy is not limited to a singular event or a particular time in the schedule. Rather it is an attitude of caring that translates into actions, big and small, when adults respond to the needs of each young adolescent in their charge.
This Middle Level Education Month, let’s shine a light on amazing adult advocates who illuminate the way for the young people in their care. Each AMLE member is invited to nominate one educator/administrator adult advocate (teachers, counselors, assistant principal) and one support staff adult advocate (custodian, school secretary, food service personnel) who go above and beyond to build positive, trusting relationships with kids. In gratitude, AMLE will send a certificate to and recognize each nominee on the AMLE website, and we’ll shout out a few of their stories at the conclusion of MLEM! Nominations are due by March 31.
Want to learn more about what it means to healthy, positive adult advocacy for young adolescents? Explore Successful Middle School Adult Advocates, a companion text to The Successful Middle School: This We Believe.
2026 MLEM Quest for Prizes
Ready to turn your Middle Level Education Month celebration into a little friendly competition?
Introducing the 2026 MLEM Quest for Prizes, a month-long challenge designed to help you explore AMLE resources, champion middle grades best practices, and earn points along the way. From supporting students with their Student Sound Off submissions to nominating Adult Advocates, engaging on social media, exploring professional development resources, and registering for events, there are dozens of ways to rack up points throughout March.
Track your progress, tally your total, and submit your completed form by April 3 for a chance to win exciting prizes. The more you engage, the more points you earn, and the more chances you have to win.
Prizes
- 1st Place – Complimentary Registration to AMLE26 in Nashville, Tennessee
- 2nd Place – $100 Amazon Gift Card
- 3rd Place – $100 Amazon Gift Card
Winners will be announced at the end of Middle Level Education Month.
Spread the Word
Spread the word! AMLE has crafted ready-to-use marketing assets to help you promote Middle Level Education Month in your school and community. Our 2026 MLEM Media Kit includes downloadable graphics, promotional materials, and new suggested social media posts designed specifically for individuals, schools, and districts to share on their own channels.
Plus, follow MLEM on social media! Connect with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube as we celebrate the middle grades all month long with stories, spotlights, and opportunities to get involved.
We Want to Hear from You!
Are you doing something amazing at your school to celebrate MLEM? We want to hear from you! Email membercenter@amle.org to share and potentially be featured on AMLE.org and our social media channels.