Villain or Victor: Advocating for Middle Level Students in the Face of Systemic Challenges

Middle level students often face significant systemic challenges that can hinder their academic and personal development, positioning them in narratives where they are perceived as “villains” instead of “victors.” This paper explores the role of educators as advocates for these students, drawing parallels between the concept of superhero villains— figures who, like many students, are misunderstood or marginalized by society. Preservice educators will examine historical examples of heroes, who were initially viewed as villains for challenging the status quo but later celebrated for their transformative impact. Grounded in the principles of This We Believe (2020) by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the discussion highlights how creating developmentally responsive, challenging, and equitable learning environments empowers students to overcome systemic barriers and emerge as heroes in their own educational journeys.