Dear New Teacher,
I remember the “first-year excitement” like it was yesterday even though it has been over 20 years. I couldn’t wait to decorate my room, buy “teacher clothes” and have my very own students.
The novel teaching methods and philosophy that you learned more than likely are part of my own philosophy. In fact, when I started, the “old” teachers told me that my methods were “en vogue” at some point in their careers.
The pendulum swings, and it swings often.
My first days in the classroom, fresh out of college, were met with teachers close to retirement who offered lots of advice for a new teacher.
“Kids have changed,” they said, referring to behaviors borne from a rapidly changing world and environment.
But, It’s the same adage I hear every day, still. Changing or should I say challenging behaviors are always a problem as long as we have tiny human beings dealing with unimaginable trauma and emotional damage. Children with problems are children who cause problems in the classroom.
Finding the solutions are the hardest part of teaching but also the most rewarding.
Advice for a New Teacher: Build real relationships with students.
Kids cannot be fooled into believing that teachers genuinely care. They know, and they know right away. Sometimes, I overhear a teacher call their class “kiddos,” in an attempt to build relationships.
If it is sincere, great. If it is not, your students cringe as much as I do upon hearing that word.
Pick one different child each day to compliment or ask a personal question. This goes a long way in showing extra care and building relationships. Being proactive helps minimize behavior problems and encourages motivation and learning.
Advice for a New Teacher: Create a classroom that you want to be in.
You spend a lot of time in your room. Because of this, make it an environment that makes you happy.
I have a “Teacher Corner” where I have a Scentsy, pictures of my family, dogs, and a comfortable chair. Decorate in a way that speaks to you as well as the students.
Your classroom is your home away from home, so make it feel that way.
Advice for a New Teacher: Forget about fashion
Really, high heels will kill you. Teachers are on their feet moving around all day.
So, invest in the most comfortable shoes that you can find.
In my first year of teaching, I bought an amazing teacher wardrobe. Buy, most of the nicer items ended up with permanent markers and paint stains. So not worth it!
Always, be practical if you can.
Advice for a New Teacher: Stick to the list.
Every new year when I begin to set up my classroom, I start one task and then see something across the room that I need to do and begin that task.
We are moving in every direction when it comes to teaching because there are so many tasks to complete.
My advice for a new teacher is to make a list on your phone and tackle one thing from start to finish. Of course, this takes self-control and discipline.
Have one day where you tie up all those loose ends.
Advice for a New Teacher: Be solution-oriented.
Be reflective and analyze why a lesson went wrong or right. Keep trying and never give up. One size never fits all in education. Keep searching for solutions to why a student may be misbehaving or not learning.
Ask for help again and again.
Look for teaching methods that fit your personality and style. Also, don’t get hung up on the teaching program. Change it to fit the needs of your students.
Advice for a New Teacher: Laugh whenever possible.
A sense of humor goes a long way in the classroom. The funniest stories happen with kids and their innocent or not so innocent comments and questions.
Sometimes, teachers think laughing at a student’s joke is unprofessional or will diminish student respect.
In my experience, it is the teachers with a keen sense of humor that build strong relationships with students.
Yes, we are not there to be our students’ friends, but we can establish boundaries and build relationships at the same time. Humor builds that bridge.
Advice for a New Teacher: Prioritize.
There are so many daily tasks that suck the life out of you. Try to focus on the chores that are essential to student learning or that need to be turned in right away.
Spending hours upon hours decorating doesn’t make sense if it is at the expense of a successful lesson.
Also, try to get into a strong daily routine that manages time effectively.
Advice for a New Teacher: Be prepared to fail.
Mark my words, you will feel like a failure often in teaching especially in the first years. In my first year, I remember crying alone in my classroom after the students had left.
Every year is different. Every day is different.
The only way to develop the confidence that is needed to be effective and successful is to fail and learn from those failures.
Be reflective and take notes of what went right and what went wrong.
Advice for a new teacher: Go to the Teacher’s Lounge.
Advice for a new teacher has always been to stay out of the Teacher’s Lounge because of the negativity that can be found there. I disagree.
Seek out the teachers with a wealth of knowledge that will be able to mentor and listen to your teacher struggles, as there will be teacher struggles.
Find “Your People” that share common experiences, laughter, and jokes that only teachers will understand.
This is a necessity.
Advice for a new teacher: Take care of you.
A physically and mentally healthy teacher is better prepared to deal with the many problems that teachers face every day in the classroom.
Take time to de-stress in whatever way works for you. But, I know it’s easier said than done.
Walk! Talk! Laugh!!! Do these three things daily.
You will change lives.
I look back on my years of teaching with pride and many wonderful memories.
One day, you will too. If I can help you in any way, feel free to contact me.
We are truly all in this together.
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