Being a first year teacher can be VERY TRYING! Luckily, there are always people around you who have done it before and lived to tell about it. I offer these tips with the greatest sincerity I can muster realizing that you have no idea what you are about to encounter. 1. Create a procedure for EVERYTHING. I didn't feel like this was necessary, but I quickly realized I was WRONG. Someone told us that we only needed up to 5 rules but they didn't mention procedures. Create a procedure for transitions, entering the room, where book bags should be stored, asking for tissue, supplies, and more. It eliminates the guess work and helps acclimate the students to your classroom. It is absolutely a mistake to believe that students know how to behave in your classroom. You have to set the expectation. 2. Parent contact is key. Reach out and develop a great relationship with the parents and you'll have less headaches. I used a newsletter my first year and this year I'm using Remind 101. I also have an open door policy. Parents can stop by any time. 3. Find a life line or someone you can VENT to without judgement. It is imperative that you have an outlet and someone to listen to you whine. This person should be there to offer suggestions as well. 4. Keep a reflective journal. You need to think about what's going well and not so good with your lesson and interactions with students. Most seasoned teachers say it like this "monitor and adjust." Trust me, those journals will be a source of laughter and relief once you look back at them. 5. CLASSROOM Management is a bigger KEY!! Read and ask questions about the best tactics for classroom management. The important thing to remember is just because it works next door doesn't mean it will work for you. You have to find the best strategy for you. I greet the students at the door and set the expectation. I also have a set of procedures that the students hold each other accountable for. Remember to teach with hope because all students have the capacity to learn.
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AuthorBianca Woodard is a social studies teacher at Midland Valley High School. She's an Apple Distinguished Educator (2017) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Archives
April 2019
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