Author Rick Smith of Conscious Classroom Management states that:
“Being a new teacher is like trying to fly an airplane …while building it!”
This may be first time that you will be starting the school year on day one and ending on day 200. Most of you are not coming in to take over or fill in for someone, but rather you are starting things off right from the start. You are not moving into a classroom community that has been established with norms, routines and procedures. This is your classroom, your space, your students, and your responsibility. It is now up to you to “set the stage” with your students. I would like to offer some words of advice:
1. Know that the job description of a teacher is infinite.
If you go to bed at night feeling as though your job is never done, you are on the right track!
On day two of the new teacher orientation, a brainstorming session generated a list of words in response to the following question:
What do we believe to be the characteristics of an effective/ good teacher?
Your list of responses included:
Energetic, Fun, Engaging, Organized, Prepared, Passionate, Knowledgeable, Caring, Adaptable, Creative, Able to go with the flow, Integrity, Strong sense of self, Confident, Calm, Fair, Wise, Supportive, Empathetic, Sensitive, Able to collaborate, etc…
Wow! This is quite the "grocery list" of qualities and attributes that we expect from our educators...each other. This list alone shows the high expectations we hold for ourselves and our colleagues. At one point or another in our work we need to be all of these things and more. We are responsible for the future of our young people. We have very important work to do... But please also remember to keep it real.
How about….
Sometimes makes mistakes
Sometimes has bad days
Sometimes feels helpless
Sometimes feels overwhelmed
Sometimes feels stresses
Sometimes feels unappreciated
From my experience, the above list can be true for any teacher whether they are new to the classroom or have been in the classroom for several years. We may experience times where things are not working as planned, but that is ok.
2. Ask for help when you are in need.
Do the best you can and remember to ask for help (or if you are uncomfortable with asking for help use any one of these synonyms which will get you the same response: Advice, Collegiality, Collaboration, Professional Development). Unrealistic expectations of yourself can give you undue stress. Be realistic, be prepared and always work in the best interest of students.
3. Grow your PLN.
Follow a twitter feed, tweet your questions, read and comment on educational blogs, become part of the blogosphere, write your own blog, use the on-line learning resources that are available to you 24/7 for support with all things teaching and learning.
4. Take care of yourself.
As teachers we should be focused on the success of our students, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. We can’t give what we don’t have so remember to slap on your oxygen mask and breathe. (Source: Rick Smith, Conscious Classroom Management). Teachers who take care of themselves will ultimately deliver the best teaching for their students.
5. Have fun and assume the best.: RT @tanpsheb People are healthier when they are happier:)
Enjoy your work. Make it a priority to design creative, innovative and engaging learning activities for your students. If you are not having any fun, neither are they. Start every day or class as a new opportunity to accomplish great things with your students. Always assume the best of your students because that’s what you have to work with. They are with you to learn, and if you put all the pieces in place they will learn. Respect and value their needs as learners and you will facilitate success for all of your students.
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