This past school year I was asked to be a part of our school's mentoring team. It was the first year they had actual teachers mentoring our first-year teachers! Crazy, right?! I think they've made a move in the right direction ;)
I was asked to speak at a Summer Symposium for all of the new hires in our school's complex. I was asked to share some tips with them in opening up the school year and to answer any questions the teachers had.
So today I would like to share with you the 5 tips I have for any new/beginning teachers.
In order to have a successful school year, it is so important to establish routines and procedures for EVERYTHING. Know exactly what and how you want things done.
Be sure to clearly communicate these expectations to your students so they know exactly what you expect!
Creating posters with your students and modeling these expectations are extremely helpful. Examples of what it should and should NOT look like help your students to know exactly what you mean.
For me, I like to type out all of the things that might happen on a daily basis and make sure there are clear expectations for how things happen. I also include this in my substitute binder, so that subs know what is expected at all times.
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| This is an example of some of my expectations. You can access a copy of the template I use and see the things that I create procedures/routines for here. |
It is important to remain consistent throughout the year! Be consistent in your expectations of behavior, routines, procedures, and consequences. Consistency is key when it comes to classroom management!
If you don't follow through with what you say you'll do, your students will not follow through on what they are expected to do.
Students can pick up on when a teacher is
unprepared, and they will take full advantage of it!
With this, also learn to be flexible! Things will
always come up throughout the day or a lesson may not go as planned….and it’s okay!!
Reflection is an important key in order to help
yourself to become a better teacher! Some
great questions to ask yourself are:
- What went well during my lesson?
- What could I have done to make it better?
- What did the students have a difficult time with?
- How could I improve?
- What will I do differently the next time?
Reflection at the ending of the school year is also important.
Think about your year and choose one area that you feel you would like to really work on and improve in the upcoming school year. Find some professional development books, do some research online, and read blogs about that topic!
Last, but above all, develop positive relationships with your students!
I will leave you with this video about the importance of relationships.
Like Ms. Rita Pierson said in the video, "Kids don't learn from people they don't like". This could not be any more true!
I hope this post was able to help you prepare for your first year.
Go out there and be a Champion for YOUR students.
Give yourself grace. Don't feel that you need to do All the things you see on social media. Focus on these 5 tips and you WILL have a great year.
I'd love to connect with you via Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
Good Luck, Keep Your Head Up and HAVE FUN!
*You may also be interested in this post:
Aloha,
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on July 19, 2015, and has been updated with additional information and resources.
Great advice...even for those of us who aren't new teachers!
ReplyDeleteLearning at the Teacher Table
Thanks, Donna! Yes- It's also great for all of us to remember :) Have a great school year!
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