Every new teacher has a very sharp learning curve as she gets used to the school, the curriculum, the students and all of the other tasks teachers are responsible for completing. Keeping up with grading, planning, discipline and personal relationships may seem like an overwhelming task, but with a little bit of help you can survive and thrive during your first year teaching.
Thing to Remember During Your First Year Teaching
Remember that you will not enjoy teaching every single day. Take those days in stride and prioritize what you need to accomplish. Be flexible with yourself and with your students. Everything will not work out perfectly the first time around, so learn from your mistakes and allow your students to learn from their mistakes as well.
Take the time to find out what duty responsibilities you have as soon as possible, so that you know how to structure your school day. Get enough rest and do your best to stay healthy. If you get sick, take a day off and stay home and rest. Find out your school's policy on substitutes. During staff meetings, take notes. This will help you stay awake, present a good front for your principal, and will distract you from the frustration of having to sit through another meeting. You may also learn some helpful tips to improve your teaching.
Back to School Night
Back to School Night is not just a time for the parents to meet their child’s teacher. It is also a chance for the teacher to recruit parent volunteers, and learn a little bit about the students. During back to school night, have the parents fill out an index card that lists 5 things their child needs to work on and 5 positive things about their child. These cards will provide you more information about the students, and give you the ability to discuss these things at parent conferences later in the year.
Classroom Management Plan
Think through classroom discipline ideas and go in on day one with a solid classroom management plan. Make sure you stick to your plan the first day and beyond, and be firm, fair and consistent. Remember that your job is not to make friends with your students, but keep in mind that a little laughter can go a long way.
Although the first year will be hard, do not get discouraged. After surviving your first year of teaching, your second year of teaching will be a breeze in comparison, and by the third year, you'll be a pro. Also, never underestimate the power of a smile and a thank you!
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