Tips for New Teachers
Tips For First Year Teachers From Veteran Teachers
The wisdom of a seasoned teacher can be invaluable to a beginning teacher. Here are some suggestions for making your first year a successful one.
In the next few weeks thousands of new teachers will stand before a class for the first time. Sure they’ve done some student teaching and maybe even subbing, but it’s not the same as having your own classroom. These teachers will be eager, excited and full of fresh new ideas. They’ll be optimistic about the school year and have great expectations for a well managed and disciplined class that is eager to learn. This optimism will be tested over and over again as they face problems with student behavior, curriculum, budget constraints and a host of other concerns.
New teachers need to rely on and trust the wisdom of more senior and veteran teachers. Veteran teachers have weathered the storm and overcome many of the obstacles new teachers will face. A strong relationship with a more senior teacher can be invaluable to a neophyte. Here are just a few tips for new teachers from the veterans.
- When taking kids to the bathroom, recess, gym, etc., be sure to take flash cards with you. This is a perfect time for a review and using the flash cards is helpful in keeping the class occupied while they are waiting.
- Hang some wind chimes from the ceiling and when the class gets noisy, touch the chimes to alert the students that they need to quiet down, stop moving around and pay attention.
- Make sure you follow through on all of your promises and consequences.
- A well-organized/managed classroom minimizes discipline problems. Have your lesson plans written in time blocks. Have all materials on hand. Make sure you attend to the smallest detail, for example: how the material will be distributed. Know your subject matter well and have more than one idea regarding how to impart the skill you want mastered.
- Hang posters from ceilings back to back, this cuts down on the noise/echoes, in the classroom.
- Never judge a book by its cover, instead wait and read what’s inside.
- Keep behavioral charts so that you have them should you need them for meetings with parents, etc.
- Always give your students the same respect you want them to give you. Also, be careful to maintain a professional relationship and do not become “buddies“ with any of your students. If you do, there will eventually be problems because of it.
- Put every student's name on a popsicle stick and store them in a coffee can. When you need volunteers, simply pull out a stick. That way there are no "favorites" and everyone gets a turn.
- No matter what always keep a passion for what you do. Remember that children are a gift and teachers have the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives.
- Utilize many visual aids to help in teaching a skill, especially for elementary students.
- It takes 21 days to form new habits, if you miss one day you have to start all over. Be consistent in everything you do, especially in the first few weeks. Consistency will ensure good classroom habits.
Have a wonderful school year!
