Five Pieces of Advice
There are several pieces of advice that I have to offer the incoming first-years. Although I am by no means an expert on being a teacher, I think I have learned a lot this year. These tips won’t make you a perfect teacher, but they will make your stay here more productive and enjoyable.
1) Be flexible. In the critical-needs school districts where we work (and probably all schools), you have to be able to adapt to your administrators’ desires. Sometimes you can think of more efficient ways of handling matters, but guess what…it doesn’t matter. The principal always gets what he/she wants, and if you make the administration mad, you will probably have a less enjoyable year.
2) Be patient. When working with students, you will get frustrated with their childish behaviors. However, it is your job to deal with this in an appropriate and professional manner. Students always said to me, “I can’t stand you, Mr. Thompson, because you never get mad!” I loved it because I kept the upper hand. If a student gets you visibly mad, they have succeeded in disrupting your lesson.
3) Be an individual. There is no mold for the Successful Teacher in America. It’s okay to expose the class to your interests; in fact, it will probably expose them to a new world. Don’t feel like you have to fit in with the other teachers at your school (MTC or traditional). We are not trying to create students who are clones, so we shouldn’t present ourselves that way. Your individuality is one of the most important things you bring to the classroom.
4) Document everything (neatly). I made the mistake of not doing this last year. It didn’t catch up with me, but it could have. Make note of all parent meetings, referrals, absences, ISS, etc.
5) Have fun! If you’re not having fun at school, you’re probably in the wrong profession. This should be a passion, not just a job. Remember that you chose to do this, nobody forced you to participate. Make your career your source of fun.
1) Be flexible. In the critical-needs school districts where we work (and probably all schools), you have to be able to adapt to your administrators’ desires. Sometimes you can think of more efficient ways of handling matters, but guess what…it doesn’t matter. The principal always gets what he/she wants, and if you make the administration mad, you will probably have a less enjoyable year.
2) Be patient. When working with students, you will get frustrated with their childish behaviors. However, it is your job to deal with this in an appropriate and professional manner. Students always said to me, “I can’t stand you, Mr. Thompson, because you never get mad!” I loved it because I kept the upper hand. If a student gets you visibly mad, they have succeeded in disrupting your lesson.
3) Be an individual. There is no mold for the Successful Teacher in America. It’s okay to expose the class to your interests; in fact, it will probably expose them to a new world. Don’t feel like you have to fit in with the other teachers at your school (MTC or traditional). We are not trying to create students who are clones, so we shouldn’t present ourselves that way. Your individuality is one of the most important things you bring to the classroom.
4) Document everything (neatly). I made the mistake of not doing this last year. It didn’t catch up with me, but it could have. Make note of all parent meetings, referrals, absences, ISS, etc.
5) Have fun! If you’re not having fun at school, you’re probably in the wrong profession. This should be a passion, not just a job. Remember that you chose to do this, nobody forced you to participate. Make your career your source of fun.
posted by Aaron | 12:04 PM
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