First-Year Teacher Tips
Posted by Debra Liverman on 04 Aug 2008 | Posted in: Classroom Management, Holiday and Seasonal, Inspiration and Motivation
As I was reading through the comments that were posted in response to “Thinking Summer or Back to School?”, Tennith’s comment took me back in time! She mentioned the excitement she felt as a first-year teacher preparing for her very first class. I distinctly remember that feeling and I too had many sleepless nights before that first day of school. She also asked for some tips for getting her through the first year. So I walked around the office today asking a few of the editors what advice they had for first-year teachers. This is what they’d like to share…
“Be a good listener! Take time to listen to other teachers and be sure to really listen to your students.” –Hope Spencer, Managing Editor of Grade 1 and Grades 2-3 Teacher’s Helper
“Read through some books for tips on classroom management. Find the ideas that you’d like to implement and then stick with them.”–Kim Murphy, Managing Editor of Preschool MAILBOX
“Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! No one expects you to have all the answers.”–Tina Peterson, Editor
“Be proud that you have such an extremely important job. And remember the students are likely just as excited and nervous as you are!” –Diane Badden, Editor at Large
“Always remember to give your students enough thinking time after you ask a question. Most of the time they really need it!” –Sherry McGregor, Managing Editor of The Mailbox BOOKBAG
How about you? Do you have any words of encouragement for Tennith and all the other first-year teachers who are preparing to enter the classroom for the first time?
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30 Responses to “First-Year Teacher Tips”
More Comments Pages: « 1 2 [3] Show All Comments
More Comments Pages: « 1 2 [3] Show All Comments
As I start my 30th year teaching preschool I think not to stress, relax, and enjoy your class. The year goes by so quickly and when june comes you will wonder where the time went.
Have lots of fillers ready and quick attention getting tricks.
Your smile and your positive attitude will speak volumes of the person you are. Relax and have fun with these children. I ditto all the comments before me.
My advice would be…remember to take care of you. Don’t “live” at school all day, every day. Take time out to get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, and get a drink during your planning periods. Don’t take work home every night. Be prepared, but know when to say “it just never all gets done!” Don’t forget you have family and friends outside of your teaching life. Take care of yourself, and enjoy these first days of school!
I am starting my 18th year and the best advice I can give to a first year teacher is you can never be TOO organized and prepared - especially those first weeks of school. Your classroom management begins day one, minute one (and students pick up on it instantly)! Plan thoroughly and completely (having extra activities you can plug in when you find your students with time to spare). Judging how long things will take comes with experience - not to worry- it may go quicker or slower than you planned!! Organize all the materials you and the students will need before the day begins, know where they are, and be able to reach them easily. Running through the day’s plans in your mind will help calm your nerves. And Remember… this day is a milestone for YOU… embrace and enjoy every moment… you will never have “your very first day” again!!! Have someone take your picture by your classroom door for that scrapbook!
I am starting my 20th year of teaching. I am so ready for the new year!!! I guess my advice to new teachers would be to have fun and realize that you do not have all of the answers. That’s okay. Look at everything as an opportunity to learn and grow. Kids will appreciate the fact that you are a “student” too.
As a veteran of 21 years, you make a difference in the lives of so many children. Respect the children and where they are coming from and they in turn will respect you.