We asked teachers finishing up their first year...
"Knowing what you know now, what words of advice would you give a brand new teacher on his or her first day of school?"
...here's what they said...
Third Grade Gifted
"Focus on the passion! When you are not feeling passion, take a moment to draw back and be with your students-- and remember your purpose in the classroom." 6-8 Grade Science
"Relax and don't over-think it. Be consistent. You don't gain respect from your students if they don't trust you. They need to know what comes next." Kindergarten
"Start the 22 Components video immediately. It is so helpful." Kindergarten
"Utilize the people that have been there for a long time. They are a resource for everything that you need."" Pre-K ESE
"Embrace everything you can from a child. You learn from them as much as they learn from you. Embrace the challenging ones even harder." |
Elementary Art Education
"Watch every example of a Master Teacher you can find and take notes!" First Grade
"Stay positive and persevere." P.E. Coach, K-5
"Dive in, do whatever you can to grow, and that will give you the best outcome." 6,7,8th Grade Core Math
"Have fun, build relationships with your students, and everything will fall into place." Third Grade
"Let your students dictate pacing. New teachers worry about covering everything, but you will reteach a whole lot less if you get it right the first time. Sometimes you have to go slow to go fast." |
Elementary Guidance Counselor
"Learn something new every day, be flexible, and accept that you'll make mistakes."" Multiple Exceptionalities
"Take every piece of learning from whoever will give you some. Go into other classes, you will always learn something." Third Grade Co-Teach
"Find someone to connect with, who you can go to, maybe express concerns, to help you, that will get you through."" Support Facilitation
"Be organized and use your time wisely." |
Fifth Grade
"Don't stress out too much about things; it will all come together in the end." "The more the students do, the less you do. It takes practice and flexibility, class management, rapport and respect."
8th Grade Reading and Advanced U.S. History
"Plan and follow through. If you say you are going to do something, do it. They will never let you forget it." Third Grade
"There may be times when you'll feel overwhelmed. Don't dwell on that feeling, simply ask yourself, "What can I do to improve?" |