Advice for New Teachers

I just discovered LaToya Reed's linky: Let's Get Acquainted over at Flying into First Grade! I loved reading through everyone else's posts because this week it is on Advice for New Teachers.  This really sparked my attention because in our teeny-tiny school, we have 7 new-to-the-building teachers, two of which are first year teachers.  I'm also the building liason for new teachers, which means I'm their building and district mentor.  I am so excited to work closely with the new teachers and to help mold them into what our building aspires to become.   That sounds cheesy, doesn't it?  But alas, it's true...in some regard.

Either way, here are my 6 tips for new teachers!

1. Buy what makes sense.  Don't buy something because it is cute. Don't buy something because it is cheap (that's a wicked trap we ALL fall into).  When you DO buy something, make sure it has a purpose.

2. Always do what's best for the kids.  Things will come up and often interfere with what you know to be best for the kids.  Sometimes you have to set academics aside and focus on a child's social/emotional well-being.  You may have to sacrifice your planning time to rework an upcoming lesson because you realize when you first taught it, it failed miserably.  There might even be the possibility that curriculum and new ideas might be thrown at you that you know deep down isn't a good fit for your class or even appropriate and you'll have to use your best judgement as to how to make it fit (eeek, did I say to go against the given curriculum? maybe? not sure....that might be a HUGE no-no where you are so check with your mentor or good teaching buddy first....).  Either way, think about your kiddos. YOU are their advocate.  YOU are helping them find their way in this place.  YOU know your kids (or you will, soon enough) and you know what's best.

3. Never stay past your bedtime.  You laugh. But it might happen.  Yes there will be times when you stay for afterschool functions and find yourself leaving at 9pm.  Those times happen and you have to be there.  But don't stay working in your room from the time the bell rings until it's time for bed.  It's just not good for you.  I get it, I guess, if it happens maybe twice a year -- we've all done it.  But don't make it a habit. Get home. Get good food. Get some rest. Get a break from your daytime duties. It'll do you good.

4. Find a partner, buddy, mentor.  Somebody.  Okay, not just any body! Find someone that you trust. Someone that can relate, hopefully in your building as well.  Buddies are good for many reasons. You'll want someone to talk to; to ask questions about curriculum or the building etiquette.  You'll need someone to help you with classroom management at some point (even years after your first year) and you'll need someone that knows you to help keep your crazy self in check.  And it goes both ways - you'll be that support and comfort and sane brain for your buddy.  You'll share ideas, book reads, and sometimes even share the same grumbles.  Try to find a buddy.  It doesn't have to be someone that you force yourself upon but someone you can relate to and is available in times of need.

5. Make each day a learning moment. Maybe not every day but try to learn something from every day.  Does that even make sense...I think I contradicted myself.  Just be a reflective teacher. Look back at the day when you can and see where you made a difference, your successes, notice where you failed and what you might change.  During lessons, think about them and see what points worked and what needs tweaked.  Life-Long Learner.

6. Be good to yourself.  Take a break. Accept defeat and failure. Get out of the building.  Find friends outside of the building. Go get icecream.  Treat yourself and take care of yourself.  You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself.


Well, I hope that someone out there can use these suggestions.  They came from experience...personal and in helping other friends through their first years.

Be sure to click on the linky and see other Advice for New Teachers!