Advice for the New Year

From the desk of Carol C. . .

It’s both exciting and terrifying to begin the school year as a new teacher.  No matter how many years you’ve taught, you can always remember those first few years in the classroom…the grade level curriculum, behavior management, scheduling to name a few.  Some of the issues facing new teachers are ones that have been around since the first one room schoolhouse, but others are more complex.  As society changes so do the challenges in the classroom.

What are some of these challenges?  Last week I asked two teachers for their input.  Taylor has taught in the lower grades for two years, and Haley has taught in middle school for three.  Here’s what they struggled with and their excellent advice for those entering the field for the first time!

What were the hardest parts of the job your first few years?

Haley:  The hardest part of my first few years was managing time and really assessing students’ understanding.  When it came to managing time, I often fell behind on the pacing calendar.  I focused on getting through every unit without ensuring that students had mastered the concepts expected of them.  I was worried that I would not teach all of the content by the time End Of Grade tests rolled around.  After my second year I realized that it was more important to focus on mastery rather than rushing.  When I took the time to really assess students’ understanding and changed lesson plans based on that, I realized that was something I should’ve done from the start.  By the end of the year, I still managed to get everything taught.  I was rushing for nothing!

Taylor:  As a young teacher, you come across many parents who think you are too young and inexperienced.  They would rather have the veteran teacher.  It was a constant struggle to show them how much I cared about their child and would do anything to help them succeed.  It’s also difficult to learn a new curriculum, differentiate for every child, complete many different tasks for the district – on top of having a life.  Finding a balance is incredibly difficult the first few years, but it is possible.

What did you learn about classroom management that might help beginning teachers the most?

Taylor:  Start the year off with ROUTINES.  Students need clear directions and expectations.  If you say something, then stick to it.  Don’t confuse them.

Haley:   It is extremely important to let your students know what you expect of them from day one.  Even though some expectations seem like common knowledge, like when to sharpen a pencil, it is still important to review.  Also, sticking with your expectations throughout the year is vital.  As the year goes on, students will try to push the limits and see what they can get away with.  It is important to continue to remind your class what you expect and not to stray from that.

If new teachers aren’t assigned a mentor, why is it important to seek one out?

Taylor:  You need that one person to ask a million questions and vent. I’ve had several brilliant mentors. They aren’t always the veteran teacher. Sometimes it’s a person close to your age. Seek out one or two when you start and stay connected. They are life savers when you missed that email about the meeting the next morning.

Haley:  It is beneficial to have a ‘go to’ person within the school that you can ask questions and get feedback from.  Every school is different so it is good to have a mentor who can provide information when it comes to school activities, discipline policies, and so forth.  It is helpful to have someone who you can bounce ideas off of and to get insight on ways to improve lessons.  Also, forming a relationship with someone within the school will make the first few years easier.

Talk about how important it was for you to establish positive working relationships with your fellow teachers.

Haley:  One of my biggest “life savers” as a first year teacher was the support of my fellow teachers and teammates.  I had no idea how the schedule worked, when meetings were or what was expected of teachers.  Once I built relationships with other teachers I felt comfortable asking questions.  I also felt comfortable going to my fellow teachers when conflicts arose in the classroom, and they provided guidance and support.  Teachers are at school 40+ hours a week, so it is important to create positive relationships with the people around you.

Taylor:   I go to work every day thinking of the children, but it is incredibly important to make connections with your fellow teachers.  I’m teaching at a school where my grade level is my biggest support.  They give me confidence as a young teacher that I am where I am supposed to be.

How did you cultivate good relationships with parents?

Taylor:  Showing them you care for their child, reaching out to them frequently (not just to tell them that little Jimmy didn’t have a good day), giving them resources to help at home. Communication is key. Remember you are both on the same team with the same goal – to help their child.

Haley:  Within the first week of school I sent home a welcome letter with my contact information and told parents to contact me whenever they needed to.  I also sent home weekly newsletters with updates on what we were doing in the classroom for the week.  I included the homework for the week and any other reminders of things going on around the school.  I received positive feedback when it came to these newsletters because parents felt included and informed.  Especially in the secondary setting, parents often feel out of the loop.  I thought that the constant contact with them really benefited everyone.

Anything else you want to tell new teachers?

Taylor:  You have more to bring to the table than you think.  When you doubt yourself, STOP! You are here for a reason.  Don’t be afraid to show your passion and share with your coworkers!  It’s infectious.  Yes it’s hard, but it is such a rewarding job.  I don’t feel like I’m going into work every morning because I love seeing my students’ faces at 8:00 in the morning…while drinking my coffee.

Haley:  Try not to take a ton of work home with you each night.  Although your first year will be the hardest, it is important to give yourself a break.  Each year will get easier and easier once you get into the swing of things!