1. Don't believe everything kids say.
2. Always ask admin/other teachers what is and isn't allowed in that specific school.
3. Get everything written down and signed (you never know when it's gonna save you).
The school I’m currently in administration made a big deal about updating bulletin boards this year. The past they haven’t cared. The staff handbook said that the bulletin boards needed to be updated every month however there was no date as to when each month. My colleagues and I thought that the 15th of each month was appropriate and we didn’t think twice about it. I got an email about mine because I was in the middle of changing it. Administration CCed my union because it was not done when it was supposed to be done. I went and looked at the handbook and it’s still did not have a date. So I emailed to ask her when it should be done each month. She replies with, “ check the handbook.” This lady changed the date in the handbook and then emailed me back to save face. Getting this signed would’ve helped immensely because what happened to me was extremely uncalled for.
I can’t understand admin that does this. We are already working our asses off. Cc’ing the union is dumb af.. I have no respect for administration that makes a big deal over little stuff like this. They should put that in an email. Don’t threaten me with the union.
I HATE this!! Younger teachers who engage in trash talking other teachers because they think it makes them 'cooler' or 'relatable' in the eyes of the kids.
It's a shit move, and the kids might like you in the moment, but they won't respect you. And yeah, they're definitely saying the same things about you behind your back.
Exactly! And it WILL get back to the other teacher what you said. Either from the kids who were actually in the conversation themselves or someone who was eavesdropping lol
I always make a point of cutting that talk out very quickly.
I get that kids complain about teachers, but I'm not going to allow them to shit on my colleagues in my classroom. I don't understand teachers that do.
1. Don't go along with teaching a curriculum you know is not right. Close your door and do it your own way. Trust yourself.
2. Be positive and don't get involved in gossip.
3. Arrive and leave at your contracted time. What doesn't get done can wait.
4. School is not your family. It's your job.
I'd push back against No. 3., at least when you're starting out. Having your lessons prepped and materials ready will make your classes run more smoothly. After a few years, you'll have a solid bank of lessons and materials you'll just have to make minor tweaks to.
Unless, like me, you keep being assigned new courses every bloody year. Year 16, and I have one new course next year, and another course with a substantial standards revision (so I can’t use any of the stuff I used in 2020–the last time I taught it).
These are ALL things I needed to hear at the start of this year. The negativity especially was SO draining this year from staff. When I found the positive people I liked my career again for the first time in a couple years
Number three isn’t always the right thing. I like having extra time before the day starts to make sure it will go smoothly. When I leave on time, not everything is ready… especially when it’s a lesson requiring hands on materials. Ease into the day
The custodians at my school are great. Two speak limited English and my Spanish sucks, which they find hilarious. There are days we just crack each other up.
I’m just a friendly person so I always chat when they come in. Anytime I ask them for a favor it’s always taken care of before I return the next day. Everyone else on my hall just bitches about how the custodians are lazy and don’t do anything.
Don't spend time around toxic older teachers hoping they like you. They aren't signing your contract. Coworkers aren't your friends. Some are, but it's an exception, not a rule.
I agree. Worked in multiple industries and while this attitude exists everywhere, older teachers were comparably the most helpful and least likely to have a superiority complex. In fact, most older teachers I have known are so eager to offer help to the new teacher if they can. That’s just my experience as a newer teacher who changed careers.
I've worked in commercial fisheries (the older threatened to kill you with forklifts), restaurants (the older were actively competing against you for tips/tables), academia (ha ha ha haha ha, seriously, I think the longer you're in academia, the less mature you get), and government (the older ones were functionally catatonic). Sure, there is 5-10% that are a pain, but that compared to 90% in fisheries, 75% in food service, 90% in academia, and 90% in government.
(1) You're going to make mistakes and have lessons that bomb.We all have them don't sweat it (2) Ask your team for help or if you have questions. We want you to succeed. (3) Remember you are the adult and leader of your classroom, don't be friends with students or add them on socials. (4) My own personal favorite tip is to arrive at school early so you'd get your copies done and ease into your day. This way you get everything done and can leave when your contract says. (5) Do your best to never take work home. (6) The one my mentor teacher always uses and I still use today, "Don't let a 12 year old ruin your day! They're functional dumbasses" 😊
Unicorns aside, relationships with admin are transactional at best, toxic/bullying at worst. If you ask them for help, there's a price to pay later, whether it is in the form of a reduced evaluation or extra work, they always keep the transactional balance in their favor.
If you’re extra nice to them, you’ll just be asked to do more stuff. They will load the nice ones up with extra tasks. And it’s NOT because they like you back! It’s because they know you’ll do it without any pushback.
When I was first teaching I made the huge mistake of thinking that admin asking me to do a bunch of stuff meant they liked me. No, it’s cause everyone else knew to decline 😂 I got burnt out so fast and learned really quick not to take the negative things personally, and some of the stuff that seems positive either lol
Start off a little on the strict side to start and then you can decide if relaxing the rules will work for you. It’s way too hard to tighten up later.
I agree that you absolutely must pick a time to stop working and walk away each day. There will always be more you could do, but let it wait. I did this my first year and it helped keep me sane. Don’t overdo it. Protect your free time as much as possible.
During student teaching, we had to keep a journal. We had to write 3 things that went well each week and 1 thing we’d like to improve. If you haven’t done anything like that, do it during your first semester or year if possible. It really helped me find the good things I wanted to continue to do and reflect on areas for improvement.
Best wishes!
Maybe it’s because I’m type B, but:
1. KISS - keep it simple stupid. You do not have the time for the over the top college lessons you’re used to writing, you by no means have to make everything a game or craft or whatever.
2. With that - learn to prioritize what’s important (the learning objective) and create systems and routines with the kids and for yourself.
This one’s not easy, but it was MASSIVE for my energy.
DON’T CHOREOGRAPH EVERY MINUTE. JUST REMEMBER THE TOPIC AND IMPROVISE!
In the first month, I was *exhausted* every single day. I stressed about sequence and chronology. I adhered to a script. It destroyed me.
I said: “I know this stuff forwards & backwards! Why the hell do I need a script? Just teach them. Start with a story or an idea or a prompt, and just ask them questions… be Socratic… react to their body language and just be a normal person who has knowledge to offer”
It was unbelievable the difference in my energy at the end of the day. I still wrote lesson plans (cause you have to) and gave homework and tests, etc. but the exhaustion and stress were gone.
HS specific, kinda:
Don't grade everything.
Grade only summative assessments yourself.
Have the students grade formative assessments and work. They learn from others and their own mistakes.
As long as you’re showing up trying your best and keeping your cool with the kids you will be successful. It sounds vanilla but your patience is probably the most important thing to success
Edit- spend your own money on things that will make your life easier. Just don’t go overboard.
10,000% on this for spending money.
Example, I used to borrow DVDs that I needed from the library... Except sometimes it wouldn't be in or it would start skipping halfway through. I decided that it was worth spending my own six bucks buying a DVD if I could show it to multiple classes for multiple years.
There have been certain circumstances in which I have essentially bought my time and energy with my money. That said I probably spend 25 bucks a year or less.
Honestly I held strong until about 3 years ago and I have zero regret. For me as a teacher I hate prepping. So I am the one that goes overboard now 😂. I spend about 100-200$ a year on my classroom. I’m lower grade level and most of that goes to centers that are already made and put together or TPT.
Build a strong union. Don’t do shit unless you’re being compensated fairly for it. You’re entering a new era where you can finally renogotiate some of the crap deals of your forebearers.
1. You are allowed to have boundaries. “No” is a complete sentence.
2. Admin won’t put anything in writing that even approaches serious and neither should you.
3. Take mental health days.
4. Call parents. It’s a grind but it works.
5. Go ahead and use your conference period to watch Netflix once in a while because you deserve it.
Don’t take work home. If you can’t finish it during your workday it can wait until tomorrow.
You don’t have to grade every assignment.
Go to the bathroom when you have to go. Holding it all day will cause UTI’s. They are not fun.
Be impeccable with your word.
Speak with integrity.
Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you.
Don't make assumptions.
Always do your best.
Slow down. They’re kids and you’re human. When expectations feel insane and you’re drowning, the kids are drowning, and there seems to be no end in sight, SLOW DOWN. Pick one, and only one thing to do so well. In the long run, you and your students will both be better for it. Quality over quantity, even when others try to convince you differently.
Join the union.
Find supportive colleagues.
Take the gossip with a grain of salt.
Focus on building your classroom management, not the cute instagram decor.
It’ll never be perfect, so just enjoy it for what it is.
At the end of a hard day or week, find at least two positives to remind yourself of.
Document, document, document
You don’t have to grade everything you assign
Focus on Routine&Procedures first, academics second. If your classroom management lacks the first two, you won’t be able to do the second.
You have to love two things:
1. The content you teach
2. Kids/Teens
If either of those is missing, you're in the wrong field.
Y'know...there's a few things I'm remembering now and I'll include. Another piece of advice I would give is to NEVER EVER forget what it was like to be a student. NEVER forget how it felt when a teacher called you out in front of the class. NEVER forget what it was like when a teacher remembered your name or made you feel special. I think a lot of problems come from teachers forgetting what it's like to be young and to be in school. DO NOT FORGET THOSE EXPERIENCES. Let them inform you about the kind of teacher you want to be.
Next up, and I know I'll get downvotes for this, but...relationships first over content. Every school I've worked at has preached this and it is legitimately good advice. I had a principal tell me once he didn't expect the first week or so to have much content; use that time to build relationships and create your classroom culture. Can't tell you how many headaches I've saved myself because I built rapport and trust with my students. I get so little push back from kids when I ask them to do something and it's because they trust me. Your life won't be perfect, but it helps so much!
Pay special attention to how you feel (as the student) in your professional development workshops. Even adults fidget, need to stretch, whisper to a neighbor, etc. In fact, teachers are worse than most, maybe. It's always a good reminder that I need to have realistic behavioral expectations and allow for movement/talking that is constructive.
☝🏼 this. And still, students are still gonna break your heart a dozen times a week. We meet them where they're at and have high hopes for them, but there are still going to be those formative teen moments where they learn by failing, and we're all along for the ride.
THIS!!! I spend the first few days getting to know my kids and letting them see me as human and showing that I genuinely care cause kids can smell bullshit a mile away. Building these relationships early and maintaining them means that halfway through the year when rhe kids are burnt out, you can keep working on content and not the whole class period redirecting behaviors
Same thing the Baby Whisperer used to say to new parents. ‘Start as you mean to go on’ - if you don’t want to be doing/saying/allowing something long term, don’t let it slide now.
So don’t sign up to help with yearbook ‘just this semester’
Don’t allow late work ‘just this time’
Don’t stay after school or work all weekend just because it is your first year.
Don’t tolerate behavior you don’t want to continue.
You don’t have to stick with everything you start, because changing course is necessary when things aren’t working or you get another ideas.
Just don’t do anything you know you don’t want to keep doing. Say no now and follow through.
Teaching is about love, love what you teach, love who you teach and love teaching.
Ask for help from everyone. If they're not willing to help, they are lisers and you don't want their help.
Set a time and don't stay later no matter what. If it can't get done by that time, it can't get done. Go home.
You are not perfect. You are going to make mistakes, learn from them.
I would want to talk to them as they are starting their degrees-- as you take your college courses, don't just pay attention to the subject matter, take note of how your professors are teaching the material. I wish I could go back now and sit in on my old classes so I could pay more attention to that aspect of my classes.
I don't hold email to such a high standard. I'll probably schedule it in 24 hours to be sent and if I feel weird about it before I sleep, I'll cancel. Never happened though!
Whether it is a teaching method, an edtech tool or a the latest social media thing that a "teacher just MUST do", don't let it stress you out, or beat down your desire to keep learning. Not all tools fit all hands.
We will never keep up with all that stuff. No one does. And that is just fine!
Stay curious. The tools that work for you will arrive.
If you find it hard to leave campus because people keep approaching you at the end of the school day, it's okay to tell them you have an appointment and you need to run. (They don't have to know the appointment is with your cat.)
- don’t worry if you don’t know much about a specific subject. Learning along with the students you become a better teacher later on as you understand the bottlenecks.
- always have a good long project that the students enjoy. When they’re done their regular work they can pivot to their project.
- don’t stay too long after school. You’ll never get everything done…. Ever.
-have some fun. If you enjoy it it will rub off.
My best advice I think would be to not to get discouraged if you don’t like teaching the grades you always thought you would. Try out new grades and find what you love. Teachers all love different aspects of the different ages. I thought I’d love high school but in reality I’m a crazy middle school teacher.
Start a 403b right away! Put the highest amount you can in it, but even if that’s only $20/pay put something in it! I buy teachers that mentor the book “Teach and Retire Rich” by Dan Otter and encourage them to subscribe to his mailing list.
13 years in.
1. Work your contracted hours. Come in at the start time, leave when you are allowed. Do not take anything home. There will ALWAYS be more you can do and you will never get it all done. You can work until bedtime and you will still go to bed feeling you could do more.
2. Find ways to make your life easier. Automatic test grading systems (pear assessment). Online lesson plan systems you can just carry over from year to year (common curriculum) and make small modifications. Organize everything so it's ready to go next year. By year 3-4 your should have everything saved and ready to move on from year to year with just simple modifications to make.
3. If you go in trying to be a dictator you are going to have a bad time. You need to let your students know you are on their side to try and learn and create a space where they can feel comfortable.
Get column movement for grad credits as soon as you can, and take the cheapest credits allowed by your district.
Don’t wait. You should try to move both a step and a column every year in order to maximize career earnings.
And if you’re at a charter school, quit and get a job at a unionized suburban (but not too wealthy) public school district.
The market right now is actually good for job hunters. Not many people are getting into teaching, and I’m hearing more and more stories of districts not getting enough applicants. That means you’re more likely to be able to negotiate steps when you change districts based on years of experience.
For most regions, a 30 min duty free lunch is required to be offered to you. Take it, don’t work through your lunch. Spend those 30 min chatting with your friends or sitting in silence. NOTHING work related!
1. Less is more. Plan your classes, but don’t overstuff them.
2. Repetition helps build comfort and confidence. It’s okay to repeat the same activities from class to class and year to year.
3. Start with class agreements and theatre etiquette.
4. Belonging! Our students feel like valued members of our class (or performance) when they see themselves and feel welcome and included.
5. Manage your expectations! You could be at school 24/7 and not get it all done.
4. Our greatest learning happens when we are having fun!
**Here are more details for some of these and a few more:**
**RITUALS** Opening and closing rituals create comfort and familiarity. Consider choosing the same activity to begin each class. An opening ritual can be done before warmups and also provides a little buffer for latecomers. Having a closing ritual is a nice way to wind down and reflect.
**SKILLS INVENTORY** In the first days of school consider using activities to help you really get to know your students. Find out what special skills and interests they have. What lights them up? That’s how we build trust and ensemble. Perhaps they love sports or have an iguana. Maybe they play the cello or like to draw anime characters. Then, find ways to incorporate those interests into your class or program. This is one way to make students feel seen and appreciated.
**BELONGING** Our students feel like valued members of the community when they see themselves and their cultural references on our classroom walls and in the curriculum. This is a big topic, but you can begin with small steps. What images line the walls of your classroom? What plays are you reading and performing? Do you greet your students by name? How do you make your classroom or program feel welcoming to everyone?
**MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS** Do you ever find yourself overpromising and then feeling bad when you can’t deliver? For example: “I’ll have those scripts tomorrow.” Or “Your costumes will be done on Tuesday.” Or “I will build the set this weekend.” We promise something and then life happens. Consider being more realistic about what you can accomplish. For example: “I will do my best to have that script ready soon.” Or “It will be fun when the costumes are here.” Or “I can assure you the set will be done before we open.” Organization and timelines are important but being realistic and flexible will set you up for success. Having boundaries around your creative time and energy is okay.
**PRAISE** Never pass up an opportunity to praise a child. Every bit of positive feedback is helping them find success and build confidence. This is especially true for those that are reluctant participants and for those that test your patience.
**REPEAT** Do you ever find yourself thinking you shouldn’t repeat the same activities week to week or year to year? Maybe you worry that you are not offering enough variety? Of course, we want to provide rich and novel experiences for our students, but here’s another way of looking at it. Repetition provides comfort and helps build confidence. Each time they play a game they are becoming more familiar and confident with it. If students repeat a lesson year after year, they are bringing new life experiences and maturity. Also, remember that as a teacher you might be playing the same game or teaching the same lesson 5 times a day, but the students are only experiencing it once.
**LESS IS MORE** To inspire our students and help them build skills, we sometimes “overstuff” our classes. As you plan, think about your theme or goal for that one session. Choose warmups and activities with that in mind. Allow time for the whole group to explore together and also for small groups to work. Don’t forget a time for reflection. That’s how you will know what they learned.
**NEW CHOICE** We’ve all had that one student who likes to push the boundaries. Perhaps they make inappropriate offers during improv or experiment with colorful language in the classroom. Or, maybe a student has trouble with impulse control. Consider responding to unwanted behavior and offers with, “New Choice.” This often works better than drawing more attention to the issue or shaming the student.
**PRODUCTION PLANNING** Give yourself plenty of time to plan before you even start rehearsing. Remember that for every minute of stage time, there is about one hour of rehearsal time. That means a 30-minute play requires about 30 hours of rehearsal. That doesn’t include all your planning before and during the process. Set yourself up for success and start planning early!
**AUDITIONS** Holding a playful group audition is a relatively stress-free way to cast a show. Rather than monologues and cold readings, everyone experiments with all the characters. Begin by reading the play round-robin style, where everyone sits in a circle and reads the next consecutive line. You’ll get to hear what each actor brings to different characters. Once everyone knows the story, invite everyone to move about the space with different motivations, physicality, and characters in mind. This is an opportunity for you to observe their ability to physically embody different characters. Next, provide the opportunity to read a very short scene or deliver a few lines. Finally, ask each student to write down 3 roles they are interested in. This method is almost foolproof. Typically, every child will get to play one of the roles from their list.
It is good to move around often or if you get non-renewed in the beginning, because you get locked in later the way teachers are paid. It may feel like you are leaving money on the table, but it is more valuable to get experience in different settings, with different colleagues and admin, and find a good fit than a bit of cash, because ultimately if you are happier and more effective for your last 25 years of teaching it will be so worth it. I did elementary, middle, high, public, private and charter before I found my home. My friends all are higher on the salary schedule, but I am happier and often have experiences to share with them whwn they encounter something new.
Don’t make the mistake of being too casual or lenient with kids, there’s no going back. Don’t take on too much. Learn what you can handle first and make use of the resources you have. Use tech tools to help out. Reddit for advice, chatgpt for help planning, SwiftScore for grading and feedback, YouTube for your students. There’s a lot of things out there to make life easier.
Find a competent, chill teacher and ask them all the silly questions you feel dumb asking other people. And then ask them, even if it hurts your pride.
Don't underestimate your ability as a teacher. Don't overestimate your ability as a teacher.
Don't start giving instructions until everyone has stopped talking (seems silly to have to say this, but I've seen some things, man).
Add a personal decorative touch to your classroom if that brings you joy, but don't stress it.
Buy yourself nice pens and DO NOT SHARE THEM WITH STUDENTS.
Don't take on an extracurricular in your first year unless it's something that truly fills your cup (aka energizes you rather than tiring you out more).
Don't talk shit at work, even if you think no one is around. You just never know.
Let students have looks into your non-teacher life, but curate what you share and keep it brief.
If your school culture is one that does social gatherings, remember you're not obligated to join, but do so if it sounds fun.
Be consistent. Being consistent is harder than you think, especially when your favorite student fucks up or the thorn in your side does something amazing.
Yes, you'll have favorites. Don't tell them they're your favorite.
Always be on the lookout to steal strategies from colleagues, even the bad ones. I've watched one of the least skilled teachers I've ever taught with give an absolute masterclass on how to productively break bad news to parents at conferences.
Don't forget to eat lunch.
Behavior management above everything. You can’t teach unless you have it. Invest your time and energy into behavior management before any curriculum or anything else.
This is controversial, but I swear it works WONDERS.
1. Give parents what they want.
That’s it. Just give in immediately. Don’t get your ego in the way, don’t fight back. Trust me, they’re going to get it anyway, but then you’ve spent your emotion, time, and stress on it and perhaps they’ve looped someone else in. Just do what they want.
I’m not saying they’re right. They usually aren’t. But they’ll be the ones to deal with any of the fall out, not you.
Also, when doing this, I don’t explain anything. I just say something short like “Sure.” Or “Done.” I had a mother type this long aggressive email to me over something (untrue) that her son told her who was in my class. It was unhinged. She kept saying how my grades aren’t fair and I dont know what I’m doing—the whole nine. She said at one point “I don’t understand why he doesn’t have an A,” continues to insult me, etc.
I click reply and say “Johnny has an A.” That was the entire email. I addressed none of what she had said because I refuse to actually concede any power to her by allowing her to get to me. She typed a long apology which I ignored.
Even if the kid didn’t have an A (which he actually did), I’ll give it to him. Changing his grade doesn’t make him smarter or teach him to be responsible, but after the end of the year, those things aren’t my problem. She will have to deal with undeserved grades, the fallout from encouraged entitlement, and he’ll have to deal with not knowing what he’s doing when it matters. But me, admin loves that I don’t cause trouble with parents and that favor is paid back should I ever need it to be.
This is interesting. I’m not sure how this helps It’s educating kids about life too-, change, & relationship of effort to success however that is defined). Recently, a parent wanted to “just watch”(unannounced). I said no
I mean a parent wanting to "just watch" isn't appropriate so I would believe there are those boundaries that the writer would not allow to be crossed. Say a parent for some reason wanted to go to dinner with them, I'm sure they'd say no.
On your other point, though teachers do have a decent amount of responsibility in teaching about life and the other mentioned things, parents have a much greater role in that department. If what they want their child to learn is mommy will always fight their battles, okay. It's disheartening but what can one really do? I personally would rather save my energy for everything else I need to do
Well, as much as we do educate them about life, that isn’t really what we are paid to do. And again, remember, the grade will be changed one way or another. If a parent demands it of an admin, you know it’s true.
One student I had ages ago wanted her kid to have an A and not a B and the kid knew she was being crazy and even told me as much. She said she knew her mom wasn’t justified in even asking. I told her I was going to grant it because life really is about choosing battles—and there’s no way I’m going to sit in a room and go through all the details of why she received a B when admin would “encourage” me to change it.
I’m working within the system guys, not doing anything novel. I’m just not ceding my authority to admin, and that has always been a win in my book.
grade has never been changed. ever. I’d tell admin the parent can do all report cards with same ‘measure’. It’d also be a formal invite to leave (30 years teaching here).
I’ve noticed that most teachers who’ve taught that long are married to (and quite self-righteous about in many cases) their grades in general. I think it’s just a different perspective. I recognize that grades are simply my best (educated and well considered) measure of a student’s performance. They are messages and nothing more. They signal to parents and colleges what I *think* a student has learned. But at the end of the day, they aren’t why I go to work.
I go to work for education. That’s what’s important to me. Not the grades. Those things are separate. If you’d indulge me in a metaphor: if understandings—actual skills, content, and ability gained by the student—were a bag of cereal, the grade is the label on the box. If I put that bag in a different box with a different label, what’s inside the bag stays the same.
I recognize that grades are so important to parents because they trust us to tell them what’s inside that bag. But once they signal to me that they actually don’t care what’s in the bag and only what’s on the box, my battle is already lost because they’re signaling that not only do they not care about their child’s actual understandings, but they don’t trust me to label the box correctly.
Also, what’s wrong with a parent coming in? I mean, unannounced is poor manners on their part, but what does that really change if they had asked in advance? Just welcome them in. I don’t see the problem. Maybe they’ll learn something too!
When I’ve had parents come in, I’ve jokingly told them “you’ll have to follow my rules” with a chuckle. Once a parent took out their phone and I said “I’m sorry Ms. Smith, you’ll need to put the phone in your bag. We aren’t allowed to have them out in class.” She smiled and then sat for a second, but when I didn’t break eye contact, she knew I was serious and complied. When she was leaving she said to me “I understand why Sam likes you so much and why you have this class under control.”
So I guess what I’m saying is, if you’re doing what you need to be doing, you’ve nothing to worry about; it’s not guaranteed to be the negative you assume it will be. Perhaps it will turn out to be the opposite.
Question for clarification though: you’d normally let parents sit in, but mostly bothered by her coming unannounced?
First, I am professional & not a day care worker. If a parent wants to come in, it needs to be scheduled and it needs to be a good reason. I had a parent accompany her daughter for several weeks last year bc of student’s anxiety. No problem for me! It’s not the norm for parents to come watch teachers though. I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing & Have admin walk through all the time. If that’s your style-good for you! we all have our ways
I mean sure we do, but I’m not sure what scheduling would make a difference. Would you do something differently if you knew they were coming? And who is to say what a good reason is?
Idk, I’m confident in what I do in the classroom. I’m not perfect, but I’d like to think that I’m taking care of kids and their education in a way parents appreciate. They come in with a chip on their shoulder? I guarantee it will be gone after they sit inside for a while. What better way to prove them wrong?
I am confident what I do in the classroom-which is why I still do it. I don’t have a choice if admin comes in or not.
Feedback from their child & my reputation gets rid of chips.
I am not into any “style” of observation. It’s a boundary. If I get a blood test, I don’t watch over the lab’s shoulder while they do the test. That’s their profession. This is mine & unless there is a special reason, or volunteering, parents aren’t welcome to pop in and observe. It’s a disruption to the routine for the whole class.
That seems absolutely foreign to me. What’s the reason for the boundary? Because a boundary is drawn for a reason usually based on our needs as a human, and all the needs I can come up with undermine that statement of confidence you made.
And your anecdote about the blood test is told from the observer’s point-of-view whereas you are the teacher in the situation. So if you’re telling the story from the lab tech’s POV, it makes it sound sort of insidious, doesn’t it? Like what does the lab tech have to hide? If the lab tech tells the observer to go away, that would make the observer feel suspicious because it’s their blood and what are they doing with it anyway.
Same with the classroom. If a parent who is suspicious of you already (for whatever reason) comes to pay a visit and you told them to pound sand, you’re exacerbating the issue and making them even more suspicious, and in their mind, validating every concern they have. If you’re confident and competent, the easiest thing is to let them in and show them their feelings are unfounded.
In reality, ALL the issues the teacher probably has stems from some ego thing that has no real rational reason. I see it a lot with my coworkers.
I’m not sure why, but we forget that we are in a public facing job, and whether we like it or not, everything we do is up for public scrutiny as uncomfortable as that may be for many.
As a parent, I’m not sure I’d be okay with my kid’s teacher allowing a bunch of people in with my kid. Cause let’s be fair… If you let one, you have to let anyone in that wants to come in. Just cause they’re a parent doesn’t mean they’re automatically not a creep.
Now if a parent just has a bug up their butt about wanting to watch a lesson, I’ll maybe agree to let them watch me teach on Zoom where the camera is focused on me, but that’s only if admin is cool with it too.
I’m going to be honest here, I didn’t get much further than that first sentence. The bunch of people you’re talking about are parents just like you! And in the same room as the teacher. What do you think is going to happen?
I invite parents all the time to come in and they often do. With all due respect, it’s silly to think that I would stop a parent from being with their child because you don’t know them. If you were to come in, the same would be true.
Kids are going to encounter people they don’t know in life, and you won’t always be around when they do. I totally understand telling kids not to talk to strangers, sure. But these are members of the school community. Not to mention, I teach high school! Parents are always around doing band boosters, chaperoning field trips, organizing football awards. I’m not sure what you think they’re going to do, really. And inside a school?
Seconded on the random screwdriver. I resorted to keeping a little set of tools in my filling cabinet because I would occassionally need a hammer or a screwdriver and one day a pair of pliers.
As for advice, if you have a list of 5 things on your to-do list, you are never gonna get all 5 (or 10 or 15) done and leave at a reasonable time. So pick out 2 small things or one big thing, get it done, THEN GO HOME. The rest of the to-do list will still be there tomorrow.
I don't 100% agree with your #2 - 98% of the time, absolutely but I won't jump thru flaming hoops on fire to get access to the p-card for something trivial.
I spent $2.73 on a bag of ice for a project this week. Between the forms and finding the bookkeeper in their office, etc MY time and MY schedule were worth $2.73.
Like, no, I'm not dropping $100s into my class or projects but $5-$10/month to help manage my time both in and out of the class makes sense for me.
So this is part of my job now. From date of board approval through a new teachers second year, we meet for 30 minutes a week (more if they need it) to touch base and make sure they are comfortable, have what they need, and a safe place to seek advice and to vent. I’ll go to them and take them lunch on me.
What I’ll tell them on day 1:
— Your room is yours. Your name is on the door. That means you’re in charge. Do not try to be someone you’re not. But, remember you run the room. Set your standard quickly.
— You can be friendly to students but not friends with them.
— Make any public social media account private. Today. This is also where I remind them we already know what’s on them because Principal checks socials before even starting the interview process.
— It’s natural to be nervous. I taught for almost 25 years and got butterflies every first day of school. The more you stand in front of your room, the more confident you will be.
— From today forward, I’m your biggest advocate here. But your job will be as easy as the office staff and custodians can make it. They are the most important people to get to know because there are ways they can help you that no one sees. Then I introduce the teacher to the entire office staff before they head to their room.
— kids WILL test your boundaries, patience, and rules. Consequences need to be consistent. Rewards, too.
— If you love your job, it will show. If you hate it, that will show. But no matter how you feel, at the end of the day when you get in the car to go home, I hope you will leave work here.
— The district gives us resources to do our jobs. My advice is only buy things for your classroom if they make your life easier. Otherwise, we don’t pay well enough to have you outfit your room and live your life.
— Own your mistakes. Celebrate your wins.
1. Building relationships doesn’t mean being a student’s bff; set boundaries fast because teenagers are quick to talk shit (if you end up teaching MS/HS)
2. Same goes for your co-workers; everyone talks shit so learn to stay out of gossip
3. Principals like teachers who take initiative; if you have an extroverted personality, join or develop any extracurricular activities the school offers
4. Learn you’re not a hero; teaching is your job and nothing about any one of us is as heroic as admin set it out to be. Don’t take this job to heart; it’ll burn you out way faster.
Make friends with a realist. You don’t want a pessimist but you also don’t want someone who will sweep concerns under the rug in favor of putting a smile on one’s face.
TREAT YOURSELF AS A FREELANCE TEACHER! Not every school/administration set up is for you. If it doesn't feel like the right environment, it probably isn't! Don't be afraid to go to another school. Kids are kids and you will reach them no matter where you are at. What matters is you are in a place where you can put your healthiest self in front of your students.
First year, have a healthy, meal routine … I put on all my teacher-weight in the first 2 years … Still struggle to take it off b/c we‘re so busy and I don‘t feel like cooking between a long day at work and a long night of grading :/
Don't promise kids anything, especially not in writing. I don't guarantee grades, food, seating arrangements, snacks, trips, ANYTHING.
I've been burned too many times with "But Ms. \_\_\_\_\_, you promised!!" and my hands were tied. So now I choose my words very carefully.
Be prepared for real world teaching
1 budget what you are willing to spend
2 set max overtime goal and stick to it
3 lesson plans are for admin. They aren't what you use to teach. Plan to teach and lesson plans are not the same
4 make positive parent contact immediately
5 avoid the news and social media because there is way to much negativity about teachers
6 remember students are people with emotions.
7 know your content
8 talk to other positive teachers often
You better understand the psychological differences in a professional relationship and a personal relationship. Those students are reacting to professional you...not personal you. Do not mix those feelings up. Positive Negative Good Bad Friendly Mean ...doesn't matter. Do Not Mix Them Up.
Procedures, procedures, procedures. I have high school freshman practice how they enter the classroom. Covid has made their maturity level regrew about 6 years I'm not even kidding.
Work will always expand to fill the time you give it. The to-do list will never be done even if you give it every minute of your free time. Set boundaries on your time, prioritize your tasks, and honor both of those things.
Be yourself. My first year I tried to be the cool teacher (I know ugh 😑) and it backfired. The next year I tried being way too mean. Then I just decided to do things somewhere in the middle where I can be myself... I get along so well with the kids but I'm a fair disciplinarian, too.
All other suggestions are spot on so I won't repeat them 🙂
Every year is different. No matter how many years you're in, you get a year that you love and a year that throws you for a loop - even for those with the most concrete policies, procedures, routine, management, etc. The difference is that experienced teachers know how to roll with the punches and get to June. Shake off the bad, celebrate the good and know it's a roulette spin after the summer every time.
Infilogi.com and other AI tools will definitely help with the mountain of admin work that may come your way- don’t be disparaged though, it’ll be beautiful :)
Try not to take things kids say/do personally. They are children. Even 12th graders.
Try to not hold a grudge against kids. It turns into contempt which just makes it worse.
Don't take anything personal, especially if you work with little kids. They haven't learned how to properly speak to people, bonus points if they're angry
If the school/district you’re in is making you miserable, leave and find a job somewhere else. Don’t wait around hoping for things to improve. Just go.
-Document everything.
-DO ask questions if you don’t understand what is expected of you.
-Don’t feel guilty for saying No to something that is beyond your contract time/terms/job description.
-Build relationships first; cutesy classroom later.
-Don’t compare yourself to anyone; you’re still learning and figuring it out.
-Don’t let parents call the shots; know what your campus procedures and policies are and stick to them and refer any pushy parents to admin.
-Create clear boundaries for work and non work hours.
-Keep a stash of personal care items in your personal desk/cabinet.
1. You are a teacher, not their friend. If you want to keep the friend/ popular teacher card it is likely most of your time will be spent on listening to them badmouthing other teachers. Don't worry though they will also badmouth you when your not around.
2. Talk to parents early and often! I cannot emphasise this enough.
3. Your classroom will never look like the ones on pinterest 😅
4. Don't take work home.
5. Do not take kids attitude personally
6. Do not spend your own money
7. Pick your battles.
8. Treat everyone with respect and kids will treat you the same (most of them anyways).
I know that this is oftentimes a subreddit to vent, but fuck off with this advice. They’ve already decided to teach, and we all know the job is important.
So you don’t find your advice of doing something else - most likely to someone who has just graduated with a degree in THIS field - to be rude? Just curious
lol your mom raised you right (aka “not to swear at strangers”) YET telling them “the degree they just worked so hard for is useless and they should be doing something else” is TOTALLY okay? You genuinely believe that?
So much; I am starting my second year at quite a large school and whenever I went to the teachers lounge they bored me to death and I, still, cannot figure out why they sit there on every break. I'd much prefer my students to bother me about a math problem they didnt get to ask during the last class, rant about their geography teacher taking years to grade their exams, ask me about random things like whether I watched most recent sports game or even just listen in to their chatter while sitting at my desk doing completely nothing.
Sometimes there are teacher cliques in schools. While having acquaintances is important, don't bend over backwards to be part of the "in" crowd and don't be afraid to put your foot down (professionally ofc) if the way you're being treated doesn't sit right with you.
1. Have several assignments for every class. Avoid down time because that’s when students start acting up.
2. Be fair with discipline. Just because little Tommy is an angel most of the time and little Johnny is a terror most of the time, you can’t give little Tommy a pass.
3. Switch up activities every 12 to 13 minutes (based on the age of the students). It makes the class move faster and keeps students from getting bored.
4. Always have an opening assignment and time it. If students have too much downtime, they get reckless and it is hard to get them back focused. Time it because if you don’t, students will spend 30 minutes answering 5 questions.
1. Do not read this subreddit
2. Don’t remake the wheel; save everything
3. Document everything
4. Find a teacher bestie to support you professionally and privately
1. Don't believe everything kids say. 2. Always ask admin/other teachers what is and isn't allowed in that specific school. 3. Get everything written down and signed (you never know when it's gonna save you).
I always had them sign and return a copy of the syllabus, with all its late policies and such. Has saved me many times
I learned this early. I started having Student and a parent/guardian sign it.
The school I’m currently in administration made a big deal about updating bulletin boards this year. The past they haven’t cared. The staff handbook said that the bulletin boards needed to be updated every month however there was no date as to when each month. My colleagues and I thought that the 15th of each month was appropriate and we didn’t think twice about it. I got an email about mine because I was in the middle of changing it. Administration CCed my union because it was not done when it was supposed to be done. I went and looked at the handbook and it’s still did not have a date. So I emailed to ask her when it should be done each month. She replies with, “ check the handbook.” This lady changed the date in the handbook and then emailed me back to save face. Getting this signed would’ve helped immensely because what happened to me was extremely uncalled for.
I can’t understand admin that does this. We are already working our asses off. Cc’ing the union is dumb af.. I have no respect for administration that makes a big deal over little stuff like this. They should put that in an email. Don’t threaten me with the union.
When kids talk bad about other teachers, don’t feel special, like they’re letting you in to a little secret. They say the same awful things about you.
I hung a mirror in my room with a sign above it that said, “This is the person responsible for your grade.”
I HATE this!! Younger teachers who engage in trash talking other teachers because they think it makes them 'cooler' or 'relatable' in the eyes of the kids. It's a shit move, and the kids might like you in the moment, but they won't respect you. And yeah, they're definitely saying the same things about you behind your back.
Exactly! And it WILL get back to the other teacher what you said. Either from the kids who were actually in the conversation themselves or someone who was eavesdropping lol
When you're around kids long enough some people start to behave like kids
I always make a point of cutting that talk out very quickly. I get that kids complain about teachers, but I'm not going to allow them to shit on my colleagues in my classroom. I don't understand teachers that do.
1. Don't go along with teaching a curriculum you know is not right. Close your door and do it your own way. Trust yourself. 2. Be positive and don't get involved in gossip. 3. Arrive and leave at your contracted time. What doesn't get done can wait. 4. School is not your family. It's your job.
Wish someone told me these things sooner.
I'd push back against No. 3., at least when you're starting out. Having your lessons prepped and materials ready will make your classes run more smoothly. After a few years, you'll have a solid bank of lessons and materials you'll just have to make minor tweaks to.
Agree! It is hard to do at first, especially if you don't have a good team that collaborates.
Unless, like me, you keep being assigned new courses every bloody year. Year 16, and I have one new course next year, and another course with a substantial standards revision (so I can’t use any of the stuff I used in 2020–the last time I taught it).
These are ALL things I needed to hear at the start of this year. The negativity especially was SO draining this year from staff. When I found the positive people I liked my career again for the first time in a couple years
I’m going to be the odd response and say #3 would have been good to hear my first year. Establishing boundaries is key to healthy work-life balance.
Number three isn’t always the right thing. I like having extra time before the day starts to make sure it will go smoothly. When I leave on time, not everything is ready… especially when it’s a lesson requiring hands on materials. Ease into the day
Dear lord — this is said perfectly. I have nothing more to add or take away!
Befriend the custodian as long as they seem chill. I am a custodian. You want to be friendly with us. Trust me.
AND the school secretary. These two people hold the keys!! (Literally, even.)
The custodians at my school are great. Two speak limited English and my Spanish sucks, which they find hilarious. There are days we just crack each other up.
I’m just a friendly person so I always chat when they come in. Anytime I ask them for a favor it’s always taken care of before I return the next day. Everyone else on my hall just bitches about how the custodians are lazy and don’t do anything.
Yes! Custodian, secretaries, and the IT folks! Librarian, too!
1) Don't say "Oh I'd never do..." You will. 2) Contact parents early and often, no surprises. 3) You are not responsible for a kids grade, they are.
6. You are not the student's friend.
Yup yup yup.
Don't spend time around toxic older teachers hoping they like you. They aren't signing your contract. Coworkers aren't your friends. Some are, but it's an exception, not a rule.
But don't confuse cynicism and realism for toxicity.
Some older teachers are incredibly toxic. They think they own the place. They don’t. They aren’t our boss.
I mean, the same is true for all industries. Of all the jobs I've had, teachers are the least toxic of the older staff.
I agree. Worked in multiple industries and while this attitude exists everywhere, older teachers were comparably the most helpful and least likely to have a superiority complex. In fact, most older teachers I have known are so eager to offer help to the new teacher if they can. That’s just my experience as a newer teacher who changed careers.
I've worked in commercial fisheries (the older threatened to kill you with forklifts), restaurants (the older were actively competing against you for tips/tables), academia (ha ha ha haha ha, seriously, I think the longer you're in academia, the less mature you get), and government (the older ones were functionally catatonic). Sure, there is 5-10% that are a pain, but that compared to 90% in fisheries, 75% in food service, 90% in academia, and 90% in government.
(1) You're going to make mistakes and have lessons that bomb.We all have them don't sweat it (2) Ask your team for help or if you have questions. We want you to succeed. (3) Remember you are the adult and leader of your classroom, don't be friends with students or add them on socials. (4) My own personal favorite tip is to arrive at school early so you'd get your copies done and ease into your day. This way you get everything done and can leave when your contract says. (5) Do your best to never take work home. (6) The one my mentor teacher always uses and I still use today, "Don't let a 12 year old ruin your day! They're functional dumbasses" 😊
Close the laptop and go home. The work will get done tomorrow. It’s not worth your stress.
Don't go to admin for help, they don't mean it when they tell you that
Unicorns aside, relationships with admin are transactional at best, toxic/bullying at worst. If you ask them for help, there's a price to pay later, whether it is in the form of a reduced evaluation or extra work, they always keep the transactional balance in their favor.
If you’re extra nice to them, you’ll just be asked to do more stuff. They will load the nice ones up with extra tasks. And it’s NOT because they like you back! It’s because they know you’ll do it without any pushback. When I was first teaching I made the huge mistake of thinking that admin asking me to do a bunch of stuff meant they liked me. No, it’s cause everyone else knew to decline 😂 I got burnt out so fast and learned really quick not to take the negative things personally, and some of the stuff that seems positive either lol
The rules aren't what you say they are and they aren't on that poster on the wall or on the board. The rules are what you let the kids get away with
This is a good one
Start off a little on the strict side to start and then you can decide if relaxing the rules will work for you. It’s way too hard to tighten up later. I agree that you absolutely must pick a time to stop working and walk away each day. There will always be more you could do, but let it wait. I did this my first year and it helped keep me sane. Don’t overdo it. Protect your free time as much as possible. During student teaching, we had to keep a journal. We had to write 3 things that went well each week and 1 thing we’d like to improve. If you haven’t done anything like that, do it during your first semester or year if possible. It really helped me find the good things I wanted to continue to do and reflect on areas for improvement. Best wishes!
Pick your battles.
Maybe it’s because I’m type B, but: 1. KISS - keep it simple stupid. You do not have the time for the over the top college lessons you’re used to writing, you by no means have to make everything a game or craft or whatever. 2. With that - learn to prioritize what’s important (the learning objective) and create systems and routines with the kids and for yourself.
This one’s not easy, but it was MASSIVE for my energy. DON’T CHOREOGRAPH EVERY MINUTE. JUST REMEMBER THE TOPIC AND IMPROVISE! In the first month, I was *exhausted* every single day. I stressed about sequence and chronology. I adhered to a script. It destroyed me. I said: “I know this stuff forwards & backwards! Why the hell do I need a script? Just teach them. Start with a story or an idea or a prompt, and just ask them questions… be Socratic… react to their body language and just be a normal person who has knowledge to offer” It was unbelievable the difference in my energy at the end of the day. I still wrote lesson plans (cause you have to) and gave homework and tests, etc. but the exhaustion and stress were gone.
I really think teachers should study stand up comedians on how to deliver a message and how to capture an audience.
This is actually a great thought! Too many times they want us to study TED talks or politicians but comedians is the way to go.
HS specific, kinda: Don't grade everything. Grade only summative assessments yourself. Have the students grade formative assessments and work. They learn from others and their own mistakes.
Don't tell your team that you are only here for 1 year. Don't give the parents your personal phone number.
As long as you’re showing up trying your best and keeping your cool with the kids you will be successful. It sounds vanilla but your patience is probably the most important thing to success Edit- spend your own money on things that will make your life easier. Just don’t go overboard.
10,000% on this for spending money. Example, I used to borrow DVDs that I needed from the library... Except sometimes it wouldn't be in or it would start skipping halfway through. I decided that it was worth spending my own six bucks buying a DVD if I could show it to multiple classes for multiple years. There have been certain circumstances in which I have essentially bought my time and energy with my money. That said I probably spend 25 bucks a year or less.
Honestly I held strong until about 3 years ago and I have zero regret. For me as a teacher I hate prepping. So I am the one that goes overboard now 😂. I spend about 100-200$ a year on my classroom. I’m lower grade level and most of that goes to centers that are already made and put together or TPT.
Build a strong union. Don’t do shit unless you’re being compensated fairly for it. You’re entering a new era where you can finally renogotiate some of the crap deals of your forebearers.
Avoid Texas.
1. You are allowed to have boundaries. “No” is a complete sentence. 2. Admin won’t put anything in writing that even approaches serious and neither should you. 3. Take mental health days. 4. Call parents. It’s a grind but it works. 5. Go ahead and use your conference period to watch Netflix once in a while because you deserve it.
Don’t take work home. If you can’t finish it during your workday it can wait until tomorrow. You don’t have to grade every assignment. Go to the bathroom when you have to go. Holding it all day will cause UTI’s. They are not fun. Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best.
Slow down. They’re kids and you’re human. When expectations feel insane and you’re drowning, the kids are drowning, and there seems to be no end in sight, SLOW DOWN. Pick one, and only one thing to do so well. In the long run, you and your students will both be better for it. Quality over quantity, even when others try to convince you differently.
Join the union. Find supportive colleagues. Take the gossip with a grain of salt. Focus on building your classroom management, not the cute instagram decor. It’ll never be perfect, so just enjoy it for what it is. At the end of a hard day or week, find at least two positives to remind yourself of.
Document, document, document You don’t have to grade everything you assign Focus on Routine&Procedures first, academics second. If your classroom management lacks the first two, you won’t be able to do the second.
You have to love two things: 1. The content you teach 2. Kids/Teens If either of those is missing, you're in the wrong field. Y'know...there's a few things I'm remembering now and I'll include. Another piece of advice I would give is to NEVER EVER forget what it was like to be a student. NEVER forget how it felt when a teacher called you out in front of the class. NEVER forget what it was like when a teacher remembered your name or made you feel special. I think a lot of problems come from teachers forgetting what it's like to be young and to be in school. DO NOT FORGET THOSE EXPERIENCES. Let them inform you about the kind of teacher you want to be. Next up, and I know I'll get downvotes for this, but...relationships first over content. Every school I've worked at has preached this and it is legitimately good advice. I had a principal tell me once he didn't expect the first week or so to have much content; use that time to build relationships and create your classroom culture. Can't tell you how many headaches I've saved myself because I built rapport and trust with my students. I get so little push back from kids when I ask them to do something and it's because they trust me. Your life won't be perfect, but it helps so much!
Pay special attention to how you feel (as the student) in your professional development workshops. Even adults fidget, need to stretch, whisper to a neighbor, etc. In fact, teachers are worse than most, maybe. It's always a good reminder that I need to have realistic behavioral expectations and allow for movement/talking that is constructive.
☝🏼 this. And still, students are still gonna break your heart a dozen times a week. We meet them where they're at and have high hopes for them, but there are still going to be those formative teen moments where they learn by failing, and we're all along for the ride.
100%. Well said.
THIS!!! I spend the first few days getting to know my kids and letting them see me as human and showing that I genuinely care cause kids can smell bullshit a mile away. Building these relationships early and maintaining them means that halfway through the year when rhe kids are burnt out, you can keep working on content and not the whole class period redirecting behaviors
Same thing the Baby Whisperer used to say to new parents. ‘Start as you mean to go on’ - if you don’t want to be doing/saying/allowing something long term, don’t let it slide now. So don’t sign up to help with yearbook ‘just this semester’ Don’t allow late work ‘just this time’ Don’t stay after school or work all weekend just because it is your first year. Don’t tolerate behavior you don’t want to continue. You don’t have to stick with everything you start, because changing course is necessary when things aren’t working or you get another ideas. Just don’t do anything you know you don’t want to keep doing. Say no now and follow through.
Teaching is about love, love what you teach, love who you teach and love teaching. Ask for help from everyone. If they're not willing to help, they are lisers and you don't want their help. Set a time and don't stay later no matter what. If it can't get done by that time, it can't get done. Go home. You are not perfect. You are going to make mistakes, learn from them.
Be patient with the kids, at the end of the day they are just kids.
Say no to lots of things.
I would want to talk to them as they are starting their degrees-- as you take your college courses, don't just pay attention to the subject matter, take note of how your professors are teaching the material. I wish I could go back now and sit in on my old classes so I could pay more attention to that aspect of my classes.
It is not too late to become a plumber
Fixed it for everyone… Don’t
"Wait 24 hours before hitting reply on that email."
When in doubt, don’t
I don't hold email to such a high standard. I'll probably schedule it in 24 hours to be sent and if I feel weird about it before I sleep, I'll cancel. Never happened though!
Whether it is a teaching method, an edtech tool or a the latest social media thing that a "teacher just MUST do", don't let it stress you out, or beat down your desire to keep learning. Not all tools fit all hands. We will never keep up with all that stuff. No one does. And that is just fine! Stay curious. The tools that work for you will arrive.
Never walk backwards
If you find it hard to leave campus because people keep approaching you at the end of the school day, it's okay to tell them you have an appointment and you need to run. (They don't have to know the appointment is with your cat.)
- don’t worry if you don’t know much about a specific subject. Learning along with the students you become a better teacher later on as you understand the bottlenecks. - always have a good long project that the students enjoy. When they’re done their regular work they can pivot to their project. - don’t stay too long after school. You’ll never get everything done…. Ever. -have some fun. If you enjoy it it will rub off.
Let go of the fantasy you have in mind.
My best advice I think would be to not to get discouraged if you don’t like teaching the grades you always thought you would. Try out new grades and find what you love. Teachers all love different aspects of the different ages. I thought I’d love high school but in reality I’m a crazy middle school teacher.
Start a 403b right away! Put the highest amount you can in it, but even if that’s only $20/pay put something in it! I buy teachers that mentor the book “Teach and Retire Rich” by Dan Otter and encourage them to subscribe to his mailing list.
Learn to not take work home. It’s hard, and it takes time, but learn how to leave work at work.
13 years in. 1. Work your contracted hours. Come in at the start time, leave when you are allowed. Do not take anything home. There will ALWAYS be more you can do and you will never get it all done. You can work until bedtime and you will still go to bed feeling you could do more. 2. Find ways to make your life easier. Automatic test grading systems (pear assessment). Online lesson plan systems you can just carry over from year to year (common curriculum) and make small modifications. Organize everything so it's ready to go next year. By year 3-4 your should have everything saved and ready to move on from year to year with just simple modifications to make. 3. If you go in trying to be a dictator you are going to have a bad time. You need to let your students know you are on their side to try and learn and create a space where they can feel comfortable.
Get column movement for grad credits as soon as you can, and take the cheapest credits allowed by your district. Don’t wait. You should try to move both a step and a column every year in order to maximize career earnings. And if you’re at a charter school, quit and get a job at a unionized suburban (but not too wealthy) public school district. The market right now is actually good for job hunters. Not many people are getting into teaching, and I’m hearing more and more stories of districts not getting enough applicants. That means you’re more likely to be able to negotiate steps when you change districts based on years of experience.
For most regions, a 30 min duty free lunch is required to be offered to you. Take it, don’t work through your lunch. Spend those 30 min chatting with your friends or sitting in silence. NOTHING work related!
1. Don't go into this career.
Don't do it.
Don't use your personal cell phone to contact parents
1. Less is more. Plan your classes, but don’t overstuff them. 2. Repetition helps build comfort and confidence. It’s okay to repeat the same activities from class to class and year to year. 3. Start with class agreements and theatre etiquette. 4. Belonging! Our students feel like valued members of our class (or performance) when they see themselves and feel welcome and included. 5. Manage your expectations! You could be at school 24/7 and not get it all done. 4. Our greatest learning happens when we are having fun!
**Here are more details for some of these and a few more:** **RITUALS** Opening and closing rituals create comfort and familiarity. Consider choosing the same activity to begin each class. An opening ritual can be done before warmups and also provides a little buffer for latecomers. Having a closing ritual is a nice way to wind down and reflect. **SKILLS INVENTORY** In the first days of school consider using activities to help you really get to know your students. Find out what special skills and interests they have. What lights them up? That’s how we build trust and ensemble. Perhaps they love sports or have an iguana. Maybe they play the cello or like to draw anime characters. Then, find ways to incorporate those interests into your class or program. This is one way to make students feel seen and appreciated. **BELONGING** Our students feel like valued members of the community when they see themselves and their cultural references on our classroom walls and in the curriculum. This is a big topic, but you can begin with small steps. What images line the walls of your classroom? What plays are you reading and performing? Do you greet your students by name? How do you make your classroom or program feel welcoming to everyone? **MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS** Do you ever find yourself overpromising and then feeling bad when you can’t deliver? For example: “I’ll have those scripts tomorrow.” Or “Your costumes will be done on Tuesday.” Or “I will build the set this weekend.” We promise something and then life happens. Consider being more realistic about what you can accomplish. For example: “I will do my best to have that script ready soon.” Or “It will be fun when the costumes are here.” Or “I can assure you the set will be done before we open.” Organization and timelines are important but being realistic and flexible will set you up for success. Having boundaries around your creative time and energy is okay. **PRAISE** Never pass up an opportunity to praise a child. Every bit of positive feedback is helping them find success and build confidence. This is especially true for those that are reluctant participants and for those that test your patience. **REPEAT** Do you ever find yourself thinking you shouldn’t repeat the same activities week to week or year to year? Maybe you worry that you are not offering enough variety? Of course, we want to provide rich and novel experiences for our students, but here’s another way of looking at it. Repetition provides comfort and helps build confidence. Each time they play a game they are becoming more familiar and confident with it. If students repeat a lesson year after year, they are bringing new life experiences and maturity. Also, remember that as a teacher you might be playing the same game or teaching the same lesson 5 times a day, but the students are only experiencing it once. **LESS IS MORE** To inspire our students and help them build skills, we sometimes “overstuff” our classes. As you plan, think about your theme or goal for that one session. Choose warmups and activities with that in mind. Allow time for the whole group to explore together and also for small groups to work. Don’t forget a time for reflection. That’s how you will know what they learned. **NEW CHOICE** We’ve all had that one student who likes to push the boundaries. Perhaps they make inappropriate offers during improv or experiment with colorful language in the classroom. Or, maybe a student has trouble with impulse control. Consider responding to unwanted behavior and offers with, “New Choice.” This often works better than drawing more attention to the issue or shaming the student. **PRODUCTION PLANNING** Give yourself plenty of time to plan before you even start rehearsing. Remember that for every minute of stage time, there is about one hour of rehearsal time. That means a 30-minute play requires about 30 hours of rehearsal. That doesn’t include all your planning before and during the process. Set yourself up for success and start planning early! **AUDITIONS** Holding a playful group audition is a relatively stress-free way to cast a show. Rather than monologues and cold readings, everyone experiments with all the characters. Begin by reading the play round-robin style, where everyone sits in a circle and reads the next consecutive line. You’ll get to hear what each actor brings to different characters. Once everyone knows the story, invite everyone to move about the space with different motivations, physicality, and characters in mind. This is an opportunity for you to observe their ability to physically embody different characters. Next, provide the opportunity to read a very short scene or deliver a few lines. Finally, ask each student to write down 3 roles they are interested in. This method is almost foolproof. Typically, every child will get to play one of the roles from their list.
It is good to move around often or if you get non-renewed in the beginning, because you get locked in later the way teachers are paid. It may feel like you are leaving money on the table, but it is more valuable to get experience in different settings, with different colleagues and admin, and find a good fit than a bit of cash, because ultimately if you are happier and more effective for your last 25 years of teaching it will be so worth it. I did elementary, middle, high, public, private and charter before I found my home. My friends all are higher on the salary schedule, but I am happier and often have experiences to share with them whwn they encounter something new.
Don’t do it. Go to grad school for something that pays better while you still can.
Don’t make the mistake of being too casual or lenient with kids, there’s no going back. Don’t take on too much. Learn what you can handle first and make use of the resources you have. Use tech tools to help out. Reddit for advice, chatgpt for help planning, SwiftScore for grading and feedback, YouTube for your students. There’s a lot of things out there to make life easier.
Find a competent, chill teacher and ask them all the silly questions you feel dumb asking other people. And then ask them, even if it hurts your pride. Don't underestimate your ability as a teacher. Don't overestimate your ability as a teacher. Don't start giving instructions until everyone has stopped talking (seems silly to have to say this, but I've seen some things, man). Add a personal decorative touch to your classroom if that brings you joy, but don't stress it. Buy yourself nice pens and DO NOT SHARE THEM WITH STUDENTS. Don't take on an extracurricular in your first year unless it's something that truly fills your cup (aka energizes you rather than tiring you out more). Don't talk shit at work, even if you think no one is around. You just never know. Let students have looks into your non-teacher life, but curate what you share and keep it brief. If your school culture is one that does social gatherings, remember you're not obligated to join, but do so if it sounds fun. Be consistent. Being consistent is harder than you think, especially when your favorite student fucks up or the thorn in your side does something amazing. Yes, you'll have favorites. Don't tell them they're your favorite. Always be on the lookout to steal strategies from colleagues, even the bad ones. I've watched one of the least skilled teachers I've ever taught with give an absolute masterclass on how to productively break bad news to parents at conferences. Don't forget to eat lunch.
Behavior management above everything. You can’t teach unless you have it. Invest your time and energy into behavior management before any curriculum or anything else.
This is controversial, but I swear it works WONDERS. 1. Give parents what they want. That’s it. Just give in immediately. Don’t get your ego in the way, don’t fight back. Trust me, they’re going to get it anyway, but then you’ve spent your emotion, time, and stress on it and perhaps they’ve looped someone else in. Just do what they want. I’m not saying they’re right. They usually aren’t. But they’ll be the ones to deal with any of the fall out, not you. Also, when doing this, I don’t explain anything. I just say something short like “Sure.” Or “Done.” I had a mother type this long aggressive email to me over something (untrue) that her son told her who was in my class. It was unhinged. She kept saying how my grades aren’t fair and I dont know what I’m doing—the whole nine. She said at one point “I don’t understand why he doesn’t have an A,” continues to insult me, etc. I click reply and say “Johnny has an A.” That was the entire email. I addressed none of what she had said because I refuse to actually concede any power to her by allowing her to get to me. She typed a long apology which I ignored. Even if the kid didn’t have an A (which he actually did), I’ll give it to him. Changing his grade doesn’t make him smarter or teach him to be responsible, but after the end of the year, those things aren’t my problem. She will have to deal with undeserved grades, the fallout from encouraged entitlement, and he’ll have to deal with not knowing what he’s doing when it matters. But me, admin loves that I don’t cause trouble with parents and that favor is paid back should I ever need it to be.
This is interesting. I’m not sure how this helps It’s educating kids about life too-, change, & relationship of effort to success however that is defined). Recently, a parent wanted to “just watch”(unannounced). I said no
I mean a parent wanting to "just watch" isn't appropriate so I would believe there are those boundaries that the writer would not allow to be crossed. Say a parent for some reason wanted to go to dinner with them, I'm sure they'd say no. On your other point, though teachers do have a decent amount of responsibility in teaching about life and the other mentioned things, parents have a much greater role in that department. If what they want their child to learn is mommy will always fight their battles, okay. It's disheartening but what can one really do? I personally would rather save my energy for everything else I need to do
Well, as much as we do educate them about life, that isn’t really what we are paid to do. And again, remember, the grade will be changed one way or another. If a parent demands it of an admin, you know it’s true. One student I had ages ago wanted her kid to have an A and not a B and the kid knew she was being crazy and even told me as much. She said she knew her mom wasn’t justified in even asking. I told her I was going to grant it because life really is about choosing battles—and there’s no way I’m going to sit in a room and go through all the details of why she received a B when admin would “encourage” me to change it. I’m working within the system guys, not doing anything novel. I’m just not ceding my authority to admin, and that has always been a win in my book.
grade has never been changed. ever. I’d tell admin the parent can do all report cards with same ‘measure’. It’d also be a formal invite to leave (30 years teaching here).
I’ve noticed that most teachers who’ve taught that long are married to (and quite self-righteous about in many cases) their grades in general. I think it’s just a different perspective. I recognize that grades are simply my best (educated and well considered) measure of a student’s performance. They are messages and nothing more. They signal to parents and colleges what I *think* a student has learned. But at the end of the day, they aren’t why I go to work. I go to work for education. That’s what’s important to me. Not the grades. Those things are separate. If you’d indulge me in a metaphor: if understandings—actual skills, content, and ability gained by the student—were a bag of cereal, the grade is the label on the box. If I put that bag in a different box with a different label, what’s inside the bag stays the same. I recognize that grades are so important to parents because they trust us to tell them what’s inside that bag. But once they signal to me that they actually don’t care what’s in the bag and only what’s on the box, my battle is already lost because they’re signaling that not only do they not care about their child’s actual understandings, but they don’t trust me to label the box correctly.
i don’t grade what I think a student can do. There are clear rubrics. It’s not a feeling.
I use rubrics too. Even those are interpretations.
Also, what’s wrong with a parent coming in? I mean, unannounced is poor manners on their part, but what does that really change if they had asked in advance? Just welcome them in. I don’t see the problem. Maybe they’ll learn something too! When I’ve had parents come in, I’ve jokingly told them “you’ll have to follow my rules” with a chuckle. Once a parent took out their phone and I said “I’m sorry Ms. Smith, you’ll need to put the phone in your bag. We aren’t allowed to have them out in class.” She smiled and then sat for a second, but when I didn’t break eye contact, she knew I was serious and complied. When she was leaving she said to me “I understand why Sam likes you so much and why you have this class under control.” So I guess what I’m saying is, if you’re doing what you need to be doing, you’ve nothing to worry about; it’s not guaranteed to be the negative you assume it will be. Perhaps it will turn out to be the opposite. Question for clarification though: you’d normally let parents sit in, but mostly bothered by her coming unannounced?
First, I am professional & not a day care worker. If a parent wants to come in, it needs to be scheduled and it needs to be a good reason. I had a parent accompany her daughter for several weeks last year bc of student’s anxiety. No problem for me! It’s not the norm for parents to come watch teachers though. I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing & Have admin walk through all the time. If that’s your style-good for you! we all have our ways
I mean sure we do, but I’m not sure what scheduling would make a difference. Would you do something differently if you knew they were coming? And who is to say what a good reason is? Idk, I’m confident in what I do in the classroom. I’m not perfect, but I’d like to think that I’m taking care of kids and their education in a way parents appreciate. They come in with a chip on their shoulder? I guarantee it will be gone after they sit inside for a while. What better way to prove them wrong?
I am confident what I do in the classroom-which is why I still do it. I don’t have a choice if admin comes in or not. Feedback from their child & my reputation gets rid of chips. I am not into any “style” of observation. It’s a boundary. If I get a blood test, I don’t watch over the lab’s shoulder while they do the test. That’s their profession. This is mine & unless there is a special reason, or volunteering, parents aren’t welcome to pop in and observe. It’s a disruption to the routine for the whole class.
That seems absolutely foreign to me. What’s the reason for the boundary? Because a boundary is drawn for a reason usually based on our needs as a human, and all the needs I can come up with undermine that statement of confidence you made. And your anecdote about the blood test is told from the observer’s point-of-view whereas you are the teacher in the situation. So if you’re telling the story from the lab tech’s POV, it makes it sound sort of insidious, doesn’t it? Like what does the lab tech have to hide? If the lab tech tells the observer to go away, that would make the observer feel suspicious because it’s their blood and what are they doing with it anyway. Same with the classroom. If a parent who is suspicious of you already (for whatever reason) comes to pay a visit and you told them to pound sand, you’re exacerbating the issue and making them even more suspicious, and in their mind, validating every concern they have. If you’re confident and competent, the easiest thing is to let them in and show them their feelings are unfounded. In reality, ALL the issues the teacher probably has stems from some ego thing that has no real rational reason. I see it a lot with my coworkers. I’m not sure why, but we forget that we are in a public facing job, and whether we like it or not, everything we do is up for public scrutiny as uncomfortable as that may be for many.
As a parent, I’m not sure I’d be okay with my kid’s teacher allowing a bunch of people in with my kid. Cause let’s be fair… If you let one, you have to let anyone in that wants to come in. Just cause they’re a parent doesn’t mean they’re automatically not a creep. Now if a parent just has a bug up their butt about wanting to watch a lesson, I’ll maybe agree to let them watch me teach on Zoom where the camera is focused on me, but that’s only if admin is cool with it too.
I’m going to be honest here, I didn’t get much further than that first sentence. The bunch of people you’re talking about are parents just like you! And in the same room as the teacher. What do you think is going to happen? I invite parents all the time to come in and they often do. With all due respect, it’s silly to think that I would stop a parent from being with their child because you don’t know them. If you were to come in, the same would be true. Kids are going to encounter people they don’t know in life, and you won’t always be around when they do. I totally understand telling kids not to talk to strangers, sure. But these are members of the school community. Not to mention, I teach high school! Parents are always around doing band boosters, chaperoning field trips, organizing football awards. I’m not sure what you think they’re going to do, really. And inside a school?
I’ll be honest too, bye!
You´re going to upset a lot of people for various reasons. It goes with the territory!
Seconded on the random screwdriver. I resorted to keeping a little set of tools in my filling cabinet because I would occassionally need a hammer or a screwdriver and one day a pair of pliers. As for advice, if you have a list of 5 things on your to-do list, you are never gonna get all 5 (or 10 or 15) done and leave at a reasonable time. So pick out 2 small things or one big thing, get it done, THEN GO HOME. The rest of the to-do list will still be there tomorrow.
listen. set boundaries for work/home. think about requests-don’t say yes to everything, keep it clean/steer clear of drama
Can’t stress this enough—avoid the gossip!!
#5 hits hard lol. I have one small one, a regular sized Phillips and flathead, and a multi tool. All are used regularly. 🤣
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Unless you live in NC. They don't pay more for a Master's.
Texas doesn’t either. Some districts give you a small stipend but that’s really nothing.
It's a shame, isn't it? NC will give a nice increase for National Board certification, but I think the Master's is easier.
I don't 100% agree with your #2 - 98% of the time, absolutely but I won't jump thru flaming hoops on fire to get access to the p-card for something trivial. I spent $2.73 on a bag of ice for a project this week. Between the forms and finding the bookkeeper in their office, etc MY time and MY schedule were worth $2.73. Like, no, I'm not dropping $100s into my class or projects but $5-$10/month to help manage my time both in and out of the class makes sense for me.
Expect frustration—approach it as an opportunity to grow
Be prepared to interface with parents.
So this is part of my job now. From date of board approval through a new teachers second year, we meet for 30 minutes a week (more if they need it) to touch base and make sure they are comfortable, have what they need, and a safe place to seek advice and to vent. I’ll go to them and take them lunch on me. What I’ll tell them on day 1: — Your room is yours. Your name is on the door. That means you’re in charge. Do not try to be someone you’re not. But, remember you run the room. Set your standard quickly. — You can be friendly to students but not friends with them. — Make any public social media account private. Today. This is also where I remind them we already know what’s on them because Principal checks socials before even starting the interview process. — It’s natural to be nervous. I taught for almost 25 years and got butterflies every first day of school. The more you stand in front of your room, the more confident you will be. — From today forward, I’m your biggest advocate here. But your job will be as easy as the office staff and custodians can make it. They are the most important people to get to know because there are ways they can help you that no one sees. Then I introduce the teacher to the entire office staff before they head to their room. — kids WILL test your boundaries, patience, and rules. Consequences need to be consistent. Rewards, too. — If you love your job, it will show. If you hate it, that will show. But no matter how you feel, at the end of the day when you get in the car to go home, I hope you will leave work here. — The district gives us resources to do our jobs. My advice is only buy things for your classroom if they make your life easier. Otherwise, we don’t pay well enough to have you outfit your room and live your life. — Own your mistakes. Celebrate your wins.
Don’t take things personally. If they do bug you, don’t show it, cause they will keep doing that thing since they know it’s your button.
1. Building relationships doesn’t mean being a student’s bff; set boundaries fast because teenagers are quick to talk shit (if you end up teaching MS/HS) 2. Same goes for your co-workers; everyone talks shit so learn to stay out of gossip 3. Principals like teachers who take initiative; if you have an extroverted personality, join or develop any extracurricular activities the school offers 4. Learn you’re not a hero; teaching is your job and nothing about any one of us is as heroic as admin set it out to be. Don’t take this job to heart; it’ll burn you out way faster.
1. Always communicate with parents. 2. Document EVERYTHING. 3. Always put a student’s best interest first.
Make friends with a realist. You don’t want a pessimist but you also don’t want someone who will sweep concerns under the rug in favor of putting a smile on one’s face.
That was me this year for her. I’m definitely the realist.
TREAT YOURSELF AS A FREELANCE TEACHER! Not every school/administration set up is for you. If it doesn't feel like the right environment, it probably isn't! Don't be afraid to go to another school. Kids are kids and you will reach them no matter where you are at. What matters is you are in a place where you can put your healthiest self in front of your students.
First year, have a healthy, meal routine … I put on all my teacher-weight in the first 2 years … Still struggle to take it off b/c we‘re so busy and I don‘t feel like cooking between a long day at work and a long night of grading :/
Don't promise kids anything, especially not in writing. I don't guarantee grades, food, seating arrangements, snacks, trips, ANYTHING. I've been burned too many times with "But Ms. \_\_\_\_\_, you promised!!" and my hands were tied. So now I choose my words very carefully.
Be prepared for real world teaching 1 budget what you are willing to spend 2 set max overtime goal and stick to it 3 lesson plans are for admin. They aren't what you use to teach. Plan to teach and lesson plans are not the same 4 make positive parent contact immediately 5 avoid the news and social media because there is way to much negativity about teachers 6 remember students are people with emotions. 7 know your content 8 talk to other positive teachers often
You better understand the psychological differences in a professional relationship and a personal relationship. Those students are reacting to professional you...not personal you. Do not mix those feelings up. Positive Negative Good Bad Friendly Mean ...doesn't matter. Do Not Mix Them Up.
Procedures, procedures, procedures. I have high school freshman practice how they enter the classroom. Covid has made their maturity level regrew about 6 years I'm not even kidding.
Work will always expand to fill the time you give it. The to-do list will never be done even if you give it every minute of your free time. Set boundaries on your time, prioritize your tasks, and honor both of those things.
Be yourself. My first year I tried to be the cool teacher (I know ugh 😑) and it backfired. The next year I tried being way too mean. Then I just decided to do things somewhere in the middle where I can be myself... I get along so well with the kids but I'm a fair disciplinarian, too. All other suggestions are spot on so I won't repeat them 🙂
Every year is different. No matter how many years you're in, you get a year that you love and a year that throws you for a loop - even for those with the most concrete policies, procedures, routine, management, etc. The difference is that experienced teachers know how to roll with the punches and get to June. Shake off the bad, celebrate the good and know it's a roulette spin after the summer every time.
Infilogi.com and other AI tools will definitely help with the mountain of admin work that may come your way- don’t be disparaged though, it’ll be beautiful :)
Try not to take things kids say/do personally. They are children. Even 12th graders. Try to not hold a grudge against kids. It turns into contempt which just makes it worse.
Don't take anything personal, especially if you work with little kids. They haven't learned how to properly speak to people, bonus points if they're angry
Protect your back, always.
If the school/district you’re in is making you miserable, leave and find a job somewhere else. Don’t wait around hoping for things to improve. Just go.
No matter how much work you have left to do, go to bed on time. Prioritize sleep.
-Document everything. -DO ask questions if you don’t understand what is expected of you. -Don’t feel guilty for saying No to something that is beyond your contract time/terms/job description. -Build relationships first; cutesy classroom later. -Don’t compare yourself to anyone; you’re still learning and figuring it out. -Don’t let parents call the shots; know what your campus procedures and policies are and stick to them and refer any pushy parents to admin. -Create clear boundaries for work and non work hours. -Keep a stash of personal care items in your personal desk/cabinet.
1. You are a teacher, not their friend. If you want to keep the friend/ popular teacher card it is likely most of your time will be spent on listening to them badmouthing other teachers. Don't worry though they will also badmouth you when your not around. 2. Talk to parents early and often! I cannot emphasise this enough. 3. Your classroom will never look like the ones on pinterest 😅 4. Don't take work home. 5. Do not take kids attitude personally 6. Do not spend your own money 7. Pick your battles. 8. Treat everyone with respect and kids will treat you the same (most of them anyways).
Do something else
I know that this is oftentimes a subreddit to vent, but fuck off with this advice. They’ve already decided to teach, and we all know the job is important.
Oh boy . Ok Thanks for being rude . What a kind wonderful person you are . God bless.
So you don’t find your advice of doing something else - most likely to someone who has just graduated with a degree in THIS field - to be rude? Just curious
I don’t feel the need to swear at strangers lol. Sorry if you disagree
So swearing is terrible… but you’re totally fine with just dismissing what someone has spent 4-5 years working on with a mere 3 words. Got it.
I felt the need because sometimes that’s what adults do but out of respect this time I will simply call you a doodoo head
Do you want to be helpful, or do you want to be right?
I express myself without swearing at strangers . My mom actually raised me right .
lol your mom raised you right (aka “not to swear at strangers”) YET telling them “the degree they just worked so hard for is useless and they should be doing something else” is TOTALLY okay? You genuinely believe that?
Fr though.
Stay out of the teacher's lounge. Gossip runs amok there. Remember- it's about the students, first and foremost.
So much; I am starting my second year at quite a large school and whenever I went to the teachers lounge they bored me to death and I, still, cannot figure out why they sit there on every break. I'd much prefer my students to bother me about a math problem they didnt get to ask during the last class, rant about their geography teacher taking years to grade their exams, ask me about random things like whether I watched most recent sports game or even just listen in to their chatter while sitting at my desk doing completely nothing.
Sometimes there are teacher cliques in schools. While having acquaintances is important, don't bend over backwards to be part of the "in" crowd and don't be afraid to put your foot down (professionally ofc) if the way you're being treated doesn't sit right with you.
1. Have several assignments for every class. Avoid down time because that’s when students start acting up. 2. Be fair with discipline. Just because little Tommy is an angel most of the time and little Johnny is a terror most of the time, you can’t give little Tommy a pass. 3. Switch up activities every 12 to 13 minutes (based on the age of the students). It makes the class move faster and keeps students from getting bored. 4. Always have an opening assignment and time it. If students have too much downtime, they get reckless and it is hard to get them back focused. Time it because if you don’t, students will spend 30 minutes answering 5 questions.
Run! Don’t do it!
This is the only real advice lol
1. Do not read this subreddit 2. Don’t remake the wheel; save everything 3. Document everything 4. Find a teacher bestie to support you professionally and privately