Must-Have Tips for New Teachers

I learned a lot of lessons the hard way when I first started out teaching. I was very eager to try everything new that came out and I got tired and frustrated early on. I wish someone would have told me some simple tips that I could use right away to save myself some heartache and frustration.

Tip 1: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
If you didn't get all your papers graded during the day, that's ok. Made a mistake on the board in front of the students? Use that to demonstrate that we all make mistakes and fix it right away. Forgot your whistle at recess? Use your OUTSIDE voice instead. Learn from the things that don't go well and do them better next time.

Tip 2: Be consistent

Start the year off with a plan and stick to it. Have a clear set of procedures for what a day in your classroom looks like. If you would like help with procedures check out the post Procedures for the First Week of School. Set clear guidelines for student behavior. Students will try to test you, just make sure you stick to your plan and they will respect you for it. Students like routine and once you establish this, your year will run smoothly.

Tip 3: Get organized
Develop a system so that you know where everything is and how to get it quickly. I like to have everything in one teacher binder that I keep on my desk. You can keep all important information in it about your students. Lesson plans, student roster, health information, and IEPs are all at your fingertips.

Tip 4: Don't reinvent the wheel
If you find yourself needing something, check with fellow teachers first. You can check the Internet for just about anything. I always check teachers pay teachers for great ideas and products.

Tip 5: Build relationships
Build relationships with colleagues, students, and parents. Who will you go to when you need to ask a quick question? A mentor? Neighbor teacher?
Take those first days of school to build relationships with your students. Find out your student's likes and dislikes, what they do on the weekends, and family situation. Make a positive contact with each of the students' parents during the first few weeks of school. This sets the tone for the year and helps parents understand if you have to send some negative contacts in the future.

Tip 6: Be willing to grow

As a teacher, you will bombarded by different programs and strategies that your district will want to implement. Have an open mind and try your best to implement the plans that your district would like for you to. If you stick around long enough, you will see that every few years there will be something new to try.

Tip 7: Take time for yourself
Make sure to take time to do something you love to do. Read a book, go for a hike, play with your pets, all these are great for relieving stress. Know when you need to take a break and just do it. Those papers you have to grade will be there later. It is fine....

Tip 8: Don't grade everything
You do not have to grade everything, especially if it is something you want the students to just practice on. It depends on the assignment of course, but sometimes I will just check to make sure they did it. Sometimes we will go over it in class, while other times I will have them discuss answers with a partner. Many times, you can take a quick glance at a student's paper to see if they are understanding the concept.

Tip 9: Be flexible

In the school world, you have to be very flexible. If a lesson doesn't go as planned and you think you need to reteach, go ahead. Lesson plans can be changed if the need arises. I always think of lesson plans as a general direction for where I want to go. If we have to stop and take time to go over a concept again, that is okay. Sometimes I find a really cool activity that I would like to try so I just scoot all lessons over a day to accommodate the activity. One other time that you need to be flexible is if you have an assembly, drill, or some other sort of disruption. Remain calm and go with the flow.

Tip 10: Have fun
Have some fun in your classroom. It will engage the children and they will be more willing to work hard for you. Don't be afraid to be a little silly sometimes too. Your students need to know that you are a human being just like them. Get to know them and enjoy them!

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