What every new teacher should know....

Today we have new teacher orientation and I was remembering what it was like to be a brand new teacher or even an experienced teacher in a new school. It was exciting but a little scary.
If I could tell a new teacher anything I would say build relationships!
Build relationships with your students - get to know them, talk to them about their interests, stay firm with your routines and rules but show your students that you care.
Build relationships with your collegues in the building. Don't let your classroom door become a buffer that isolates you from the rest of the school. Ask questions, ask other teachers to let you watch them teach a lesson, become involved in school based activities, have fun
Build relationships with collegues outside you building. Use the power of the internet to connect you with other teachers around the world to learn what they are doing. We are striving to prepare our students to live in the 21st century the best way to teach them to collborate is to model it.

What do you think every new teacher should know?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cris Reinhold on August 31, 2009 at 8:47am

Jen, this is perfect advice!!! I think that it is important for the teachers that are veterans to the school to make sure we welcome new teachers! Since I moved a lot, I saw that so many teachers (veterans) stuck to who they already knew. Not that they weren't nice or good people, but they just did their usual. Often times that did not include taking time for the new kid. When a new teacher enters our school, we should all be open and willing to do MORE than just say "hi" while passing in the hallway. We need to make new teachers feel just as welcome as we EXPECT our students to make a new student feel. I love the beginning of the year!

Permalink Reply by Susan Dugan on August 31, 2009 at 1:12pm

Chris's advice is so simple, yet powerful. Students mimic what they see us do. When students see us say hello to someone and smile we are role modeling how to get along with others. We all have had the experience of being invited to a party where we only know the hosts. Most of us know what it feels like to be awkward and wishing so hard that someone would come over and break the ice. Being a new teacher feels like that but 10 times worse because they are suppose to be exuding confidence and focus to their students. Saying hello to someone, introducing yourself, or asking if they need help means a great deal when you are new.

Permalink Reply by Doreen Lee on August 31, 2009 at 9:38am

I think another piece of sound advice is that the only bad questions is the one you don't ask.

Permalink Reply by Emily Ford on August 31, 2009 at 11:54am

I totally agree! Don't be afraid to ask a "dumb" question!

Permalink Reply by Patricia Carson on August 31, 2009 at 12:42pm

I definitely agree with what everyone has said here and I would add keep your sense of humor. Laughter is good medicine.

Permalink Reply by Susan Dugan on August 31, 2009 at 1:13pm

Amen to that

Permalink Reply by Danielle Henry on September 2, 2009 at 7:32pm

I just signed up with Classroom 2.0 and this is the first discussion that I read. As a new teacher, it's refreshing to feel so excepted within a school community. Everyone that I have met so far has been extremely nice and it seems like there's a lot of positive energy within Somers Point Schools. Thanx for all the great advice :)

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Luff on September 2, 2009 at 7:41pm

Danielle that is great to hear! I am glad to see on you Classroom 2.0 and I hope that you continue to find useful information and interesting conversations.

Permalink Reply by Janine Ragan on September 3, 2009 at 9:11pm

The most important thing to remember is that no matter how far along we are in our careers we all started out as new teachers. I am sure if you ask any teacher they can tell you atleast one story from their first day or a memory from their first class. New teacher or veteran teacher we can all learn something new from one another.

Permalink Reply by Robin Wolf-Smith on September 9, 2009 at 6:41pm

I remember my first day at Dawes Avenue 12 years ago! Whew! I was the only new face hired to work in the new building. I was shaking in my boots, but people like Jean MacNamera, Sandy McAfee, Kathy Ricciard, Julie Gardner, Marie Gilbride, Pat Carson (just to name a few) made me feel welcome and able to ask them about anything...whether it be curriculum, school politics, community info, etc. I came to know that when someone said 'don't be afraid to ask me for...' or stopped by to lend a hand, they really meant it. So don't hesitate to ask for help or advice...I'm still doing it after all these years!

Permalink Reply by Mario Montanero on October 1, 2009 at 10:20am

I realize my late response on this topic may go unnoticed but new teachers are still new in October, so hear goes. Remember small victories. We all enter this profession eager to change and fix the world. By October many of the preconceived notions you harbored about the profession may be under duress. Simply put, questioning your effectiveness, as a teacher may happen. I remember always felling as if I was not doing enough to make the students learn. Take pride in every small victory, a child telling you they had a fun day in class, an unexpected hand raise, even a smile from that student who never smiles. You are making more of a difference than you may realize. Never let go of your idealism as a teacher, everyday try to change the world, but if it doesn’t happen, just be happy and take pride in the things you did accomplish, no matter how small.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Luff on October 1, 2009 at 12:38pm

I completely agree with Mario. I would also like to add that if you are questioning your effectiveness, it is a good sign. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned educator questioning your practice is essential. One great thing about our profession is that there is always so much to learn and we can always do better.

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