stuckbetweenStations.

10 things I wish someone had told me before I began teaching:

I am losing my sweet student teacher this week. She’s the first I’ve ever had, and I believe she’s set the bar unbearably high for student teachers who follow her footsteps into my classroomland. The children & I wrote her letters to say thank you for all she’s done & it occured to me that being in this profession six whole years I might finally have some advice to share.

After reading it, it then made sense to me to post it. I had my spring break, which is always followed by a spring breakdown once back at school, & am slowly inching towards summer vacation. It will do me good to head back to basics these lastthirtysomething days. After all, we can always do better. That’s the thing about good work. You never perfect it.

1. Be consistent. Think up 3 simple rules (Deal-Breakers) and 3 simple consequences. Teach them those first days. Remind them. Test them. Follow through. Make the rules for the children, not about the children.
2. Learn names immediately. This is so important. Find out interests, family, whatever you can to start building those relationships on Day 1.
3. When a student does something he or she isn’t supposed to, think before you intervene. Can you make it about the grade? Can you show them that you’re only concerned for them? That you aren’t angry, but worried?
4. You want parents on your side. You have to build a relationship there. Praise the student before you ever say a negative thing to the parent. Positive e-mails help the student, help the parent, and help you. There is good in every child. Be the one to find it and celebrate it. You may be the only teacher who ever has.
5. Let them know you. They will model themselves after you and the way you run that room. You will learn as much from them as they will learn from you. Be open to it. Our children make us the best teachers.
6. After you plan a lesson, ask yourself “So what?” If you can’t answer it, don’t give them that lesson. Make learning meaningful. Relevant. Personal. Always remember the “Where I’m From” Poems or the day we spent with the girls talking about bullies.
7. Wherever you go, you will find that there is a population of educators who do not enjoy this profession or the children that they teach. This sucks for them. It does not have to suck for you. Never feel obligated to speak with them or say anything negative about the work we do or the children we teach. It is easy to be awful. It is difficult to remain positive. I know you can do the latter. Attitude is everything.
8. Laugh. Let them see you laugh. Notice new haircuts, new shoes, and new students. Think of it as deposits in the relationship bank. If you ever have to give a consequence or make a negative phone call, you want to be able to reference all the wonderful things you’ve done and said about that child.
9. Don’t overwork. Make yourself a to-do list everyday and never let it exceed the size of a post-it note. Prioritize the items. Get them done, and go home. Keep your weekends whenever possible.
10. ASK FOR HELP. Send me lesson plans, activities, assignments, kid stories, whatever you need. I am always around. Find positive teachers who love what we do wherever you end up and let them be there for you. None of us do this job alone. Never feel like you are.