ALT-5 Surviving your first Year as a Teacher
Having been recently a first year teacher, I believe that I have some advise for those who will be beginning this exciting profession soon. A phrase that I often had to repeat in my head for my own sanity may help you as well. Just remember when having a bad day that "this too shall pass." It will be rocky at times with students, administrators, and possibly co-workers.
The first thing I would advise a new teacher to do is choose a job site wisely. Make sure the school and community fit in with your personality. You will not be a successful teacher if you are not comfortable with your environment. During interviews make sure you do not leave until all of your questions are answered about the district.
Once you have been hired, something that I think helped me is to befriend the teachers in your subject areas. The biggest challenge for new teachers usually involves figuring out what to teach. Teachers, by nature, love to help and will not hesitate to help you, so don't hesitate to ask. Steal and copy from those teaching the same subjects from you. There is no shame in borrowing lesson plans; if they do not fit your personality feel free to modify them. Eating lunch with other teachers is a great time to pick their brains with some of your many questions.
Once you are in the classroom it is important to realize that no matter how smart you are, or how great of a lesson you have planned all is for naught if you neglect classroom management. Regardless of whether you are starting at the beginning of the year or at semester make sure that you present students with a list of your rules, or as I like to say - your expectations. These should include procedures for late work, tardies, handing in papers, bell work, or any other procedures that you need to establish. Those students need to know what you expect from them, and they need to know what is important to you. When establishing these rules keep a few things in mind; firstly, some districts have their own policies that you must follow, while others give you some freedom to create your own. Your expectations should match your personality!
Once these rules are established it is now important for you to not only teach your lessons, but try to build relationships with your students. Students that like you, are less likely to misbehave in your class. This doesn't mean to make friends with them, but it wouldn't hurt to learn things about them and remember these things. Show up to a basketball game and make sure that your students see you there. If they think you care, they will begin to work for you.
Let me offer you a word of caution, new teachers are often asked to serve on committees, or help out with certain other time consuming activities. While it is good to do these things, keep in mind that you are new and should be focused on mastering your craft, rather than coaching a powder puff football team. In short, do not be afraid to say no. Also, in faculty meetings sometimes it is better to fly under the radar, so to speak. New teachers that are constantly vocal and don't hesitate to offer their advice or point of view tend to rub veteran teachers the wrong way. It is sometimes best to simply observe and absorb from the experience of those around you.
Good luck!
