The Power Of Play

30 Tips Teachers Wished They Knew In Their First Year

Written by Scholars Choice | Jul 13, 2018 1:39:58 PM
We asked and you sure delivered! Read on for advice from teachers just like you. Whether you are a new teacher or have been doing it for years, this advice is great for everyone!
  1. Leave work at work! Don’t check or send emails after hours, get everything you truly need to do while you’re there in the day because you need time for yourself once you leave.
    Laura J.
  2. Don't get overwhelmed by the curriculum—look at the big ideas and collaborate with team partners.
    Christy H.
  3. Find co-teachers to be mentors, be open to learning, and make time for your health and well being.
    Amber G.
  4. Be patient with your students. Everyone learns differently. But most of all, learn along with them and have fun!
    Angele B.
  5. Take care of yourself. You can't give if you're empty.
    Fortune L.
  6. Be gentle with yourself. So many new teachers set their expectations of themselves so high and then burn themselves out, or take time away from their own families.
    Alison M.
  7. Be flexible, you don't need always follow the lesson plan.
    Kelly A.
  8. Enjoy every day and don't be afraid to ask for help.
    Marg E.
  9. Be flexible. Not everything will go just as you planned. It will be ok.
    Camille C.
  10. Your classroom doesn’t have to look like Pinterest!
    Marissa S.
  11. Don't forget to take learning outside.
    Tammy P.
  12. Mistakes are an important part of the learning process, for both you and your students.
    Cathleen H.
  13. Don't be afraid to ask advice from other teachers. Put time on the side to one-on-one even of it's once a month.
    Deanna H.
  14. One. Day. At. A. Time.
    Terri O.
  15. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. With all of the hats we wear as teachers, we forget that it's okay to be wrong or to not know how to do something.
    Uruje S.
  16. Learn breathing exercises. It can help you keep your mind, and teach your kids calmness.
    Shaun C.
  17. Plan ahead and have a few backup plans. Things may not always work the way you want them to. Reflect on how you can make it better next time.
    Michell F.
  18. FAIL is a First Attempt In Learning. Be patient and learn along the way.
    Colleen O.
  19. Share everything and colleagues will be keen to share with you.
    Michelle P.
  20. Believe in yourself, your students already do :)
    Amber N.
  21. Self-care, self-care, self-care!! It could be coffee with a friend, a massage, or an hour at a coffee shop with a book! Take time for you and don’t feel guilty about it :)
    Stephanie D.
  22. Be kind to yourself and your team and model kindness to your students.
    Paula E.
  23. Data collection! Make sure you find a way that works for you and be meticulous.
    Shelley M.
  24. Breathe! It all gets very overwhelming at first, so be kind to yourself and BREATHE!
    Mireille A.
  25. Remember that children usually act a certain way for a reason. Look for that reason.
    Cheryl F.
  26. Laugh with your students every day.
    Stacey T.
  27. Take time to get to know your students, especially at the beginning, and let them know about who you are.
    Rebecca W.
  28. Listen to what a child is saying. Take time to stop and focus on them and really hear them!
    Katina M.
  29. Be flexible and nurture creativity at all costs.
    Hilary M.
  30. Implement a pencil system 😂
    Deanna M.

BLOG FAQ

Teacher Advice from Experienced Educators

  1. How can I maintain a healthy work-life balance as a teacher? Remember to leave work at work and prioritize your personal time after hours. This includes refraining from checking or sending emails outside of work hours and ensuring you complete necessary tasks during the day.

  2. How do I manage feeling overwhelmed by the curriculum? Focus on the big ideas of the curriculum and collaborate with your team partners to streamline your approach. Don't let yourself get bogged down by the details.

  3. What advice do experienced teachers offer for new educators? Seek out co-teachers as mentors, remain open to learning, and prioritize your health and well-being to ensure longevity in your career.

  4. How can I create a positive learning environment for my students? Practice patience with your students, recognizing that everyone learns differently. Embrace learning alongside your students and prioritize enjoyment in the classroom.

  5. How can I navigate challenges and setbacks as a teacher? Be flexible in your approach, understanding that not everything will go as planned. Embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities for both you and your students.
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