a few thoughts, that could be advice (assigned)

Oh let’s see...some advice for the first-years...

1. Be flexible. I finally learned that every day I went in, anything could happen. I often found out about assemblies, pep rallies, or a shortened day from my students asking me about it, not from the administrators. In the beginning, I tried to keep my four Algebra II classes all together, on the same lesson, on the same example, with the same homework. You must not be rigid in your lesson planning, but instead be able to “catch” periods up by shortening lessons or giving a shorter assignment, or to have extra work for those that are ahead. Know that it’s certainly okay for the lesson not to go as planned, because I never knew when my kids would get a concept quicker than I had anticipated, and when they were confused enough to cause an extra day or two of discussion. Just be flexible; you never know what the school or your kids will throw you.

2. Be firm, but be fair and consistent. I should have been firmer from the start, everyone says that. You may have to learn the hard way, but stick to your rules and consequences. You don’t have to be mean, but let them know you mean business. And DO NOT play favorites, as tempting as it may be. If you favorite A+ student breaks the same rule as the one you send to the office every other day, you need to try to give them the same consequence. It’s only fair, and the students notice everything you do, and being inconsistent is one of the first things they will “call you out” on.

3. Be organized, from the very beginning. Keep all the documents, etc. you have to keep and fill out in the beginning some place you can come back to at the end of the year. Try to keep your lessons and their materials together. Try to have some kind of system to collect and pass out student work. Any organization will make your life that much easier.

4. Have some kind of routine in your classroom. I really believe that students like to do the same thing almost every day. It makes them feel comfortable, a part of the classroom culture. The schedule should be about the same. For me, it was the warm up, notes and examples, and start homework. Boring, perhaps, but it made my life easier and let the students know what to expect every day. Of course, you’ve gotta change it up, have a math game, do some group work, etc, but don’t throw them something new too often, but just enough to keep them interested.

5. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Don’t volunteer to help out with homecoming after you have duty at the basketball game after you had after school tutorial. Know your limits, and learn to say no sometimes. I think administrators take advantage of the new kids, because we generally are harder workers, more energetic, and don’t say no. Don’t let veteran teachers take advantage of you. You have the same rights, and they have the same responsibilities. You need some time for yourself, however little it may be at times.