Learning the Ropes

Grow and own your teaching! What does this means? For me, it implies taking responsibility and being accountable for improving my practice. Setbacks and feedback are opportunities to grow and own your teaching, while actively seeking learning opportunities and new challenges...learning the ropes! Lifelong learning requires a continuous quest of knowledge.

As I prepare to begin my 28th year as an educator in a few weeks, I'm reflective of my journey. It has been a labor of love. As a veteran teacher, I am equipped with an understanding of how empowering and supporting novice teachers can increase morale, lead to better teacher retention, and help to improve the overall school culture. So how does this notion unravel for the novice teacher?

The reality is that so much of what occurs with students is actually beyond our control, so finding balance (and not taking matters personally) is warranted. However, there are strategies we can utilize to aid novice (and experienced) teachers to thrive during the progression of delivering quality instruction to students. If it is to BE, it's up to ME! Establishing a mindset for growth can promote engagement with challenges that may lie ahead. It is important for teachers to take responsibility from the start of the school year to establish routines for improving our practice. Here are a few straight-forward suggestions for novice and experienced teachers to jumpstart their school year on a positive note:

Managing Your Classroom: EXPECTATIONS

You are responsible for dictating the rhythm of your classroom. The first few days and weeks of school will often set the tone for the entire school year. Respect is often won or lost in those first few days and weeks. A teacher should seize that opportunity to establish a solid rapport with their students, but at the same time respectively demonstrate high expectations for the class. You get to set the tone. Show your students you’ve got this!

Learning the INS and OUTS

For new teachers, it may take weeks to learn the school's policies and procedures and for your students to learn your classroom routines. Although veteran teachers are likely readjusting, they should strive to model the school’s policies and procedures. If you can't remember the school policies regarding lunch count, library books, or the like, ask a fellow teacher or mentor.

Ask for HELP, LISTEN, and Implement FEEDBACK

Although new teachers may feel reluctant to ask their colleagues (this includes your mentor and administrator), for help, doing so demonstrates that you respect the person you’re asking. For veterans, our role is to support colleagues, especially those who are new. This also provides opportunities for collaboration. Don’t be afraid of collaboration…you’re tapping into the expertise of others to improve your practice. Establish a culture of communication. Sometimes, teamwork can be less formal. Even going to lunch offers a big opportunity for teacher support.

Cultivating S-U-C-C-E-S-S

BE PREPARED, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a backup PLAN! Plan, plan, plan...planning too much is better than planning too little. One vital aspect of effective teaching is preparation and planning. The old adage of “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail is accurate. If a teacher neglects to plan, then it will lead to failure. Successful teachers are generally over-prepared, and already have the next lesson in mind. Planning is a perpetual state of preparation! Also, before barreling through the content, get to know your students so you can better comprehend what to expect of them. Include your parents as your partners for the success of their child. Use your enthusiasm to your advantage to show your students and parents that YOU CARE!

The Value of Reflection-from Surviving to Thriving JUST DO IT!

Make it a part of your practice. Reflection doesn't always have to be done alone. When you reflect out loud, you can be heard, and have the potential to grow! It takes deep reflection to understand how to nurture your vision for your students, to keep it alive, and help it to grow.

Well Being and Stress Management: taking care of yourself

Teaching is important and rewarding work, but it can also be extremely stressful. Love for students is what drives many teachers—but it’s also what makes the profession really, hard. It is important to learn how to manage stress. Practicing stress management strategies are key. Take care of yourself!

The HEART ❤ of the matter: the power to make a DIFFERENCE!

Teaching is HARD work, but it is HEART work.

Empower↔ Inspire↔ Consistent↔ Persistent