For teachers, going back to school after being out for the summer can be both exciting and nerve racking at the same time. The summer is a time for the 3 Rs: Rejuvenation, Renewal and Relaxation. Even during the summer, many teachers continue to look for ways to improve their class for the upcoming year. They look for ways to make adjustments on classroom management, discipline, and lesson improvements. Most teachers have a good idea of what they need to do to get ready for the new school year. Listed below are some tips for teachers to help make a smooth transition into the the school year.
Learn from the past
Past experiences can be the ultimate learning tool. Teachers must rely on their experiences when it comes to all aspects of their classroom. A teacher must allow experiences, both good and bad, to guide their overall approach to teaching. The first few weeks as a teacher is the greatest learning experience. It sets the tone for the rest of the year. For teachers with at least one year of experience, reflecting on the past can be a valuable tool. Teachers are constantly looking for new ideas and methods to apply to their classroom. You should never be afraid to try a new approach, but understand that sometimes it works, sometimes it needs to be tweaked, and sometimes it will need to be thrown out all together.
Always Be Prepared and Plan Ahead
All teachers should plan ahead. It is not easy, but planning does become easier as experience is gained. The teaching profession does not stop when the students leave. It takes a lot of extra time and preparation to do the job effectively. A lot of teachers put in several hours a week preparing for school for the upcoming week. The first day of school for students should never be a teacher’s first day. There is a lot of work that needs to be done with both your classroom and your instructional material. A teacher who waits until the last moment to get everything ready is setting themselves up for a very rough year.
Set Goals For The Students
Teachers should have a set of expectations that they want their students to reach as well as for themselves. Teachers need to make a list of personal goals to improve in areas of weakness that they may have. Also, it is okay to set goals together with your students. Having a shared set of goals will push both to work harder. Please remember that every student has their own unique needs. The goals you set for one student, may not be applicable for another.
Set the Tone From Day One
The first few days and weeks of school will often set the tone for the entire school year. Respect is often gained or lost in those first few days and weeks of school. Start out hard as the classroom disciplinarian and then you can ease off as you move throughout the year. It is vital to use those first few days and weeks to drill procedures, expectations, and goals unto the students. A teacher who comes in with the mindset that they want to be their students' friend will lose respect quickly. This will make for a difficult year. It is nearly impossible to gain the students respect back once you have lost it.
Make Parent Contact Early
Take time to contact parents several times within the first few weeks of school. Establishing trustworthy relationships with parents early on when things are going good will make it easier should you begin to have issues. Parents can be your biggest ally or they can be your biggest enemy. By investing just a little time early on can win parents to your side and make your discipline more effective. Try classroom notes or newsletters, parent meetings, calling them on the phone, emailing them, conducting a home visit, or inviting them for an open room night.
Remember it is a Brand New Year
Touch the Heart form the Start! This may be hard but, each student deserves your time and effort to launch them on a educational journey! Teachers MUST remember to never come into a brand new school year with preconceived notions about students. Every student deserves the chance to come in with a fresh start. Teachers should never pass along negative information about how a particular student or class behaves. Remember every class and every student is unique in his or her own way, and they behave differently for different individuals. Try to reach out to each students inner being!
Take A Minute For Yourself
Try to find just a little time for yourself during the day to unwind. Try giving students some type of self paced activity and just look out the window or counting backwards from ten and adjust your mind. Teachers cannot leave the students unattended, therefore, just a few small brain breaks throughout the day can be a GREAT mental stress reliever.
Have a GREAT Year!
For most of us down south, it is SPRING BREAK! Yes, we started on Friday and I do not report back to work until Monday March 16. I have sooooo much planned to do with this precious time off but, Guess What? FLU BUG! I cannot believe it! I am starting my break with the flu! Luckily, I will not have to use any of my sick leave although it is a bummer to be sick during this time.
