Professional development | Don't Just Survive--Thrive! | Learning Magazine
*As featured in a past edition of one of our magazines*
Don't Just Survive—Thrive!
To stay focused and patient, I developed a "survival guide" that helped me get through my first year of teaching. Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran, these guiding principles will make your life a little easier and get you through those tough times—successfully.
Expect surprises. Each day will bring a new challenge—one that no college professor ever told you how to handle. That's what keeps teaching interesting and sometimes entertaining. Take one day at a time, and relax.
Be firm first. Surely you've heard the old phrase, "Don't let your students see you smile until Christmas." Of course, you don't want to go that far. But it is important for your students to know your expectations and limits from the start. Be firm, but fair, to all students and they'll come through for you.
Instill positive attitudes and respect. From the first day of school, you'll need to promote the behaviors and attitudes you want your students to exhibit. Don't assume they understand when you tell them how you want them to behave. Respect your students and show them how to act by example.
Keep your cool. Don't take it personally and overreact to the annoying incidents that occur every day. Take two deep breaths and count backward from ten. When you keep your composure, you teach students how to express thoughts and emotions in a positive manner.
Team up with a colleague. If you need help, don't tough it out alone! Seek advice from another teacher. Share your ideas and lesson plans, discuss problems, and build on each other's experience. You'll be amazed at how often you can help one another when you're in a bind.
Make friends with the custodians and secretaries. These resourceful people can help you out of lots of (literally!) sticky spots. They'll be more willing to get the supplies and materials you need at a moment's notice when you've taken the time to get to know them.
Indulge in experience. The more you do, the more you'll learn, and the more you'll be able to give back to your kids. Don't throw away lessons if they didn't work. Look back at them later to see if minor adjustments can make the lessons better. Ask other teachers if they have any ideas to share on an upcoming unit you're planning. Soon your filing cabinet will be full of valuable information.
Keep learning. If you're motivated to learn every day, your students will be, too. For example, try writing a short story while your kids are writing. Let them read your work and give suggestions. They'll quickly see that writing is a process of sharing and that we can learn from one another.
Teach with your own style. You can start with ideas you've gotten from others, but don't feel like you need to teach "their" way. Adapt materials to the teaching style that's natural for you. You'll create a more comfortable learning environment for your students.
Let your students make choices. Your students don't all work at the same pace. As kids complete assignments, let them choose from other activities so that everyone can stay busy learning. This will free you for one-on-one time with more students.
When in doubt, read a story. Have a spare moment and you're not sure what to do? Read a story. Your students will enjoy—and learn from—a good book.
Don't forget to socialize and rest. It's healthy to have a life outside of teaching. The papers that you have to grade will still be there tomorrow. Give yourself a break. If you're refreshed and ready to go, you'll feel better about the next day.
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