As we begin a new school year, it is always interesting to hear from our veteran teachers what they wish they had known as a brand new teacher. Here is what our department wishes we had known that we want to share with new educators.
"I wish I would have had a team to support me that first year. I felt like I was on my own and learned what I was teaching from the teacher manuals." --Patty Bennett
"I missed the whole first week of school because of illness. I wish I had known how important emergency sub plans were and that I had something prepared ahead of time in a sub folder. Thank goodness for great colleagues and mentors that pitched in and helped." --Debbie Fisher
"I wish I had realized how important strategies were. At first, I believed that students learned through listening and doing worksheets. Now I realize a variety of strategies can make all content more meaningful and memorable."--Judy Jackman
"The first few months in any job is challenging, especially so for the first few months of teaching. The intensity lessens in time; it does get better! Routines and procedures will help establish consistency for both the teacher and the students. Keep the routines and procedures simple and effective, and practice them with the students with frequent reminders and smiles. It will also help establish a positive classroom community." --Rebecca Smith
"I wish that I had known how much fun I was going to have with my students! I don’t think a day went by where my students wouldn't make me smile. Students are the what our work is all about. I think I came out of college so concerned about programs and what I was teaching, that sometimes I forgot that it was all about WHO I was teaching." --Amy Wood