Advice?

This week, I was asked to write a one-page essay of advice for novice teachers.  I love writing, but forced writing is not my favorite thing.  *Cue "now you know how your students feel".*  I know.  But as soon as I started writing, I couldn't stop.  I had well over a page and ended up trimming most of the stylistic aspects.  I'm certain I don't have all the answers for novice teachers, but I'm also certain that my advice is sound.  So new teachers, read this.  Be inspired, or, at the very least, know that better days are ahead.

After successfully completing your first year of teaching, what advice would you give a beginning teacher?

            First of all, just relax.  Your “to-do” list will be long, and it will not shrink until May.  And then you’ll start to think about everything you want to change for next year, and your list will lengthen again. Everything will get done, you just need to prioritize. 

            Utilize the resources around you.  Regardless of the size of your school, there will be at least one veteran teacher down the hall.  Teaching is not meant to be a lonely occupation, so spend time collaborating with your colleagues.  If you are still sitting at your desk banging your head against the wall at 5 pm because you are unable to think of an idea for tomorrow, call someone!  Someone probably has an idea that will give you direction for the next lesson. 

            Contact parents early on, and stay in contact with them.  Contacting parents does not need to be like swimming with sharks.  The earlier you contact them about something positive, the easier it will be to contact them if/when you have an issue with their child.

            Get to know the students, but do not stress out if you’re unable to relate to one.  While you may not have something in common with each student, you can at least let them know you care.  Recognize their birthdays, celebrate their accomplishments (academic, athletic, musical, etc.), and attend their events. 

            Don’t expect perfection from yourself or your students.  Inform them on day one that you are not perfect.  If you trip, forget things, mispronounce a word, or drop your supplies in front of them, laugh it off.  They need to see that you are a real person.  Tell them personal stories that relate to your lesson and show that you were once a teenager. 

            Last, but certainly not least, love your job.  Even on the hard days, love that you have an opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives.