The ABC For New Educators
- Admit your mistakes -- and learn from them.
- Be firm but flexible.
- Communicate with parents.
- Develop a homework policy -- and stick to it.
- Empower your students; don't just lecture to them.
- Find some time to attend after-school events.
- Get to know all the teachers in your school and make friends with all of the staff.
- Have the courage to try something else if what you're doing isn't working.
- Institute a clear discipline policy --and enforce it consistently.
- Just listen -- both to what the kids are saying and to what they're not saying.
- Keep a journal.
- Learn your school's policies and procedures.
- Model desired attitudes and behaviour.
- Non carborundum ignorami. (Don't let the idiots wear you down.)
- Overplan.
- Prepare interesting lessons.
- Quit worrying and just do your best.
- Remember that you teach students first, then you teach whatever academic discipline you learned.
- Stay alert.
- Take pictures.
- Understand that the learning process involves everyone --teachers, students, colleagues, and parents -- and get everyone involved.
- Volunteer to share projects and ideas, and don't be afraid to ask others to share their ideas with you.
- Work within your limits.
- eXpect the unexpected -- and plan for it!
- Yell if you need support.
- Zero in on your strengths, not your weaknesses. (Remember -- nobody's perfect!)