My Advice To You…

Thanks to Christi over at Ms. Fultz’s Corner for this informative linky party!

I have had the pleasure of working with an abundant amount of up-and-coming teachers from local universities as well as career-changing adults through my classroom teaching position as well as an instructor, coach, and selector at TEACH Charlotte. I learn a lot from them, so I feel the least I could do is reach back out and return the favor. Below are 5 pieces of advice to make teaching a success for you:

1) Plan Ahead– things always come up at the last second. Never allow yourself to put something off until tomorrow because something inevitably comes up tomorrow. (a great life principle as well!)  Ex. “I’ll make copies tomorrow morning.” Reality- the main copier is broken and the backup copier has a line around the corner…don’t laugh, it happens. 🙂

2) Dream Big, Work Small– I admire teachers who come in with gusto and ready to turn the classroom upside down to make a difference. Your passion and determination set you apart from many others. I applaud that. However, when you begin to translate that into action your load doubles and triples in weight. There is no race. Do not feel like you have to make 1,000 changes on day 1. Prioritize your list of actions. Start with #1 and when you have the hang of that, try #1 and #2. Again, continue that until you have the hang of it. Never add another action until you are ready. You do not want to be going up the creek without your paddle or take on more than you can chew (pick your phrase here!)

3) Do not recreate the wheel– Teachers have tons of ideas. Pick their brains first and see what you can borrow or steal. If after that you still cannot find what you are looking for, make it from scratch. Most times, we borrow and add to what we can instead of beginning at Start. That is a lot of wasted time and energy in starting over, especially since you have a lot to get done as a beginning teacher. Asking colleagues for ideas or help does not make you less of a teacher…you’re just smarter than the rest!

4) SMILE!!! You might be stressed out not knowing where your materials or your brain are located. But, if your kids see you freak out then they begin to reflect you. Try your best to keep your true feelings to yourself or share with a coworker. You want your kids to feel happy and safe. There is no need for them to be aware of the fact that you forgot your lesson plan or that you and your best friend just got in the biggest fight. Take a break if you need to cry or scream or just breathe. But never in front of the kiddos. They are innocent and we try to keep them that way as long as possible… no unnecessary burdens for them to carry. You are their role model and they look up to you. Be a shining star, not a  falling one.

5) Be okay with being okay– You are not going to come out of the gate as an Accomplished teacher. It takes time and lots and lots of mistakes. Your goal each day is to be better than the day before. After a while, you will reach that Teacher of the Year status. But you must climb the stairs one by one first. Do not beat yourself up because each day is a lesson learned and another badge of honor to wear. It will make you a better teacher the more you allow yourself to grow and take risks. No one is looking for perfection, just progress.

Best of luck to all of those amazing Teachers-to-Be out there! I support you and thank you for helping us create a better future one child at a time.

Bloggers- come link up and share your Top 5!

Teachers- comment below with your own advice. The more the merrier!

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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