TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU EXCEL AT THE NEW SCHOOL.
Alyssa Strassler, Alumni Contributor
Some have said that being a teacher is easy, but it just so happens that they have never been teachers. Being a gymnast looks easy because I watched them on TV. I learned quickly when attempting to perform a simple gymnastics move that it was not what I thought.
Like everything else, teaching requires a lot of hard work and practise. Sometimes you don’t realize this until you are physically in a classroom with your own class.
One is not born a good teacher, and someone cannot become one after two days of teaching.
I used to think that reading books about teaching would help me improve in this particular career. While they may provide some insight, writing on paper cannot even compare to the actual experience of teaching young people in a classroom. I have done plenty of volunteer work with children, reading an abundance of articles about teaching young minds; I have attended numerous workshops and I have been a student teacher for two years with two university degrees. You would with this much experience and knowledge that I would be an excellent teacher by now, right? Not exactly.
- Always ask questions.
The school, your colleagues and students may be new to you, especially the grade and even the subject. It is crucial that you ask questions to other staff members because they will help you!
- Take time for yourself.
You can work nonstop the entire day but there will always be more to do. A teacher’s job never ends. Make time for yourself (even 5 minutes a day) to think about something other than teaching. Don’t skip lunch - we all love food and it's not worth it.
- You’re the classroom leader.
You are the ultimate leader and role-model for students. Some students need your guidance as well as discipline to help them become lifelong learners. Don’t be afraid to be firm when you speak.
- Participate in extracurricular activities.
You will be busy with lesson planning, curriculum reviewing, evaluating and conferencing with other teachers; however, if your school is holding professional development workshop you should be there. Find something you like and share your talent.
- Smile.
Even if it’s not your best day, don’t forget your reasons for being a teacher in the first place.
