You’ve spent long hours preparing for your career in teaching, but researching, studying, student teaching, creating lesson plans, and interviewing can only prepare you for so much. Your biggest lessons will come from experience. We’ve gathered some tips to remember as you begin your teaching career.

Here are 10 things you need to know as a new teacher:

  1. Be organized, yet flexible, at school and at home. Situations arise that you have no control of, and that is okay. Learn not to stress when you are behind or have to modify your schedule.
  2. Get to know your students. You are around them more than their parents, and they look up to you as they would a parent. However, realize not everyone will like you, and that is okay.
  3. Build professional relationships within your school. Watch others teach, ask questions, and find a mentor. You aren’t alone in this.
  4. You’re the adult in the room. Carry out punishments and rewards firmly, and fairly. Earn their respect and trust, and then start building your friendships.
  5. Listen to advice and trust your gut. Nothing can prepare you for actually getting in front of a classroom and teaching, but you know what to do. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask if you need help.
  6. Expect to make mistakes. Teachers with decades of experience are still making mistakes. Learn to cope with the fact that making a few mistakes is inevitable.
  7. Empathize with your students. Be patient with your students, not everyone learns at the same pace or has available resources at home.
  8. Never stop learning and bettering yourself. Go to conferences, stay on top of best practices, and implement new teaching strategies into your lesson plans.
  9. Don’t let work overshadow your personal life. Don’t burn yourself out, try and maintain work/life balance. Don’t spend too many hours at school or grading papers, it will affect you and your teaching.
  10. Always remember your motivation. Remember what made you get into teaching, and hang on to it when times get tough and you feel defeated.

Being a new teacher will come with its ups and downs, but knowing that you are making a difference with your students is what makes up for it. You are going to do great! 🙂

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

 

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