Tips for new teachers
Being a new teacher can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips especially for teachers just starting out their career. These tips apply to teachers in primary or secondary schools.
In the classroom:
· - Be professionally dressed, ready to start the lesson prior to the students entering the class.
· - Use appropriate language when teaching and amongst peers.
· - Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard at the back of the class.
· - Don’t be late for lessons or staff meetings.
· - When dealing with confrontation, maintain composure.
· - Maintain a positive attitude in class.
· - Remember the way you resolve problems becomes a model for your students.
· - Never share personal details with students. Maintain a teacher-student relationship.
· - Take advantage of the resources available to you…interactive whiteboard, text books, IT suites, various stationary etc.
· - Be confident in your decisions.
· - Teach using a variety of methods like holding quizzes, allowing independent research, class activities etc.
· - Regularly set homework.
· - Tell students when their homework is due and what is expected of them.
· - Clearly set learning objectives (read the power of the learning objective here).
· - Have students take accountability for their absent peers. I.e. recording homework or taking handouts.
· - Keep your desk organised.
· - Give students enough thinking time during a lesson.
· - Ask students for feedback on how they found the lesson.
· - Realise that all students work at different levels.
· - Always let students know when they have done a good job.
· - Maintain a sense of humour with students.
· - Establish firm ground rules regarding class conduct on the first day of class and stick to those rules. Having a firm discipline policy laid out at the -beginning of the school year is essential for new teachers.
· - Always make clear to students what you expect and follow through.
· - Know the school's discipline policy and adhere to it.
· -Do not argue with a student during class. Discuss the problem one-on-one after class.
· Be consistent in the way you deal with students; don't offer special treatment or excessive punishment to anyone, ever.
· - Give the students the benefit of the doubt.
· - Strive for excellence, not perfection.
With Parents:
· - Establish a good rapport with parents and carers.
· - Keep strong lines of communication open between you and parents.
· - Meet with parents if you have concerns.
· - Tell parents when their child produces good work, or does something beyond what is expected of them. Don’t limit communication to bad news.
· - Show parents that you care about their child’s progress.
In the staff room:
· - Always try to act professionally in the staff room.
· - Get to know the head teacher/principal of your school. Invite them to sit in on of your lessons.
· - Ask other teachers for advice.
· - Show respect to your head of department and ask for his or her views on your teaching.
· - Familiarise yourself with administrative expectations and school policy.
· - Don't be afraid to talk to fellow teachers about problems you are having.
Outside of school:
· - Attend regular workshops.
· - Know your rights as a teacher.
· - Collate a series of resources you can refer to in order to improve your teaching.
· - Prepare your lesson plans in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute.
· - Always plan more than you think you have time for.
· - Have lesson plans ready for substitute teachers.
· - Keep a record of your lesson plans.