12 Survival Tactics for New Student Teachers

Walking into a classroom of children for the first time is more intimidating than performing on stage before 1000 people or giving a presentation to a Fortune 500 Company CEO. I know because I have done all three ... and believe me the last two are far easier.

The biggest challenge will not be in effectively communicating and getting students to understand the course material ... it will be classroom management. Even experienced full-time teachers, substitute teachers and school administrators encounter challenges in managing a classroom of students.

Here are a dozen helpful hints that will help you survive each school day and enjoy teaching a lot more.

Define The Relationship Right From The Start

Whether you're teaching high school, middle school or elementary school, it's important to let the students know from the moment they first walk into the room that you are the teacher who is there to teach ... and they are the students who are there to learn. Avoid becoming overly familiar with the students and giving them the idea that you are like one of their friends and they can treat you like one in the classroom. Simple things like high-fiving your students or talking in their venacular sends out the wrong signals.

Set The Classroom Ground Rules and Post Them Conspicuously

One of the first things any new teacher needs to do is establish rules for classroom behavior. These need to be clear and concise such as "raise you hand when you want to speak", "sit in your assigned seat at all times" etc. Be sure to post them on the wall where they are clearly visible and review then with the class. You might also want to consider sending a copy home for the parents to see so they know what behavior is expected of their child in class.

Be Organized

Always have your lesson plans, notes, graded homework or exams and anything else you'll need for the day's lesson on your desk in a place where you have easy access to them. Organization is another key to classroom management. When students perceive any disorganization or confusion on the part of a teacher, they lose respect for you and take it as a signal that it's alright for them to misbehave or get off track.

Dress Like A Professional ... Not A Student

Teachers have to dress for success just like business people and other professionals. Dressing in a dignified, professional manner sets you apart from the class and sends out the message that you demand respect. Dressing in jeans and a T Shirt like the student says "you're one of them" and that they can treat you like one of the kids.

Give Respect and Command Respect

Classroom management is all about respect. Your appearance, style, tone of voice and actions need to command respect from your students Equally as important is showing respect for you students too. Respect is a two way street.

Be A Positive Role Model

Students at all levels are looking for a role model they can emulate and learn from ... even the toughest disciplinary problems. Be a leader, set the example and most students will follow.

Don't Bribe The Students

There's a fine line between positive reinforcement and bribery. Teachers very often keep a big bag of candy or a box of trinkets in their desk that they give to students either as "rewards" for good behavior, class participation, turning in their homework or as an "incentive" to keep quiet. Once you begin giving candy or gifts to students, it becomes "bribery" and students come to expect it.

Don't Make Idle Disciplinary Threats

Students need to know that if a teaches says he or she is going to send the student to detention, notify their parents or call security that they are going to do it. Don't make idle disciplinary threats ... give one warning and then do it ... otherwise you lose all credibility with the students and discipline will always be a problem.

Be Firm With Passes

Students will look for any excuse to get out of class and roam the halls. Regardless of the reason they give, what they're really looking for a reason to get out of the classroom and socialize. Set up a pass policy and follow it strictly with no exceptions form the start.

Don't Discuss Your Personal Life and Opinions

Students love to ask questions about your family, spouse, kids, significant other and various aspects of your social life. They also like to give your opinion on things that have nothing to do with school like discipline at home, sex and dating, politics, religion and a variety of other topics. Getting into these areas with students blurs the line of demarkation between student and teacher and encourages you to treat you as they would their friends.

Never Let Students Go Into Your Desk

New teachers also need to make it clear that students may under no circumstances go through their desk draws or take things from your desk. Materials they need to use for class work or graded papers or exams should be put on a separate table or on a shelf or closet. Your desk is your private area and students must understand and respect that.

Courtesy Is Contagious

Practicing good manners and common courtesies are as contagious as the common cold. Practice them yourself and students will catch on an do the same. Just simple little things like saying please, thank-you, you're welcome will catch on with students w.hether you're teaching first graders or seniors in high school,.

Follow these guidelines and each day in class will be more rewarding, productive and enjoyable.