Advice for New Teachers from Ten Voices of Experience

Embarking on a new career is never easy, and teaching is no exception. We can learn so much from one another. It's true-experience is the best teacher-so I've enlisted ten highly-respected educators to share beads of knowledge with those just starting out in the teaching profession.

Christina Mullen, 4^th grade teacher; NV:
Don't be discouraged by student teaching. It is hard, because you have to adapt to your master teacher. Sometimes your approach will be totally different. Keep in mind that you'll get to do things your own way when you have your own class. Learn from the master teacher, but adjust the ideas to your own style. Teaching can be overwhelming at first-pretend you know what you're doing and pretty soon you will!

Alison, 3^rd grade teacher; OH:
Choose a few specific rules and be consistent with them. You need to be strict at the beginning of the year. You can always let up, but it's hard to start out lax and then get the kids to take you seriously. I have found this out through experience!

Judy Voigt, former teacher; CO:
Every child needs your attention. It's not enough to focus 95% of your energy on the disruptive child or the student who is the lowest or highest academically. Every day, think for just a second, about whether you recognize and respond to the gifts each child brings to the table. Lily needs you to tune into her creative abilities. Nicholas is bored because most of your lessons access one learning modality, which is not conducive to his understanding or enthusiasm. Think outside the box when it comes to reaching every child with purpose.

Becky, retired English and reading teacher; PA:
Not every lesson you teach, no matter how hard you have worked on it or the way you eventually present it in the classroom, is going to be successful. Put a note on the top of the papers and tell yourself to try it again in a few years.

Connie, 4^th grade teacher; OH:
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Plato's words should be food for thought for new teachers... everyone, for that matter. I think some people forget that children worry and have problems too. The quote especially applies to teachers because I believe above and beyond anything we can teach is our responsibility to let children know they are valued and loved.

Marilyn, teacher developer; CO:
One of the things I suggest to new teachers is to ask their principals if they can be placed next to the most reflective teacher at their "new" grade level. There's some pretty significant research that new teachers take on the behaviors (good or bad) of the teacher they teach next to!

Nancy Gentis, counselor; NV:
Greet each parent and child as if you are glad to see them, regardless of the issues that get in the way of educating the child. All parents want the best for their children. They are depending on you this school year, and that is a lot of responsibility. Your supportive and friendly attitude will be "chips" in the bank when you have those tough discussions with the parents.

Stella, retired classroom teacher with 32 years experience; Clark County, NV :
My recommendation would be for all teachers to substitute for a minimum of one school year. You'll discover the many useful and creative ideas already in practice. Why reinvent the wheel? Take the ideas and tweak them to suit your situation. As a teacher, I always strived to be "fair, firm, flexible, and fun."

Jan Coley, 4th grade teacher; MI:
Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek out experienced teachers as mentors. Keep your sense of humor!

Regina Marshall-Smith, Adjunct; College of Southern Nevada:
Early in the school year, learn about the home life of each of your students. Knowing what they deal with in their personal lives can color how you respond to them in the "everyday." Whether it is poverty, abuse or responsibility that they are too young to handle, learn what they live with at home. It will help you to understand why they behave as they do.

Take the initiative to seek out and learn from a master teacher who is known for doing things well, who's respected by administrators and other teachers. Learn everything you can without worry of others thinking you're inexperienced... because you ARE! From organization of a classroom to management of students, tips for grading papers or preparing for a parent conference...soak it in from a master teacher, who will save you time and energy. Pray for your students. They need it as much as you do!

I'll add my two cents as well:
Learn to say "no." When I first started teaching, I was hesitant to turn down a request from an administrator. I ended up coaching volleyball and track, being a cheerleading advisor, running the school newspaper, putting on plays...the list goes on. I was quickly overwhelmed. When you're willing, they keep coming back for more. I learned to say, "Can I get back to you tomorrow?" Then I'd seriously ponder whether I'd have time or the desire to take on the responsibility.

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