Helpful Tips for First-Year Teachers

September 15, 2015

The school year is finally here and we’d like to congratulate you on making it through the first few days! Whether you’re teaching in a new school, at a new grade level, or are new to the profession altogether, there are bound to be a few bumps in the road ahead. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to help you stay focused and be successful during your first year.

Perfect your presence. As a teacher you want to be seen as a commanding authority, but don’t forget to let your soft side show. However, your students need to understand that while you are their teacher and care about them, there are rules that must be followed and standards that you expect them to meet. Outlining a clear and concise list of rules to be hung in the classroom is a great way to remind your students of their responsibilities as learners all year round.

Plan lessons that are engaging. No matter what grade level you teach, keeping things fun and interactive helps students stay engaged and excited about learning. In addition to your daily lesson plans, you should always have a handful of emergency activities in your back pocket as well to keep your students busy all day long.

Request a mentor. Most new teachers will be appointed a mentor, but if you do not receive one it is highly recommended that you seek one out. Teaching in a foreign grade or a new environment can be a very difficult transition, so having a buddy to show you the ropes is always a great idea. Many schools even offer group planning sessions where teachers can all come together to plan lessons and bounce ideas off of eachother.

Keep a professional journal. Take notes of what works and what doesn’t so you have a point of reference moving forward. When all’s said and done and you’ve officially survived your first year come June, it will be nearly impossible to recall specific details from the earlier months. In addition to a self-made reference, a journal can also help you reflect and see how much progress you’ve made within your first year.

To all of those first-year teachers out there, we wish you only the best of luck! Here’s to a happy and healthy school year that’s chock full of learning!

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Nickerson Corporation is a leader in the classroom furniture industry, supplying educational furniture and equipment to schools in New York and New Jersey for the past 60 years. We realize the importance of providing reliable, comfortable and flexible classroom furniture for students to learn, play, and exercise on. To learn more about how we can help you transform your school or classroom into the perfect educational environment, call 631- 666-0200.