1. You like working with young people. Lets face it, if you don't like kids, then you have no business in the teaching profession. I believe that every teacher has a window of about 2 grades that they are most gifted with. The trick for teachers is to find what those two grades are that fit you the best.
2. You are an expert of one of the subjects taught. I am certified in two subjects but I am clearly better in one. It makes a huge difference in your credibility when you come from a position of mastery in your subject area.
3. You have lots of patience. Yes, its true. Young people can test your patience. You better be able to handle it and not get upset at every little thing.
4. You have the gift of empathy. This one is key. If you cant put yourself in the shoes of students who have a different background, upbringing, and living environment than you do then you wont be much help to the ones who arent very much like you. If you are thinking, why cant they just act, think, and be more like me then you should not be teaching.
5. You are a little bit crazy. This one is a little bit tongue in cheek but there is some truth to it. Anyone willing to give up the time, effort, and salary required to teach has to be at least a LITTLE crazy right?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Top 5 Ways To Lower Stress For Teachers (part 2)
6)Do not eat lunch alone. There is something about taking a break and having conversation with your co-workers that can improve your day (and your digestion). Avoid being antisocial and eating alone or skipping lunch altogether. Socialize and laugh a little!
7)Do NOT be late. Even being five minutes late can add unecessary stress. Wake up a few minutes earlier and make things easier on yourself by getting to school on time.
8)Prepare for each day as if someone was going to observe you. Few things are more stressful for a teacher than being observed without being prepared. Since there is always a chance of someone dropping in for an observation, take the time to prepare every day as if it was going to happen. Even if nobody shows up, at least you will have improved lesson plans.
9)Do not overcomplain. Let's face it, sometimes it feels good to complain a little. But nobody likes the person who complains all of the time about EVERYTHING. Everyone has problems and issues just like you and they usually do not want to hear about yours on a regular basis. Save yourself and your co-workers stress and keep quiet.
10)Be careful about teaching/tutoring too much over the summer. I know that sometimes this is often the best way for making money, and sometimes there is no choice. If you do have a choice though, even if it means making less, then stay away from teaching over the summer break. You will be much more fresh when you return.
7)Do NOT be late. Even being five minutes late can add unecessary stress. Wake up a few minutes earlier and make things easier on yourself by getting to school on time.
8)Prepare for each day as if someone was going to observe you. Few things are more stressful for a teacher than being observed without being prepared. Since there is always a chance of someone dropping in for an observation, take the time to prepare every day as if it was going to happen. Even if nobody shows up, at least you will have improved lesson plans.
9)Do not overcomplain. Let's face it, sometimes it feels good to complain a little. But nobody likes the person who complains all of the time about EVERYTHING. Everyone has problems and issues just like you and they usually do not want to hear about yours on a regular basis. Save yourself and your co-workers stress and keep quiet.
10)Be careful about teaching/tutoring too much over the summer. I know that sometimes this is often the best way for making money, and sometimes there is no choice. If you do have a choice though, even if it means making less, then stay away from teaching over the summer break. You will be much more fresh when you return.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Top 5 Myths about Classroom Management/Discipline
TOP 5 MYTHS ABOUT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT/DISCIPLINE
1. Consequences have to be extreme to be effective. This is a common myth that I used to believe in myself. The extremity of the consequence should match the extremity of the broken rule.
2. Calling parents will improve student behavior. I am not saying that calls home will never ever improve behavior. I just would not count on it happening. This is an outdated management tool. Call parents to notify them, not to expect them to aid in your discipline plan.
3. The best discipline strategy is to start out mean and then loosen up as you go. This theory is one of my pet peaves in discussions of management. If you have an effective discipline plan, there is no reason to count on intimidating students into behaving.
4. Classroom management is a skill that is born with and cannot be learned. False! My goal is to show teachers that they can learn this skill and at least be good at it, if not great.
5. Lower level classes are the ones with the discipline problems. Advanced/honors classes will automatically fall in line. I have taught all levels and grades in high school and I have seen honors classes behave poorly and non-honors classes behave very well. Classes of all levels and grades need an effective discipline plan.
1. Consequences have to be extreme to be effective. This is a common myth that I used to believe in myself. The extremity of the consequence should match the extremity of the broken rule.
2. Calling parents will improve student behavior. I am not saying that calls home will never ever improve behavior. I just would not count on it happening. This is an outdated management tool. Call parents to notify them, not to expect them to aid in your discipline plan.
3. The best discipline strategy is to start out mean and then loosen up as you go. This theory is one of my pet peaves in discussions of management. If you have an effective discipline plan, there is no reason to count on intimidating students into behaving.
4. Classroom management is a skill that is born with and cannot be learned. False! My goal is to show teachers that they can learn this skill and at least be good at it, if not great.
5. Lower level classes are the ones with the discipline problems. Advanced/honors classes will automatically fall in line. I have taught all levels and grades in high school and I have seen honors classes behave poorly and non-honors classes behave very well. Classes of all levels and grades need an effective discipline plan.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Top 5 Ways To Lower Stress For Teachers
1)Get enough sleep! (7 to 8 hours) Teachers sometimes think that they are doing themselves and their classes a favor by burning the midnight oil. There is no problem doing this every now and then, but do not make this practice a habit. It is bad for your health.
2)Exercise. Even walking 20 to 30 minutes a few times a week can do wonders for stress levels.
3)Have a great discipline plan! If you use the traditional discipline plan of getting angry at students until they comply then you will wear yourself out. Times and kids are changing. This method is getting less and less effective and more and more stressful on teachers. A plan with clear rules and consequences is essential to keeping stress levels low.
4) Try to do as much of your work as possible AT school. It may be difficult for you to do ALL of your work at school, but try to do as much there as possible. Having a separate life from teaching is very important to avoid stress and burnout. Finish all you can at school and live your life at home.
5)Try to live at least 20 minutes away from where you teach. This is a difficult one to change, of course. If you are just starting somewhere though and you do not have a permanent place to live, always try to give yourself a distance buffer. Teaching can consume your life if you are not careful, and parent conferences at the grocery store do not help.
2)Exercise. Even walking 20 to 30 minutes a few times a week can do wonders for stress levels.
3)Have a great discipline plan! If you use the traditional discipline plan of getting angry at students until they comply then you will wear yourself out. Times and kids are changing. This method is getting less and less effective and more and more stressful on teachers. A plan with clear rules and consequences is essential to keeping stress levels low.
4) Try to do as much of your work as possible AT school. It may be difficult for you to do ALL of your work at school, but try to do as much there as possible. Having a separate life from teaching is very important to avoid stress and burnout. Finish all you can at school and live your life at home.
5)Try to live at least 20 minutes away from where you teach. This is a difficult one to change, of course. If you are just starting somewhere though and you do not have a permanent place to live, always try to give yourself a distance buffer. Teaching can consume your life if you are not careful, and parent conferences at the grocery store do not help.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Top 5 Mental Suggestions for Teachers
TOP 5 MENTAL SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHERS
1. When you are a beginning teacher, ACT like you are extremely confident and under control, even if you arent. Eventually you will start to believe it.
2. If you are feeling grumpy and in a bad mood before the day even begins, try to guard yourself against reflecting that mood onto your students when they dont deserve it.
3. Always do your best to stay calm, cool, and collected for as long as possible.
4. Do not be afraid to admit that you are wrong. It happens. The worst thing you can do is lie about something that you dont know. Accept the fact that you will mess up every now and then and dont be uncomfortable when it happens.
5. For those of you with religious beliefs.........when it doubt, pray!
1. When you are a beginning teacher, ACT like you are extremely confident and under control, even if you arent. Eventually you will start to believe it.
2. If you are feeling grumpy and in a bad mood before the day even begins, try to guard yourself against reflecting that mood onto your students when they dont deserve it.
3. Always do your best to stay calm, cool, and collected for as long as possible.
4. Do not be afraid to admit that you are wrong. It happens. The worst thing you can do is lie about something that you dont know. Accept the fact that you will mess up every now and then and dont be uncomfortable when it happens.
5. For those of you with religious beliefs.........when it doubt, pray!
Friday, August 6, 2010
What Is The MOST Important Thing To Do To Prepare For The First Day of School?
The first day of school is around the corner for a lot of high schools and colleges and time is running out for preparation. I am curious about what teachers think is highest on the list of things to have done for the first day. Obviously, the list is longer than just one thing, but I am interested in knowing what teachers could absolutely not live without doing on the first day.
MY ANSWER:
I must have a copy of the rules and consequences for every student to go over. There should not be one second of instruction taking place before this information is clear.
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
MY ANSWER:
I must have a copy of the rules and consequences for every student to go over. There should not be one second of instruction taking place before this information is clear.
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Importance of Choosing Good Rules
When you are choosing rules for your classroom there are a few very important things to remember.
1) The rule should be short and easy to understand.
There should be no room for misunderstanding between the teacher and students. Good communication is the key to having good student behavior.
2) The rule should be as black and white as possible.
The best rules are ones that are clearly measured. "Do not be one second late" is much better than "You are on time as long as you get hear soon after the bell rings."
3) Only use rules that inspire behavior that you REALLY want.
Do not worry about misbehaviors that kind of bother you but arent really essential to running your classroom smoothly UNLESS you have completely mastered the skill of classroom management. If you have not, then focus on the essential misbehaviors that destroy a successful learning environment. "Do not use profanity" is much more important for running a successful class than "do not chew gum."
4. Post your rules.
Students need to be constantly reminded of your rules. It is also good just to have evidence that, yes, you did in fact make these rules earlier.
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
1) The rule should be short and easy to understand.
There should be no room for misunderstanding between the teacher and students. Good communication is the key to having good student behavior.
2) The rule should be as black and white as possible.
The best rules are ones that are clearly measured. "Do not be one second late" is much better than "You are on time as long as you get hear soon after the bell rings."
3) Only use rules that inspire behavior that you REALLY want.
Do not worry about misbehaviors that kind of bother you but arent really essential to running your classroom smoothly UNLESS you have completely mastered the skill of classroom management. If you have not, then focus on the essential misbehaviors that destroy a successful learning environment. "Do not use profanity" is much more important for running a successful class than "do not chew gum."
4. Post your rules.
Students need to be constantly reminded of your rules. It is also good just to have evidence that, yes, you did in fact make these rules earlier.
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Top Five Teaching Myths
TOP FIVE TEACHING MYTHS
1)The best way to succeed with classroom management is to start out mean and then lighten up as you go.
Maybe in the old days when kids cared they got yelled at. These days the best discipline plan is one that is easy to use, organized, and reasonable to students.
2) The the only teachers who can really run a class well are the ones with a natural "gift" for classroom management.
While it is great to have such a gift the simple fact is that most teachers don't have this natural talent. There are many teachers who have a gift for teaching but who lack much ability in classroom management. One of my main ideas is that this skill for great classroom management can be learned!
3) The best reason to get into teaching is for the summer and Christmas vacations and because you get out at three o clock every day.
If you bought this idea then I have some swamp land in Florida to sell to you. Unless you are cut out for teaching then you will spend most of your attention during all of this vacation time dreading the time that you have to go back. And try asking elementary teachers how often they get to go home at three.
4) You should never crack a smile or have fun while teaching.
Of course everyone has different personality styles. But there is nothing wrong with enjoying teaching and showing your students that you do. I have even been known to smile while giving out consequences and punishments (and not in a sadistic kind of way).
5) You should try to avoid your fellow teachers and do your own thing so that you don't help them get a better reputation than you have.
As ridiculous as this sounds, there are many teachers who feel this way. Every school has teachers with a wide variety of knowledge and experiences. Use each other as much as possible to improve yourselves!
*BONUS MYTH...You can count on the parents of your students to help you improve their behavior in class
See the previous post!
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
1)The best way to succeed with classroom management is to start out mean and then lighten up as you go.
Maybe in the old days when kids cared they got yelled at. These days the best discipline plan is one that is easy to use, organized, and reasonable to students.
2) The the only teachers who can really run a class well are the ones with a natural "gift" for classroom management.
While it is great to have such a gift the simple fact is that most teachers don't have this natural talent. There are many teachers who have a gift for teaching but who lack much ability in classroom management. One of my main ideas is that this skill for great classroom management can be learned!
3) The best reason to get into teaching is for the summer and Christmas vacations and because you get out at three o clock every day.
If you bought this idea then I have some swamp land in Florida to sell to you. Unless you are cut out for teaching then you will spend most of your attention during all of this vacation time dreading the time that you have to go back. And try asking elementary teachers how often they get to go home at three.
4) You should never crack a smile or have fun while teaching.
Of course everyone has different personality styles. But there is nothing wrong with enjoying teaching and showing your students that you do. I have even been known to smile while giving out consequences and punishments (and not in a sadistic kind of way).
5) You should try to avoid your fellow teachers and do your own thing so that you don't help them get a better reputation than you have.
As ridiculous as this sounds, there are many teachers who feel this way. Every school has teachers with a wide variety of knowledge and experiences. Use each other as much as possible to improve yourselves!
*BONUS MYTH...You can count on the parents of your students to help you improve their behavior in class
See the previous post!
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Dealing With Parents
Teachers are always wondering how they should interact with parents. I have a few thoughts on this issue.
*Always try to build a spirit of cooperation with the parents of your students. Get in touch with them at the beginning of the term and be sure that they know how to contact you by phone and email.
*Be sure parents know what your discipline plan is. If you are like me and have a discipline plan that is not like most other ones, parents have a right to know what you are doing.
*Answer parent contacts with you as soon as possible. Prompt answers show respect.
*NEVER expect parents to be able to improve the behavior of their child in your class. Parent contact should be done to notify parents of what their child is doing, not to have hope that they will be able to make a change in behavior. If you are counting on parents to help you with your classroom management, you will be in for a long, stressful term. If parents can help improve the behavior of a student, count that as a bonus. The days of being able to count on parents helping with classroom management are about over.
So if you cannot count on parents to help you solve your classroom management problems, what should you do? Stay tuned for the answers to that question. They will be coming soon...
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
*Always try to build a spirit of cooperation with the parents of your students. Get in touch with them at the beginning of the term and be sure that they know how to contact you by phone and email.
*Be sure parents know what your discipline plan is. If you are like me and have a discipline plan that is not like most other ones, parents have a right to know what you are doing.
*Answer parent contacts with you as soon as possible. Prompt answers show respect.
*NEVER expect parents to be able to improve the behavior of their child in your class. Parent contact should be done to notify parents of what their child is doing, not to have hope that they will be able to make a change in behavior. If you are counting on parents to help you with your classroom management, you will be in for a long, stressful term. If parents can help improve the behavior of a student, count that as a bonus. The days of being able to count on parents helping with classroom management are about over.
So if you cannot count on parents to help you solve your classroom management problems, what should you do? Stay tuned for the answers to that question. They will be coming soon...
Feel free to make a comment with your opinion!
Just click on the word "comments" below(next to the little pencil)
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