Next Thursday, a new school year will begin.  My room will be shiny and pretty, the smell of fresh crayons floating in the air as I get to greet a new class of students.  I get as nervous as the kids, but I am grateful for such a supportive work family and district that lets me nurture these fine young people.

I was asked the other day for tips to being a teacher and my mind blanked on how vague that was, which route I could go.  I didn’t think I’ve had experience, but between babysitting, being a sister/cousin, Sunday school, College for Kids, subbing, paraprofessional, and my full time teaching job now along with after school and mentor programs, I have taught A LOT and have some insights to give to those who are considering education as a path for their life.

I am not preaching here, but these are valuable lessons and words of sage advice/tools that I have experiences, witnessed, and learned myself.  I am not perfect and I am always going to be learning. That is the beauty of teaching; I am on a similar journey with my students each day.  I hope you get something out of this. 🙂

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year!

Things I have Learned About Teaching:

Know the curriculum you are teaching.

Teach in different teaching styles so everyone can grasp a concept. Everyone learns differently.

Reputation is key!

Teaching morals, character, love, and ethics are more important than academics.

Smiles and compassion go a long way. You never know what the kids are going through.

Patience should be propriety.

Never give up. Even small progress is something.

Your boss and coworkers are with you. You’re a team.

Be yourself and proud. You are the kids’ role model. I have my anime posters, dress cute, do silly voices when I read, colorful lessons.

Love always wins.

Be flexible. But have structure. Routine helps kids.

Keep kids busy; free time equals trouble. But give them extra time for critical work to not stress them out.

Start over. Every day is a fresh start.

Never judge; we are all human with the same heart and emotions.

When things get stressed, laugh it off. Life is too short to let everything get to you.

Don’t forget what it was like to be a child. Place yourself in their age/shoes and see what you would have done in that situation.

Sarcasm is my second language, but use it wisely.

Be professional, on time, and devoted at all meetings and educational settings.

Don’t buy cups or mugs; you will get plenty from parents, the board, and members of the teacher appreciation committee.  Trust me…

Research what your students like and use it to educate them.

There is no shame with anything you do for the happiness of a kid. Dignity and embarrassment do not exist!

Don’t be scared to ask questions.

You are not perfect; mistakes mean you are trying.

Be honest, but encouraging with your students.

Thinking outside the box is a blessing.

Even if you don’t know all the answers, you can find them out. You want your students to be inquisitive and not scared to ask questions.

Respect goes both ways.

If you come to work sick, no one will like you and your principal will literally be pushing you towards the door (trust me; I get shoved out the building 2-3 times a year).

Courage doesn’t always roar; it sometimes is a quiet, but sure voice.

Don’t be afraid to be passionate.

Never put others’ ideas down, even if you don’t understand them. A rainbow of ideas is so much better than one color.

Communication is CRITICAL!

Let your students know you care. Hang pictures up. Give hugs (if they ask or do it first), be proud of their accomplishments, high fives, fist bumps, birthday treats.

I give them treats randomly; don’t want them to think in real life, we get treats for following rules. We should do what we are told because it’s expected and the right thing to do.

It costs no money to have manners, but it’s so valuable.

Every teacher is different and special.

Your well-being matters too.

 

*Images were found through Google Images. All images’ credit goes to their sites and owners with respect.