| new teacher preparing to begin their first year of | | | | Most schools will hold "in-service" prior to the beginning |
| actually teaching, you likely have some butterflies | | | | of the school year. During this time, which can last |
| floating around in your stomach and are anxious to get | | | | from one day to a week, depending on the school |
| started. The student teaching experience goes a long | | | | district, you will be schooled in the various procedures |
| way towards preparing you for your own classroom, | | | | and schedules for the year, as well as be privy to |
| but there are challenges that lie ahead in the real-world | | | | information regarding policies and such that have been |
| of teaching that can only be encountered by | | | | implemented over the summer. If you aren't given a |
| experiencing them firsthand. In fact, you'll be surprised | | | | schedule for things like special classes and lunch room |
| to learn that much of the art of teaching is learned not | | | | times, ask for it. This will help you get a generalized |
| from textbooks and lectures but from hands-on | | | | idea of how your day should flow and allow you to |
| teaching experience, and teachers will admit that they | | | | plan ahead. |
| learn something new about their craft all the time, even | | | | Get Your Supplies in Order |
| those who have been at it for decades. You can | | | | The harsh reality for many new teachers is that they |
| prepare yourself for your first year of teaching using | | | | are starting from scratch as far as supplies go, and at |
| the following tips that are gained from insight of | | | | a time when their salaries are not that impressive. Get |
| veteran teachers over the years. | | | | the supplies that you will need in order for the school |
| Customize Your Classroom | | | | year as much as your budget will allow. You will get, of |
| You will have ample opportunity (in most instances) | | | | course, many supplies from your central office, but |
| prior to the first day of class, to get into your new | | | | there are always little extras that teachers like to have |
| classroom and have a look around, get things set up | | | | that they unfortunately pay for out of pocket. Find out |
| and add your own personal style to your surroundings. | | | | the procedure for requesting materials and supplies |
| This is also a good time to talk to fellow educators and | | | | and get your "order" in right away. Being ready for |
| find out as much as you can about the students | | | | your students before they arrive for the school year |
| coming into your classroom, and to prepare your | | | | will help you feel more confident in your duties. |
| classroom management plan accordingly. Bring along | | | | Relax! |
| some inspirational items for your desk that will help you | | | | In the days leading up to your first official day as a |
| make it through the first few days when you are likely | | | | teacher, take some time to relax and unwind. Treat |
| to feel overwhelmed and somewhat "out of your | | | | yourself to a manicure or other relaxing activity. You |
| league". Don't worry, this too shall pass and is common | | | | are ready to embark on a lifelong journey in one of the |
| for most first year teachers, no matter how prepared | | | | most noble (and difficult) of professions - so don't |
| they initially felt before the school year began. | | | | forget to breathe! |
| Ask for a Schedule | | | | |