The following tips are drawn from the advice given by first-year and veteran teachers.
Plan relentlessly: Create back-up plans and plans for teaching students of varying abilities.
Set high, consistently reinforced expectations for behavior and academic performance.
Show and require respect in the classroom at all times.
Reach out to parents and your administration, preferably early on and before a problem arises.
Consider participating in an extracurricular activity which strengthens relationships with students (and can be enjoyable as well).
Seek mentors, team teaching assignments, and regular exchanges with fellow first-year teachers.
Be flexible and ready for surprises.
Work closely with counselors or other school personnel authorized to respond to children's social problems.
Take care of yourself physically and spiritually.
Love learning, love kids, and love teaching!
These tips originally appeared in What to Expect Your First Year of Teaching, compiled by Amy DePaul,
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement.
