TEC 539 Effective Photography (Module 3)

These photographs take the viewer on a ride! My topic is:

"Texting and driving can wreck your day!"

Any advice for a new teacher starting out. . .

Below is an email I received from the student teacher who worked with me this year. I have changed her name and the name of the student. Under that is my reply.

Hello,

I'm super excited about starting the school year, I will be a 3rd grade teacher :) Thank you for helping me get the point I am now. I was wondering do you have any advice for starting out? Also I will be needing stuff for my room, do you know of any great stores to visit? or where I can get free stuff ? Also what should I buy?

Debbie

Hi, Debbie!

Congratulations on being a new third grade teacher! Way-to-go, whoo-hoo! Where will you be? I'm sure you will do a wonderful job and call on me anytime and I'll do my best to help. This email is loooong!

Advice for starting out. . . hmmmm. . .

1) well each situation (system, school, administrator, teacher, school year, class, and student) is different for one, so there's no real way to prepare yourself except to "expect the unexpected" and "go with the flow". i hate to be so cliche but it's really true. just do your best and work hard for children each day.

2) with that said, just be sure to plan, plan, plan. make sure to know ahead of time that all through the day and week (every day and every week) something unforeseen is bound to happen and you'll be expected to make the adjustment with a smile on your face (from kids getting sick, unexpected parent conferences, and scheduling mishaps -remember the field trip buses that were late? yeah, stuff like that).

3) try not to complain-- at times this job will suck (like most "jobs") but remember to be grateful for the students and an opportunity to serve families-- they will trust you more than anyone should trust any stranger-work hard to be deserving of that trust, do right by the kids (everything is always all about the kids)

4) laugh everyday and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself and your mistakes-you're human and they need a human doing this job

5) enjoy the kids. . . they will always be the best part of the job (think about how aggravating even "Rima" from this year was but we still loved that kid)

Now, I know that is not the kind of advice you were seeking but I want you to know that you are qualified to do this job and I really think you need to be inspired and inspired with truth.

Beginning the year is gonna be tough. The first day is always full of frazzles- expect that and remember to pause every now and again, breathe deeply and try to relax.

The first day is merely about getting through it. Stay on schedule. OVER-PLAN for this day, meaning have more activities planned than the kids can do, keep it paced. One or two long assignments punctuated by 6-7 smaller ones should do it. By all means- KEEP THEM BUSY. Busy kids =happy kids.

Please do not try to "befriend" children on the first day. You have no time for 8-9 year old friends this day-- you're their teacher. Establish that and demand the respect you deserve. You can be pleasant (not nice) and firm. Smile only if it's a genuine smile, otherwise, reassure students that you are in control and in charge-- they will be expecting you to at least do that. Classroom management starts this day- if someone gets out of line, you may have to be firmer and "meaner" than you will want to be. In other words, don't worry about the kids loving you, they will, but it's more important that they respect you. Respect them and demand that from them--day one!

As far as supplies, try to acquire them gradually throughout the year and make what you can. Do NOT go out and spend $200 (unless you have that spare cash laying around and nothing else to spend it on). Good stores are WalMart, Staples, and The School Box. My advice stick to the basics: cursive ABC's, a few posters related to your subjects, a few baskets or bins, and basic school supplies like paper, pencils, crayons, & glue (some of your students won't have that on day 1- some will never have it). Hopefully your school will give you some office supplies like staples, staplers, scissors, etc. Ask someone in charge for basic art supplies for kids: scissors, construction paper, etc.

I feel like I've written a book for you- well, maybe a small pamphlet! :-) Have a great year!

Pam