Help: One Question!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Hello lovely ladies in blog world! 

I have ONE (or two) simple question(s) for you today. 
I would REALLY appreciate your response. 
I am talking to some student teachers on Thursday
and I want to make sure I don't miss anything.

What do you wish you would have known as a first year teacher?
What helped you land a teaching job?

I would love to hear your answers to these questions!
I am meeting with them to talk about being a first year teacher,
but I would love to be able to share some advice from veteran teachers as well! 

Thanks in advance for sharing!
-Ms. Smith

7 comments

  1. The best piece of advice someone gave me halfway through my first year was
    "It's ok to not fit everything in your first year, do what you can and you'll be a veteran teacher one day!"

    Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher

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  2. It has been a very long time since I was a first year teacher. But in regard to finding a job they have to know that the jobs will not find them. They need to be persistent in the job search. I use to call every building once a week ask for job postings and a possible interview. This was before the existence of the of the Internet. The competition is tough, they really need to network and sell themselves.

    Tricia

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  3. I'd say... slow down to speed up especially at the beginning of the year. There's no rush to jump into curriculum. Take the time to set the climate, procedures, routines, ect. The rest of the year will go much more smoothly.

    Tammy
    www.foreverin1st.blogspot.com

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  4. My best pieces of advice for a first year teacher are:
    -Develop the skill to read people, if you don't already have it. This will help you to figure out the staff members who are helpful, and those who teach like you aspire to teach.
    -It's ok to tell people you are new to teaching, but still show some confidence. Parents will know you are new, because you look so young. They may have concerns about that, if you are confident they will worry less.
    -Don't stay at work until 8PM. Go home by 6pm. You need a personal life!

    EmilyK

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  5. Hi there,
    I'm so glad I found you,,,cute blog. I agree with Tammy. Take your time to establish routines at the beginning of the year. Also keep your connections strong where you student taught if you aren't still at the same place. Ask for recommendation letters from people and keep a file. You will need those. Hang in there. Come visit me I have a first grade blog. :o)
    Vicky
    Traditions Laughter and Happily Ever After

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  6. I really appreciate Emily's note about reading people. As a final year student teacher, I catch myself thinking, "What will I say next?!" rather than be present. My mentor teacher tells into me to be super involved in the school so finding the helpful staff is a must.

    Thanks for putting the questions out there Ms. Smith. I'm loving reading the words of wisdom from you teachers xx
    Daydreams of a Student Teacher

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  7. To help me land a job, I tried to go to teaching conferences and meet people who were already in the profession. Also, as a substitute, I made sure I was always very professional and helped out where I could (making copies, etc). Hope this helps!

    Sara :)
    Smiling In Second Grade

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