How to Successfully Prepeare For Your First Year of Teaching


by Jennifer Dobson - Date: 2010-06-27 - Word Count: 545 Share This!

As a new teacher preparing to begin their first year of actually teaching, you likely have some butterflies floating around in your stomach and are anxious to get started. The student teaching experience goes a long way towards preparing you for your own classroom, but there are challenges that lie ahead in the real-world of teaching that can only be encountered by experiencing them firsthand. In fact, you'll be surprised to learn that much of the art of teaching is learned not from textbooks and lectures but from hands-on teaching experience, and teachers will admit that they learn something new about their craft all the time, even those who have been at it for decades. You can prepare yourself for your first year of teaching using the following tips that are gained from insight of veteran teachers over the years.

Customize Your Classroom

You will have ample opportunity (in most instances) prior to the first day of class, to get into your new classroom and have a look around, get things set up and add your own personal style to your surroundings. This is also a good time to talk to fellow educators and find out as much as you can about the students coming into your classroom, and to prepare your classroom management plan accordingly. Bring along some inspirational items for your desk that will help you make it through the first few days when you are likely to feel overwhelmed and somewhat "out of your league". Don't worry, this too shall pass and is common for most first year teachers, no matter how prepared they initially felt before the school year began.

Ask for a Schedule

Most schools will hold "in-service" prior to the beginning of the school year. During this time, which can last from one day to a week, depending on the school district, you will be schooled in the various procedures and schedules for the year, as well as be privy to information regarding policies and such that have been implemented over the summer. If you aren't given a schedule for things like special classes and lunch room times, ask for it. This will help you get a generalized idea of how your day should flow and allow you to plan ahead.

Get Your Supplies in Order

The harsh reality for many new teachers is that they are starting from scratch as far as supplies go, and at a time when their salaries are not that impressive. Get the supplies that you will need in order for the school year as much as your budget will allow. You will get, of course, many supplies from your central office, but there are always little extras that teachers like to have that they unfortunately pay for out of pocket. Find out the procedure for requesting materials and supplies and get your "order" in right away. Being ready for your students before they arrive for the school year will help you feel more confident in your duties.

Relax!

In the days leading up to your first official day as a teacher, take some time to relax and unwind. Treat yourself to a manicure or other relaxing activity. You are ready to embark on a lifelong journey in one of the most noble (and difficult) of professions - so don't forget to breathe!


Jennifer Dobson invites you to take a look at her favorite online teacher store, MPMSchoolSupplies.com. The site offers all kinds of great products including everything from dramatic play toys like kids puppet theaters to teacher resources like a social studies poster. Check it out today and save 10% on your first order!n
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