The ABCs for First Year Teachers

Check this out! As a new teacher... or perhaps mentor, what components do you think belong on this list?

THE ABCs FOR FIRST YEAR TEACHERS

(Information taken from educationworld.com as linked above)

• Admit your mistakes -- and learn from them.
• Be firm but flexible.
• Communicate with parents.
• Develop a homework policy -- and stick to it.
• Empower your students; don't just lecture to them.
• Find time to attend after-school events.
• Get to know all the teachers in your school and make friends with the cooks, custodians, aides, and secretaries.
• Have the courage to try something else if what you're doing isn't working.
• Institute a clear discipline policy -- and enforce it consistently.
• Just listen -- both to what the kids are saying and to what they're not saying.
• Keep a journal.
• Learn your school's policies and procedures.
• Model desired attitudes and behavior.
• Non carborundum ignorami. (Don't let the imbeciles wear you down.)
• Overplan.
• Prepare interesting lessons.
• Quit worrying and just do your best.
• Remember that you teach students first, then you teach whatever academic discipline you learned.
• Stay alert.
• Take pictures.
• Understand that the learning process involves everyone -- teachers, students, colleagues, and parents -- and get everyone involved.
• Volunteer to share projects and ideas, and don't be afraid to ask others to share their ideas with you.
• Work within your limits.
• Xpect the unexpected -- and plan for it!
• Yell if you need support.
• Zero in on your strengths, not your weaknesses. (Remember -- nobody's perfect!)

Finally, keep in mind the words of Philadelphia teacher Lew Clark: "Have a blast! You are about to begin a remarkable adventure."

Megan's Response: YES! I would add "Humor" for the letter "H". When I was a first year teacher I had the opportunity to listen to Barry Lane speak about English education in the high school. He said, "Humorists allow us to read the world." I will never forget that. Truly it is important to have a sense of humor as a teacher. After all, we are surrounded by PEOPLE all day-- shouldn't we encourage humanistic behavior? Two specific readings come to mind...

If you Don't Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students: Guide for Success for Adminsitrators and Teachers

&

Don't Smile Until Christmas: Accounts of the First Year of Teaching

So my question is stewing... How do we best support first year teachers through all the high stakes testing, building a successful welcoming classroom community, and everything else, from A-Z and still encourage them smile, remain motivated and enjoy the ride?