1. Build a Network
Everyone needs support and no one will understand your needs, goals, and struggles like other educators.
2. Try Not to Take it Personally
Teaching means that you are exposed to dozens, maybe even hundreds of individuals working through the ups and downs of their own lives. It will be hard – students and parents will have days that test every bit of your patience and professionalism. Try not to take it personally.
3. Find Your Niche
Everyone has unique talents that will help them perform in certain areas. Not every teacher is meant to be the inspirational leader, the confidant, and the disciplinarian. Find the role that you can best play in your school and in your student’s lives, and embrace it.
4. Excell in the Areas You Can Control
You don’t have controll over everything at your school. It the areas you do control, your should challenge yourself to demonstrate the highest level of excellence, professionalism, and effort possible. If you expect your students to be punctual and prepared, you should be too. If you expect a positive attitude, then your sould present one too.
5. Be aware of Your Impact
As a teacher, you will be one of the most important adults in these student’s lives. Depending on their situation and your actions, you can have impact that lasts long after they leave their classroom. It is an honor – appreciate it and make sure that your impact is a positive one.
6. Break Out of the Passive
Create situations for students to ask questions. Encourage them to research and find answers for themselves. Promote discussion. Break out of passive activities and promote active learning.
7. Don’t Ignore Your Own Health and Mindset
It’s hard to teach if your are exhausted, frustrated, and pessimistic. Identify your needs and do what’s necessary to promote your own health and wellbeing. Work on maintaining a positive mindset. It’s hard work making a difference – take the time and steps necessary to ensure you are equipped to tackle that task.
8. The School Year is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
This applies for you and for your students. Teachers have to be aware of the pace, and be prepared for the grind of the year. Don’t fall behind on lesson plans or let papers pile up. Recognize that it may take time for studetns to grasp certain concepts. Set your goals for the end of the year and work dutifully to make progress to those goals.
9. Find the Tools that Work for You
There are millions of tools that try to assist teachers. Find the ones that work for you.
10. Set Appropriate Challenges for Students
Depending on the grades you are teaching, students may need to start preparing for the rigors of higher education or a working career. Others may just be working on basic attention or social skills. Find challenges that are appropriate to your students and give them opportunities to grow into those challenges.