Teacher Panel: Tips and Tricks for Upcoming Teachers

Each week in class, we have a different panel of people to come and talk to our class. This week was the teacher panel, with ten teachers from CFHS with various experience and content. They had a lot to say about what we should expect as we start our first years of teaching. To make it easy, here is a list of things that they said that might help.

·         Make an effort to know your students and your coworkers.

·         Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

·         You will NOT be perfect, and no one expects you to be.

·         Understand what level your students are learning at and use that in the classroom.

·         Find a way to connect with your students and break the ice in tense or awkward moments.

·         Teaching isn’t always about the content – it’s about the strategies and skills that students are developing.

·         Build off of students’ strengths. Break down goals, build students confidence, and acknowledge their success.

·         Interruptions will occur all the time. GET USED TO IT!!!

·         Don’t question your confidence. Students can tell when you are weak.

·         Teachers are still learners. It’s okay to not know an answer or to ask questions yourself.

·         Don’t go into the classroom without a plan – know what you want to teach and know your rules.

·         Reflect back on what you are doing- are you just teaching or are the students actually learning?

·         DON’T FAKE IT!!!!