This post is a set of carefully chosen posts from this blog and others that I feel would be helpful to someone starting out. Most of these I learned from the school of hard knocks! Best wishes: Welcome to the teaching. It’s one of the oldest professions and it will be solid long after we are gone.
As you take up the torch, run proudly with it. Your job is as secure as you make it. Focus on the kids and getting them to clearly defined goals. Most of all though, focus on your work. The teaching profession is one of the most secure out there.
Remember to check for understanding all the time. Ask kids if they get what you are saying. The old “hear it and hold it” method is far outdated. Don’t get to the end of your lesson without bringing at least 80% of them with you. Teaching strategies vary, but that core ideal is universal.
Kids are like sponges. Always have things for them to ponder at, question, wonder about. Child lesson plans vary but just make sure they are full of the excitement for life you hold.Make lesson plans utilizing explicit direct instruction. If you don’t know that method, read about lesson planning here.
To know what teachers make bookmark this humorous page about the virtues of teaching. Have student awards in place to recognize students. -and last-
Teach with vision!
