I tried to comment on MissCalQL8's post, here, but her commenting really doesn't like me, or my browser, or something, I couldn't make it stick. But I know there are other preservice teachers who read me from time to time, so anyway. Not that I'm some great expert, I'm just talking to you from the other side of the first few years.
If next year is your first year...
There are lots of things you will only learn with experience. That's ok. Be prepared to make mistakes, learn from them, and make adjustments. It doesn't matter if this is your first career or your fifth. You are probably not going to be great right away. The Wongs wrote a helpful book, but their way is not the only way. You will find what works for you. It will take a few years.
Join NCTM, but also join any local teachers' associations you can find. Your state almost certainly has one, and your county might, too. Visit their websites, forums, and join their listserves, if they exist. Go to any conferences that interest you and you are able to get to. Take every opportunity to meet teachers in the districts where you want to work.
I wouldn't try to buy supplies for your classroom. You will likely be able to place a supply order with your school, or they will give you an allowance to spend. You also don't know what will be already available for you in the classroom you inherit or as castoffs/extras from other teachers. You could certainly start building a professional wardrobe, if you need to. It will be less painful if you get a little at a time. Now is a good time to find winter clothes on clearance. Don't forget about shoes. Check out discount places like Marshall's.
If you don't already, start taking good care of yourself. Get plenty of exercise, rest, water, and vegetables. Make it a habit and a routine now so that you don't have to spend mental energy on it when you are busy teaching.
Those are the most helpful things I can think of. Veterans? Anything I missed?
11 comments:
I'm a preservice teacher who reads your blog. Thanks for the advice and support!
When does one qualify as a "veteran"?
My advice: observe other teachers (not just math teachers), ask others to observe you informally, get involved in something at school other than your discipline, and ask for help when you need it.
Ooh, good one, Jackie.
Hi, Kathryn! Thanks for commenting. I like your blog!
Ditto Jackie.
Never let the reality of your classroom/school/district cloud your vision of what it should be like.
It's my fourth year and I'm constantly refining that vision, but I'm always working towards it. At times I feel like I'm getting closer, usually it feels like I'm on a treadmill.
Get comfortable (but professional) shoes AND socks. With 22 years in, my feet are my most important asset. If I have to sit at my projector because my feet hurt, I'm not at my best. Students need to see some kind of kineticism. The more I move, the more they pay attention.
I found some socks called Techni-stride at Cabela's (camping outfitter) and I initially flinched at paying $12 per pair (for socks!) but they were the best investment I could have made. I went back and bought four more pairs, enough for the whole week.
ditto on the comfie shoes. it can be a trick to find ones that are not sneakers.
Try to relax. You're probably going to drop balls. It may not be content, it may not be lessson or assessment design. But it may be in keeping up with all the absences, with the meetings, with the software used to enter grades, with the policies of the school, etc. There's a lot to learn your first year. Be fair, be cool and be consistent.
One more: Don't be afraid to tell your students that you made a mistake/could have handled something better. Apologizing will get you everywhere.
As long as you don't have to do it too often. :-)
@kate Depending what part of the country you are in, sneakers may be perfectly acceptable. For that matter, you my not need any new clothes, as long as what you have is clean and moderately professional.
(Note: I'm in Northern California, where wearing a tie gets you branded as a religious missionary or a lawyer---what constitutes professional attire here might not make business-casual in Boston.)
When I did my student teaching in the 80's, I could not find professional shoes that weren't high heels. I settled on something with more of a platform, so at least my foot wasn't angled. And promptly went out and sprained my ankle, badly, getting off a bus.
I teach community college, where there's less dress code, and in California. I had banned t-shirts from my teaching wardrobe all these years, and just this year changed my mind - I love tie-dye. :)
Thanks for the west coast perspective, Kevin and Sue! I didn't mean to be coast-ist. Here, certain garments are considered too casual, like sneakers, sandals, and shorts. And we need the special dispensation of a "jeans day" to wear jeans. It's not right or wrong, just different. I'd personally prefer a more casual norm.
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