Nuggets for Newbies: What They Don't Teach You in College

NEA Today, Mar 2005

How can brand-new educators survive and thrive? Some suggestions from young Nebraska Association leaders who were in those shoes not so long ago:

FIND SOME BAlANCE. After four years of teaching eighth-grade pre-algebra and language arts in Millard, Molly Erickson has learned to ease up and smell the roses. "Remember, you're there for the kids-they're your best reward and the reason you're there," she reminds newbies. "Don't get wrapped up in the stress of events, of grading, and find a sense of balance. Don't work until 6 each night and take your work home; find some balance, some time for yourself. And establish classroom rules at the beginning-be fair, firm, and consistent. And if you have questions about discipline, talk to the administration; let them know where you're at."

FIND THE REAL YOU. 'Take a while to find yourself in the classroom; life becomes easier," says Bellevue high school English teacher Wendy Grojean. 'To keep up your enthusiasm, change something-your curriculum or your grade level. If you're young-looking, dress professionally and let students know from the get-go that you won't tolerate disrespect, improper behavior, or inappropriate questions about your social life."

THINK BEFORE YOU ASK. New teachers nowadays tend to be more assertive and ask more questions than the vets. So Carrie Sheppard, who teaches English at Battle Creek (Nebraska) Elementary, warns new educators to "learn whom to ask, and when to ask for it-it takes time to learn." But never, she adds, "be afraid to ask questions about the Association. Another person will have the same questions." :

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Some vets assume that new teachers are , unrealistic, idealistic, and don't have the mileage to know what they're doing. "People my age sometimes feel intimidated by vets," says Jerad WuK, an elementary behavior disorder teacher in South Sioux City. 'To be credible, you've got to let people know what you know. Let them know you're confident in your abilities, that you were were hired for a reason, and that you are an expert in your position. In fact, other teachers ask me for advice on dealing with difficult children."

STRETCH YOURSELF. Newer teachers should change teaching methods and classroom organization a little bit at a time-and gather a variety of experiences, advises Bellevue fourth-grade teacher Brad Wellmann. "Your kids aren't the same year after year," he notes, "so how can you be a quality teacher if you stay the same?" Wellmann has avoided landing in a fourth-grade "rut" by teaching younger kids !n summer school and working with school "spirit team" members of different ages. "I don't feel I get burned out as much," he finds, "and I know more people in the building just because I'm involved in more pieces of education."

Molly Erickson advises new teachers to not "get wrapped up in the stress of events" and to find some balance in their lives.