The first year of teaching is often described as a surprising, demanding, and rewarding experience. Too many teachers do not receive support and often leave the classroom within the first few years of their careers. The recruitment and retention of effective and well-qualified teachers are essential to resolving the teacher shortage and helping every student make academic progress. SREB States Take Action to Support Beginning Teachers looks at SREB states' efforts to support and retain beginning teachers. Currently, all 16 SREB states offer some type of support for new teachers, with 10 of those states mandating such programs. (See State links below.)
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement also offers the following advice to help prepare recent graduates with realistic descriptions of the first year of teaching, including tips and strategies for success. This information grew out of a series of focus group discussions among winners of Sallie Mae's annual First Class Teacher Award. Exemplary first-year teachers were asked to describe their most formidable challenges and offer advice for overcoming obstacles.
Tips and Strategies from First-Year Teachers
First-year teachers have a lot of advice to offer to future new teachers. Their tips run the gamut — from memorizing students' names right away to making peace with the realization that some children cannot be reached. They suggest contacting parents in the beginning of the school year; fostering a friendly rapport before problems arise; being well prepared for class; and modeling and enforcing rules of courtesy and respect. Overall, teachers recommend an approach that is nurturing but firm. And, they advise, prepare for classes, then prepare some more.
Practical Tips for Teachers by Teachers:
- Prepare, prepare, prepare, but then again... be prepared to change strategies if that's what it takes.
- Set clear, reasonable expectations that communicate consistency and high standards.
- Many teachers summarize their classroom management strategies in a single word — respect. Teaching is not a popularity contest, and students are not your best friends. Respect is more important than affection.
- Stay cool under fire. Criticism can be turned to an advantage.
- Use innovations in teaching, technology, and rewards.
- Make friends with the custodial staff — you'll need them.
- Reach out to parents and form relationships with them before problems begin.
- Take care of yourself physically and spiritually, and don't forget, you're only human.
- Get to know another side of the kids beyond the classroom by coaching or taking part in an extracurricular activity.
- Break the isolation. Teachers who work in teams and with mentors, or who have continuous contact with other first-year teachers, relish the camaraderie.
- Be consistent — do what you say you are going to do at all times and with every child.
- Model a love for learning.
- Maintain a sense of humor.
- Offer a variety of interesting choices of activities for kids when they finish work or have down time.
- Keep an open door to parents.
- Reward and praise students.
- Learn the names of your students quickly and correctly.
- Don't be sarcastic to children or correct them in ways that cause embarrassment.
- Veteran teachers' advice in a nutshell: Be yourself, work with parents, love the kids, and love teaching.
Challenges
Shortages of money, supplies, and planning time are commonly cited as obstacles to learning. Teachers also lament overcrowded classrooms and stacks of paperwork that divert their attention from their mission to educate. Frustration can take its toll on many teachers, resulting in a nagging sense of deprivation. And teachers feel the pinch of limited resources in a number of ways — not just financially. Many teachers share stories of colleagues and parents who are stingy with their support, encouragement, and involvement. Sometimes new teachers feel like upstarts, bringing an infusion of energy and new ideas that are not always welcome. Another challenge is the diversity of student achievement and ability levels. Teachers often respond by trying to develop lessons that can reach all students, whatever their level of proficiency.
Rewards
When they look back, teachers remember moments of poignancy, joy, and struggle — and sometimes the fear of the unknown. But what stands out is the teachers' untainted optimism, which is repeatedly put to the test and yet emerges intact. The other striking quality is how privileged these teachers feel in serving children. Kids are and always will be what great teachers live for. Their smiles are an antidote to a bad day, and their progress is an unending source of satisfaction. Without exception, all teachers speak effusively of their love for children and commitment to their learning progress.
Acknowledgements:
Links to SREB State and Related Resources
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