HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (TENNESSEE VALLEY LIVING) - The 2024-2025 school year will start before we know it and if you’re a first-year teacher, the time to start preparing is now.
The first year of teaching can be hard, intimidating, and exhausting, but one local teacher is sharing her advice to make the first year easier.
- Build a relationship with students and families
Michelle says to focus on building positive relationships with your students and families. Take time to get to know your students individually.
One thing she likes to do is at the beginning of the school year, use student surveys as a part of your beginning-of-the-year activities.
- Focus on procedures and routines and less on classroom setup and decor
The systems you put in place will help you create an environment that’s conducive to learning and growing. Students will know your expectations as well as what to expect when they enter your classroom every day.
ADVERTISEMENT
Michelle says most students thrive when there is order.
- Seek out help/mentorship
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Seek out seasoned teachers and staff members for wisdom and guidance. They can also offer support whether physically setting up your classroom or emotionally when you’re having a rough time with things.
- Be yourself!
Michelle says that the best advice she ever received was to be herself. We are all different and students will love you for you. If you make a mistake, own it and grow. Students will also see that it is ‘ok’ to make mistakes and that they are growth opportunities.
- Take time to reflect
Whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly. Take time to reflect on your teaching practices and classroom environment. Ask yourself, “What worked well, what didn’t, and why?”
Michelle says to ask for feedback from your students, this will help to identify areas of success and areas for improvement.
ADVERTISEMENT
To see teacher outfit ideas, see more advice, and connect with other teachers, follow Michelle Kirkman on Instagram here.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!
Copyright 2024 WAFF. All rights reserved.