TIPS FOR FIRST YEAR SURVIVAL

1. RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS…

Relationships with students is paramount to the work you will do You will quickly form opinions of students as they

will of you…

Relationships with Parents, will they support you as a teacher or support their child blindly?

Relationships with Staff

BE CONSISTENT, BUT FAIR Remember you are likely to be working with

teenagers – Their frontal lobe is still developing!

“Don’t spare the rod until Easter” is a load of rubbish

Always follow through on any threats you make, regardless of how time consuming

You will need to let some things slide…

STAFFROOM POLITICS 101 The class that needs to be offered at

University but isn’t…

Be aware of staffroom politics, different factions in the staffroom - take a back seat and observe before getting involved…

HARD WORK Your first year will be tough

Preparation Reports Meetings Parent Teacher Interviews VIT registration Survival…

Take time to look after yourself, they’re called Mental Health Days for a reason ;-)

Be keen, but not too keen.

PREPARATION IS THE KEY Ensure lessons are well prepared and

well resourced. Make your lessons as fun as engaging as possible. Are you catering for different learning

styles Don’t underestimate the importance of

learning that takes place outside the classroom.

Will you be seen as a textbook teacher or a teacher who makes things fun?

REFLECTION Reflect on your own practice on a regular basis

Listen to your mentor teacher and take their feedback on board

Consider keeping a journal to help keep things in perspective When a student tells you you’re a crap teacher, writing

it in a journal can help you see that the opinion of a 15 year old that child is being asked to do some work really isn’t that much of a valid opinion…

DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW

It’s ok to say no

Hone your pedagogical practice before taking on other positions of responsibility

Consider becoming a union member.

DON’T FORGET Librarians IT staff Administration Staff Canteen Staff Science Lab Technicians Sick Bay Receptionist They may just save your life one day…