Teacher Talk Tuesday

Once again, I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin'! Today's topic is advice for first year teachers. I'm only in my third year, so I am no veteran. I've already read a few posts that have linked up, and they have fantastic advice! Most of these blog posts have said everything I would say. So I will leave you with just a few thoughts that I have not seen on any of the posts I read.

1. An Apple a Day

During my very first week of teaching, I caught a virus and ran a fever for 24 hours. I did not EVER catch any illness the rest of the year. It just so happens that I ate an apple every school day that year. Maybe it was the apples? Maybe not? Although apples probably aren't the magic safeguard against illness, I'm sure eating good foods helps keep you healthy!

2. Make Friends with Your Non-teaching Staff Members.

Be kind to everyone on your campus, because EVERYONE plays an important role.

Get to know your technology liason/teacher, etc. They are a WONDERFUL resource, and you will definitely need them for help and support during the year.

The secretaries do SO much for the campus, too. Don't forget to thank them!

The custodial staff is SO IMPORTANT, and you will need them! Often when you need them, you need them very urgently whether it be to clean vomit, replace a light-bulb or install a new pencil sharpener. Our jobs as teachers are challenging, but we get the pleasure of receiving hugs, thanks and love from our little kiddos. Our custodians, secretaties, etc do not always get this daily, and their jobs are important, too. The school wouldn't run without them.

3.Take this Quote into Consideration...

(You've probably heard this quote. I love it.)

"I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized."
— Haim G. Ginott

Best wishes everyone!