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Surviving Teaching
Teaching is challenging, rewarding, frustrating and exhausting today. It probably wasn't "easy" for teachers 100 years ago, but today it's an entirely different profession than we viewed on "Little House on The Prairie." Today, we have the problem of cell phones, ipods, computers and all sorts of unbridled disrespect. Here are a few ways that might help you survive the whole year of teaching in 2008-2009, not just the first few weeks.
I. Set The Tone: First impressions matter. Establish rules, be kind, but firm. If students know what the parameters are for the classroom right away, it gives them a sense of security, though they wouldn't admit that.
II. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Yes, we all know this. We've all heard it. Words are Cheap. We believe what people do, not what they say. If what we do matches what we say, great! It's imperative that our actions don't contradict what we've already said. Students soon won't care what we say anymore.
III. Let Consequences Do The Talking: This connects closely with the bit above, but takes it further. Words, Actions and Consequences. If we move a student three times and it's not working to keep him quiet and focused when he should be, possibly we need to increase the severity of the consequence. Move him out of the classroom, to another teacher's room, or to the principle's office. See what works for individual students.
IV. Start With Routine: Before the day, or the hour begins, set up a routine the first day. This most likely will include the agenda on the board. Then start with something that works for you as a teacher, for your classroom. Maybe you'll decide to start each period with silent reading, have the students' keeping a reading log and/or notes. Whatever it is, setting up the beginning minutes of class with a consistent "sponge" activity helps set the tone for the whole period
V. Quiet Time: If you don't do silent reading, because you teach math, find another slice of time throughout the period that you can make "quiet time" for you and for them. Even if you, as a teacher don't need the peace, there are always a few introverted students who appreciate utter silence. It doesn't have to be the whole period, but you might say, "Work on your homework on your own for the next 15 minutes, no talking." This also gives you some time to look at lessons, plans, papers, or mail for the day.
VI. Don't be Available Every Moment: I know this goes against what you all heard in school, but trust me, it's one of the best pieces of advice you'll get. If a kid knows that every time he or she opens his mouth, you're going to come running, that is a disaster. Soon, everyone will know it too, and you'll have 20 kids calling your name at once. Have boundaries and rules about when and how kids can ask questions. If you're against hand-raising, then find another way to keep kids from shouting questions. One idea? Let them when you're NOT available to answer questions, and have them ask other students, or hold them until later.
VII. Pace Yourself: This is difficult to do, but know your energy level. It's probably best not to start the year off in a sprint. You could end up burned out by Thanksgiving, or sooner. We're all human and have limits. Take care of yourself, remembering this is an endurance race.
Unfortunately, teaching is not an exact science. It's not a math problem with a right or wrong answer. We're working with trial and error here. Be patient with yourself, failure is inevitable, kids are unpredictable and we are not perfect. But we do the best we can and just get up and try again. You can model this sort of thing for the kids. Actually, you're modeling everything. But, no pressure...
Published: Jul 18,2008 22:54
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
Coby Kindles is a freelance journalist, screenplay writer and essayist. She has been a staff writer at Knight Ridder and a regular contributor to The Associated Press.
Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
Dan Rafter
Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
Jack Nargundkar
Jack Nargundkar has been repeatedly published in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also an author of "The Bush Diaries" published in July 2005.
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