Julia G. Thompson

January 1, 1970

At this time of year it is almost impossible not to notice the “Back to School” signs stretched across the aisles in just about every department store. The bittersweet feeling those signs invoke--nostalgia for a slower summer pace and excitement at the prospect of a new school year--is a familiar one for teachers everywhere.

In this issue of "The Practical Educator" expert teachers offer words of advice to help you as you begin preparing the strategies and activities that will help you and your students find success in the year ahead.

In June, over a hundred teacher mentors from Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland came together for a weeklong Induction Institute. For five days, these mentors worked together and shared ideas about the best ways to assist the new teachers who will be assigned to them in the upcoming school year. (For a quick glimpse of a few photos from the Induction Institute, click on the “Workshops” tab at the top of the page.)

At the end of their day with Julia Thompson, workshop participants were asked to offer advice for new teachers. Their thoughtful insights, teaching expertise, dedicated professionalism, and love of children are shining examples of all that is good in education today.

Thank you, Prince Georges County Public Schools mentors, for reminding us all of the many reasons we are fortunate enough to call ourselves teachers. In their collective words of wisdom, all teachers--novice and veteran--can find much inspiration as we begin a new school year.

1. “Use this motto: ‘Mean What You Say, Say What You Mean, and Be Serious about What You Do.’” ~Marla J. Mitchell, 17 years
2. “I know that the first year of teaching will be the hardest, but it is important to remember that your mentor is here to help. Plan, plan, and plan some more. And finally, teamwork makes a teacher’s dreams work!” ~Danielle Brooks, 8 years
3. “Always remain flexible because in a school things happen and the best made plans will be affected.” ~C. Taylor, 16 years
4. “Use an interest inventory to find out their interests. In World Geography: Students will create collage about their culture. This activity is done after I teach the definition of culture and show a video clip on culture. “ ~Dorothea Houston, 36 years
5. “Establish a personal relationship with your students. Prove that you care about them.” Barbara Scott, 20 years
6. “Use all the nonverbal signals: firecrackers, around the world clapping, thumbs up, thumbs down…” ~Ginny Beauchamp, 29+ years
7. “Get to know students as quickly as possible. Do not share personal information with students. “Be sure to teach procedures. Be sure to plan for your students. If you don’t, they have plans for you!” ~M. Williamson, 41 years
8. “Don’t pretend to be someone else. Always be yourself. Keep an open mind and be willing to accept advice.” ~C. Sumlin, 19 years
9. “Take a deep breath and try to relax. The students are as nervous as you are.” ~S. Thornton, 9 ½ years
10. “Start your first day: firm, but fair.” ~Martha Ann Caldwell, 33 years
11. “Take it easy! Teaching for the first time can be overwhelming, so focus on the important tasks (like establishing routines, rules) first. Pray!” ~Rosalie. L. Ochida, 20 years
12. “Keep a journal/notebook about particular items of important information—phone numbers, etc. You’ll need this sooner or later.” ~Patti Klimek, 46 years
13. “Teachers are life-long learners. Remember, each day is an opportunity to learn and discover new things about teaching, your students, and yourself. ‘You are a work in progress.’” ~Beverly A. Neal, 10 years
14. “A new teacher must positively establish routines in the very beginning. Have clear expectations. If you don’t nothing else will matter.” ~Cecelia Sawyer, 20 years
15. “Learn the reasonable expectations of your administration and make them a part of your practice. For example, plans on your desk, prep your room before you leave work, etc.” ~Kara Matthews, 11 years
16. “Show your tough side (strict side) from the moment they walk in the door in the beginning of the year. You can ease up later.” ~Kendall Siedlecki, 4 years
17. “Keep a journal of your first year. Reflect each day on what you feel went well and what could be better. At the end of the year you will be amazed at your growth.” ~Susan Cantorna, 8 years
18. Be confident in your ability—you can do it.” ~Tenika Holden, 5 years
19. “Be consistent throughout the year and don’t deviate from established rules.”~Karyn Kirby, 9 years
20. “My first year teaching, my mentor, Ms. Nora Sink, gave me one piece of advice that I live by. She said, ‘Work smarter and not harder.’ I am organized and effective because of that simple piece of advice.” ~Kelice Hunt, 9 years
21. “It is ok to be afraid, nervous, or anxious. Being human and experiencing self-doubt does not mean that you are a bad teacher.” ~Niyah Corbett, 5 years
22. “Establish routines on day one and be consistent.” ~Stephanie Butler, 7 years
23. “Be flexible. Approach the classroom with an open mind.” ~Daphne Burnett, 18 years
24. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try incorporating at least one new teaching strategy each semester.” ~Parris Easley, 15 years
25. “Thank you for a helping hand in building our youth and our nation. This is not easy, but it will be easier if we’ll work together. Just be dedicated!” ~Shiaron Climaco, 7 years
26. “Realize they are only children and they will only do what you allow them to do. Know that whether they like you or not does not compare to them respecting you. Make sure you enjoy yourself because you’re not in it for the money.” ~Danyel Smith, 5 years
27. “Put on a good show. Teachers are actors/actresses. Know your lines and deliver them well. Kids know a fake when they see one. Be consistent and fair.” ~Danielle Jeanty, 7 years
28. “Students don’t know how much you know until they know how much you care. Students respond to people and not to programs. Use obstacles/challenges as learning tools for growth and development. Enjoy teaching and really get to know your students.” ~Tanya Debnam, Ph.D, 16 years
29. “One bit of advice that I can offer a new teacher would be that it is imperative to be as organized as possible.” ~Valerie Crawford-Schiele, 11 years
30. “Always keep a positive attitude. As I always tell my students: Attitude + Effort = Success.” ~Shelby Nestor, 14 years
31. “During your first year you will accumulate a lot of worksheets, activities, etc. for all subjects. Have some type of organization before the year begins so that these resources can be filed and easily accessed. This way papers don’t pile up as quickly and good ideas don’t get thrown out.” ~Renae Smith, 8 years
32. “Tomorrow will be a better day. Don’t get down on yourself. Have a plan.” ~Kathleen Borden, 3 years
33. “Develop your classroom into a place that you look forward to entering each and every day.” ~Ann Kinney, 3 years
34. “Don’t stay isolated. Ask your principal if you can observe another teacher for a day to see what you can learn.” ~Maxine James, 2 years
35. “Use a free time folder. Have pre-planned interesting activities or a calendar of activities in a folder in every student’s desk. They can complete these activities once they finish their work. At the beginning of the year, they can decorate their folder.” ~Clarissa Simmons Perry, 10 years
36. “You may be extremely nervous on the first day of school and overwhelmed. Don’t worry--just remember why you became a teacher and know that you will make a difference. Set goals for the class and yourself!” ~Evana Santee, 2 years
37. “KISS: K=Keep I=It S=Simple for S=Success” ~Marcia Mincey, 8 years
38. “Do not be too proud to ask for help. ‘I don’t know’ is not detrimental to your career. Resources (including students and colleagues) are plentiful /abundant. Teachers are always lifelong learners.” ~Robyn Jones, 10 years
39. “Establish rules and procedures the first day of school. Make sure students know the consequences for both positive and negative behavior.” ~Temeeka McNeal, 4 years
40. “Keep the lines of communication open with parents. Call them at the beginning of the year and thank them for the experience of working with their child this year. Follow up with positive phone calls throughout the year. Don’t forget to invite them to come and read or spend time with your class.” ~Quiana Gibson, 6 years
41. “You have to like children in order to teach. If not, it won’t work and you won’t be happy.” ~B. Crawford, 27 years
42. “Do not sweat the ‘small stuff.’ New teachers have to learn how to prioritize. Deal with the most important issues or deadlines first and learn how to ignore certain behaviors.” ~Sibigi Lipford-Transon, 5 years
43. “Teaching is a job that takes a lot of mind power, physical power, and will power. It will take you at least three years in a grade before you can become comfortable in that grade.” ~Natalie Manning, 15 years
44. “Keep a log of parent contacts! I write them on the back of information sheets the parents fill out at the beginning of the school year.” ~Amy Warren, 4 years
45. “1. Come to school every day. 2. Make sure your plan and prepare lessons. 3. Be firm and consistent with classroom rules, etc. 4. Be child centered, not subject/content centered.” ~Heidi G. Labro, 24 years
46. “Always spice up your teaching with the word, ‘Love.’ It is the foundation of your strength and motivation to face the challenges in the teaching world. We don’t only teach the mind, but we do touch the heart, too.” ~Maria A. Arquelita, 25 years
47. “Determine whether a child is homeless, has a 504 plan or an IEP. Plan early on. If so, plan and adjust lessons accordingly.” ~Ingrid Hill Butler, 6 years
48. “Find a friend in your building that you can trust to share your triumphs and defeats with. Only a teacher can truly understand what an educator experiences. It is healthy to vent.” ~Rachel Smith, 4 years
49. “1. Try not to become overwhelmed. 2. Take it one day at a time. 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 4. Take a deep breath and relax. 5. Enjoy! Teaching is still a rewarding experience.” ~Tiffany P. Doster, ~6 1/2 years
50. “Learn to be flexible. In school, no day is the same. You have to be ready to switch gears with short notice. Be prepared and don’t let your anxiety show.” ~Marijane Flenner, 26 years
51. “Make sure learning activities take up more class time than individual assessments.” ~Laura Gawetson, 15 years
52. “Never discuss parents with students. Never lose your identity. Keep your excitement. Believe you can get through it. Believe in yourself.” ~Brenda Wade, 4 years
53. “Develop good time and classroom management strategies. Don’t forget transitions.” ~Adelaide Blake, 8 years
54. “Try to attend an in-school book study inquiry group to broaden your skills and get to know your colleagues for further support.” ~Catherine Brant-Dudley, 4 years
55. “Teaching is not a ‘private practice.’ Never be afraid to go beyond the walls of your classroom and learn something new. There is always something new that you can glean from others.” ~Ebony Love Cross, 10 years
56. “Establish classroom rules as soon as possible. Explain consequences as well as rewards for achievement. Create the sense of community amongst students and encourage them to support each other.” ~Charlene Miott-Jones, 6 years
57. “There are no stupid questions in the relationship between a new teacher and a mentor.” ~Anita Turkin, 30 years
58. “Always remember to stay positive because students are the reason we do what we do. Some students could use a smile.” ~Laura O’Dell, 6 years
59. “Find a reliable soundboard. Venting is therapeutic!” ~Nina Jacks, 10 years
60. “When you are overwhelmed, say so--and ask for help! It’s easier to get out of a dimple than the Grand Canyon…and you should always know who is holding your ladder.” ~Dara Case, 9 years
61. “Follow through with what you say you’re going to do, but be careful what you say you’re going to do!” ~Brad Vaccarella, 12 years
62. “Make a few simple rules for your classroom. Be consistent in enforcing the rules. Post them in the classroom and review regularly.” ~Carole Harris-Pryce, 26 years
63. “Have a chart on the wall of ‘Things to Do When I Finish Early.’ There is no such thing as ‘free time’ at school.” ~Jan Johnson, 23 years
64. “The 5 P’s: Proper policies and procedures prevent problems.” ~Amy Vereb, 9 years
65. “Do not be afraid to ask for help. No problem is too simple. No question is insignificant.” ~Priscilla P. Williams, 16 years
66. “I would tell new teachers to pace themselves and try strategies and techniques a little at a time so that they will not be overwhelmed. Then, I would them to journal the results for reflection.” ~Wyceta Thompson, 7 years
67. “Every child is an individual with their own set of dynamics. Create your teaching lessons according to the majority of what you see in your class.” ~Yvonne Smallwood, 9 years
68. “Never be afraid to ask questions if you need help.” ~Aminakou Sounna, 13 years
69. “Stay calm, know your purpose, believe in yourself, and know the joy of becoming a daily blessing in the life at least one student.” ~Shonda Pegram Wooden, 9 years
70. “Establish a routine. Establish clear rules and expectations. Be consistent.” ~Keisha Warner, 13 years
71. “Always remain open to new ideas and opportunities.” ~Yolanda Nelson, 10 years
72. “Be very flexible and accept criticism. It is only to help you.” ~Lindsay Cannon, 7 years
73. “Even the most successful teacher experiences challenges. Utilize all of your resources in order to work through your challenges and grow as a teacher.” ~Jessica Clayton, 3 1/2 years
74. “One bit of advice I can offer a new teacher is to implement class rules and procedures every day and always.” ~Tara Johnson, 10 years
75. “Stay consistent and reflect often about teaching, student behavior, and organization.” ~Nicola Norris, 11 years
76. “It’s important to spend the first two-three weeks of school establishing and reinforcing almost daily, the rules and expectations. It will pay off during the course of the school year.” ~Deborah Briscoe-Copeland, 15 years
77. “Please ask questions if you do not understand something or do not know what something is used for.” ~Jen Borger, 5 years
78. “Plan twice as much as you think you need for every lesson--better to be over-planned than left with 15 minutes and nothing to do.” ~Crissy Wheatley, 8 years
79. “Do not think that you cannot have fun with your classes, you can. Don’t get stuck in a bubble. Your lively, fun personality should spill over into your teaching.” ~Tameka Paschal, 13 years
80. “Being stern is not the same as being mean.” ~Billy Shulman, 3 years
81. “Do your best to learn the names of all of your students by the end of week one. Make notations on your class rosters to help you know who’s who.” ~Greer Curry, 17 years
82. “New teachers must encourage and engage their students in relevant classroom lessons.” ~Roxane France-Woods, 17 years
83. “One bit of advice that I would offer to a new teacher is to make parental contact and always keep accurate records. Developing a teacher/parent relationship can be essential to student success.” ~Marie Sims, 12 years
84. “Require students to be their best self-advocates if they need help or have issues with grades. They must communicate effectively! Don’t do the footwork for them. It will cripple them and create more work for you!” ~Nyala Dupree-Walker, 3 years
85. “Never let your pride get in the way of being a good professional. If you don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask somebody. You will find that there are nice and helpful people in your building just waiting to help you.” ~Denena O. Walton-Adelowo, 9 years
86. “As a new teacher, be humble and open to suggestions. It is important not to take things personally.” ~Katawaba R. Vaughan, 4 years
87. “Building relationships with your students will help you to have a successful school year.” ~Alvita Jeffers, 9 years
88. “Be clear about the type of classroom you want to have. Remember how you begin something is how it will end. Choose your course of action carefully.” ~Juanita Jeter, 10 years
89. “Building relationships with staff, students, and parents is key to a successful teaching career.” ~Sharon Holley, 21 years
90. “Build a positive working relationship with your team members.” ~Sandra C., 30 years
91. “Build relationships with 1. Your students, 2. Their parents, 3. Your colleagues.” ~Sheila Jackson, 14 years
92. “Asking for help is not a sign of failure. It shows willingness to learn and grow.” ~Pamela Stewart, 9 years
93. “Before you begin writing your plans at the beginning of the year you should visualize yourself teaching various seating arrangements that may work and how you would handle various discipline problems.” ~Anthony Lee, 12 years
94. “It is natural to feel overwhelmed. Just stop, regroup, walk away, refocus, and remember that tomorrow is another day! Hang in there and keep smiling!” ~Valerie Rivers, 13 years