If you’re new to the classroom...
Whether you are a student teacher or in your first paid teaching assignment, there are a number of issues that deserve your attention. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your career as a teacher:
Work and play well with others
Find a mentor. Whether your school district assigns you a mentor as part of a formal mentoring program or not, it’s useful to have someone to provide guidance and the benefit of experience. There’s more to successfully navigating a new position than just knowing where the coffee is; find a successful veteran who is well regarded by his/her peers and make a new friend. An experienced educator may serve not only as a tremendous resource in terms of materials and ideas, but also as part of a much needed support network.
Recognize your probationary status. Understand that the first couple of years of your employment are the legal equivalent of a “test drive.” Under the statutes governing teacher contracts, you are a probationary employee (see Survival Guide contracts section). As such, your school district will likely be scrutinizing you more carefully than veteran employees, since it’s legally easier to make a change while you are still on probationary status and, as the term implies, they’re trying you out. Your contract can be nonrenewed for any reason or no reason while on probationary status, as long as you are not the victim of illegal discrimination under federal law. This means that even if you think you’re doing a good job, if your principal doesn’t like you or you aren’t regarded as working well with others, you may find yourself seeking employment elsewhere. As a result, we suggest:
- Avoid antagonizing your principal, if at all possible. This may not be the time to complain loudly in a faculty meeting. The person with the most influence on the decision of whether your employment is continued or not is going to be your campus principal, so be mindful of the balance of power.
- Make a concerted effort to work well with all of your colleagues, from your fellow teachers to the classroom aides to the principal’s secretary. A successful career in a district begins with what is perceived as a “good fit” between you and the rest of the faculty.
Address issues quickly when they arise
Deal with parental complaints professionally and promptly. Many parents are wary of new teachers to begin with, knowing that your experience is limited. If you fail to address any concerns they raise, their next stop is likely to be the principal’s office. Too many parental complaints is a reason often cited when probationary teachers are not invited to return to their employing district.
Pay attention to any red flags regarding your performance. Even if the concerns are not “documented” in writing, if your principal or another supervisor comments critically on your performance in any regard, whether it’s cutting it close on your arrival time each morning or maintaining discipline in the classroom, take heed and make appropriate adjustments.
Seek out and obtain any necessary training to enhance your skills. The TCTA Web site provides free online professional development to members, which can help you meet the requirements of certificate renewal. Further, if any problems with your performance are noted, your supervisors are likely to be pleased with your response if you immediately seek out training to help you improve.
Issues of professionalism
Remember your role. Though many of you, especially at the high school level, may look young and, in fact, may not be much older than some of your students, remember that you are their teacher, not their peer. It is a significant mistake to behave otherwise, and could result in loss of your current position or even your certificate. Specifically:
- Never entertain students at your home. Even if they’re watching R-rated movies on their own, you don’t want them doing it with you.
- Avoid the temptation to share inside jokes, flirt or make any risqué remarks – these things will come back to haunt you and ultimately undermine your authority in the classroom.
- Dress modestly and professionally. Crushes are rampant.
- Don’t fraternize with students outside of school-sponsored activities. You can be supportive of your students without being buddies.
- Never sanction the consumption of alcohol or drugs by students, either explicitly or implicitly.
- Avoid any sort of off color or profane remark; remember that your students are not adults and what may be amusing at the moment won’t look good in a transcript.
Do your Internet surfing at home. An increasing number of teachers, including veterans, are surprised to learn that their Internet activities on school computers are not private. Any computer use on school equipment should be directly related to your employment.
Be a scout and always be prepared. It’s tough duty to be the center of attention all day every day, and expecting the unexpected helps. Your days will be much easier if you have a headache remedy, nail clippers and safety pins in your desk drawer (but remember, never provide aspirin or other medication to a student without official approval).
Take advantage of your planning and preparation period. Not only does this opportunity potentially ease the homework burden you will shoulder in grading papers, preparing lesson plans, etc., but it also offers you a chance to decompress a bit before resuming your role as teacher. Avoid the temptation to participate in gripe sessions in the lounge if they occur at your school; not only are your remarks likely to be repeated to others, but it can be demoralizing to listen to complainers.
Take advantage of your professional resources
Everybody starts off as a novice. Experience counts, but so does the enthusiasm you bring to your new profession. As you build on your student teaching success, keep in mind that each school district, campus and student will present their own unique challenges, as will being the “teacher of record” and the added professional responsibility that post entails. If you are having trouble, seek out the help you need without hesitation.
Go to your mentor. If you are having trouble with issues that your teacher training may not have fully prepared you to address (student discipline comes immediately to mind), a talented veteran can give you amazingly helpful guidance.
Take advantage of the training opportunities offered by TCTA. Both our Web site, with its free online training, and our meetings at the local and state levels offer you the opportunity for professional growth.
If you think an employment-related legal problem may be developing, call our Legal Department immediately. Having toll-free access to eight staff attorneys is much like having a law firm on retainer (for only the cost of your dues). Our legal staff is experienced in helping you address concerns identified by your supervisors, suggesting ways you can enhance your position, and helping you remain employable if your first position is not a good fit.
Make sure TCTA has your e-mail address. Especially during legislative sessions, we will provide you with current information about changes under consideration that may affect your future as an educator.
Check the TCTA Web site regularly. You’ll find helpful information on issues ranging from student discipline to NCLB that can answer your questions and better equip you in the classroom.
Refer to this Survival Guide as needed. While this publication does not substitute for the advice of an attorney, it does provide up-to-date information on education-related topics that are crucial to Texas teaching professionals. Keep it in a handy place you will find yourself reaching for this publication throughout the year.
