If nothing else, this is a thought-provoking video. Perhaps a bit off-topic, in fact, I’m not even posting this to raise a political conversation. However, I would be interested in hearing from some of the social studies teachers out there. What kinds of things have you done to help your students overcome the ignorance of facts that these twelve interviewees demonstrate?

November is Reader Appreciation Month at So You Want To Teach? This year’s focus is First Year Teaching Tips. There’s still room if you want to participate! Contact me and let me know your answer to this question:

What are some things you wish you had known before you started your first year of teaching?

Today’s response is from Clix, the author of Epic Adventures Are Often Uncomfortable.

1. Backward Design - Reviewing the standards and keeping them in mind as I plan my units and my lessons helps me to clarify for the students what they need to learn.
2. Each year will continue to get better (at least, as of the first four years!) as long as you continually review what’s working and what’s not working and examine WHY. Sometimes, though, you still have times of incredible frustration.
3. Minimize grading in every way possible; returning graded work FAST is incredibly difficult, but also essential. (It may not be as difficult if you’re not an English teacher; I don’t know.)
4. I knew that having a support system would be important; I didn’t realize that it would most likely save both my sanity and my career!
5. Whenever a class leaves the room for the day, pick up any supplies that have been abandoned - paper, pens, pencils, erasers, whatever. This has provided me with enough supplies that I always have some to loan out.
6. Being responsible for other people’s money is terrifying! Fill out receipts RIGHT AWAY and hand the money in to the secretaries as soon as possible!
7. Have back-up supplies on hand for anything you’re not willing to purchase out of pocket. Purchase orders can take longer than expected to be approved, and then there’s shipping. Don’t expect to get reimbursed for anything you buy without prior approval in writing from an appropriate supervisor. (I knew that one already, but it bears repeating!)
8. You will spend less time at the copying machine and use fewer copies if you require that students answer on notebook paper and give the photocopies back to you.
9. Very few students will be the type of student you were when you were in school, no matter what type of student you were.
10. There are lots of excellent books on teaching out there. If your library does not have a book you’d like to use, see if you can check it out through interlibrary loan. You can also take a notebook to Borders or Barnes & Noble and study from their nice, new books without paying a cent (you’re just not allowed to take them with you when you leave).

November is Reader Appreciation Month at So You Want To Teach? This year’s focus is First Year Teaching Tips. There’s still room if you want to participate! Contact me and let me know your answer to this question:

What are some things you wish you had known before you started your first year of teaching?

Today’s response is from Scribbler, the author of Scribbler’s Den.

1. A school’s focus on student results and grades is not necessarily a focus on their education. You should focus on their education.
2. The structure of the school year into units, terms and semesters mean the years will pass by more swiftly than you can believe possible. I feel like my first year of teaching ended just yesterday.
3. School can be an opportunity to pursue your hobbies (in my case, technology and writing). The passion you have for your hobbies can power your teaching.
4. Students for all their moaning about lack of freedom love structure and routine.
5. That new literacy initiative is the same as the literacy initiative introduced 15 years ago only it has a different name. Get a senior teacher’s perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of the program.
6. Students are more forgiving than teachers are. Teachers can be like elephants (they never forget).
7. Believe that students can teach you to be a better teacher: not just other teachers. You get to see their reactions first hand and they can be brutally honest when presented the chance to give feedback.
8. Teaching experience may be important but the energy, initiative and attitude of a first year teacher are powerful teaching tools as well. I try to team up with first year teachers wherever possible. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
9. Playground duty is an opportunity to network and build rapport, not a chore.
10. You shouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel; borrow, beg and ’steal’ resources from your colleagues, the internet etc. And remember to share what you find.
11. Some school initiatives are CV initiatives. Learn how to say no politely but firmly if student interests aren’t the focus or your schedule can’t take the load.

Yeah I know there are eleven things listed. I couldn’t help it. :)

November is Reader Appreciation Month at So You Want To Teach? This year’s focus is First Year Teaching Tips. There’s still room if you want to participate! Contact me and let me know your answer to this question:

What are some things you wish you had known before you started your first year of teaching?

Today’s response is from Emily, a regular reader of this blog.

1. NEVER assume your kids know the basics, you might be surprised.
2. It’s not you personally, but it might have been something you overlooked.
3. Sometimes, patience isn’t enough, though it will get you through the tough times.
4. First and foremost: love your students first, then share your knowledge.
5. Classroom Procedures should be set up the FIRST WEEK of school, not in the SECOND QUARTER!
6. Sometimes, the money doesn’t even play into it when your students “get it” for the first time.
7. Never think you’re insulting the students’ intelligence when setting up class rules. Sometimes, they are dumber than they look, doesn’t matter how old they are.
8. Everything I needed to know about Middle School students, I learned from my Preschoolers. Whoever invented TIME OUT was a genius!
9. Don’t be afraid to use a method book when trying to teach a new concept, sometimes it does the work for you.
10. If you don’t give yourself some ME time once or twice a week, bitterness will surely ensue. Watch out….