10 Things New Teachers Need to Know

Teaching is an art, but even artists don't know everything at the start. So, here's a list of 10 things to help new teachers get started.

1. Start your year by being strict, firm, and consistent. You can become more lenient later.
2. Overplan so you won't have excess time at the end of the class period.
3. Avoid being dragged into negativity. It's very easy, so work hard to avoid it.
4. Eat lunch without working. Get away from your desk for those few minutes.
5. Set boundaries for your work after the workday ends. Limit how much time each night you will work after hours; otherwise, you may get overwhelmed.
6. Avoid the snack machine. Teachers are notorious for gaining weight, so be careful.
7. Post work by students - and not just "A" students. All students want to see their work displayed.
8. Keep your class rules to a minimum, 4 or 5. Too many complicate things; too few confuses students due to vagueness.
9. Use students' names. Everyone likes to hear his or her own name; it helps create a rapport.
10. Seek out veteran teachers and ask them for pointers. Then, later, return the favor by sharing new knowledge you have from your recent college experience. Accept their knowledge first, so you don't come across as a "Know-it-all".