Below are some frequently asked questions about our products as well as questions that are often posed by new teachers.
What are the most important areas a new teacher should focus on before the school year begins?
As a first year teacher you will find yourself pulled in many different directions and often feeling unprepared. The more you prepare before the year begins the better. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your school’s policies and procedures, decide on a behavior management plan, and decide on what routines you’ll want your students to follow from day one. Ask other teachers for ideas and advice and then incorporate what you want into your plan for the year. As well, it would be helpful to pick up a book for first year teachers to guide you before the students even walk through the door.
What is the most important thing new teachers can do during the first few weeks of school to ensure a smooth year?
First and foremost establish yourself as the authority figure to students and parents. Being prepared with a behavior management plan, rules, and routines will show that you are an organized and confident teacher. During the first few weeks of the year it is extremely important that you are consistent with your expectations from the very moment the students walk through the door. If you work on routines and procedures from the get go (even something as simple as when students are allowed to sharpen their pencils) the rest of the school year will flow easier because the foundation of your classroom expectations has been laid.
How is your book different from other first year teacher books?
Although there are other first year teacher books on the market, ours is unique in that before publication, each chapter of the book was read by administrators and veteran teachers from various fields of education. Their suggestions, along with Maria’s own experiences as a mentor who worked with first year teachers, have been incorporated into each section.
Didn’t I learn everything I needed to know in my student teaching experience?
New teachers come into their first year with what they’ve learned in college classes and student teaching experiences. However, as those of us in the education field know, the first year of teaching is on the job experience, learn as you go, and trying to stay one step ahead of the curriculum, administrative demands, and the day to day challenges of teaching. You’ve Got The Job Now Keep It! is an up-to-date reference guide for new teachers and provides practical suggestions for running any classroom. Check out our See Inside on the From Our Book tab. You can look through the table of contents and see a few sample pages.
Is You’ve Got The Job Now Keep It! only for new teachers?
No. The suggestions in our book can be used by new and veteran teachers alike. Teachers are always learning and implementing new strategies into their classrooms. Whether it’s dealing with behavior management issues or organizational strategies, our book has something for everyone.
Where do you get your lessons, units, and games from?
All our activities are original activities written by teachers and have been tried in classrooms. Many of these lessons have been handed down from teacher to teacher.