Tips To A Great School Year

Here are my tips for not only starting the school year off right, but also getting through the school year well! Know that you are at your best when you are less stressed. Don't worry, I will be reminding you of this very often.

1.       Go in with a positive, open mind.  Sure, you know a lot. You may even be a veteran.  But, it is always good to be able to sit back and listen to other people’s ideas. First year teachers tend to always have some really creative ideas.  Rather than doing all the talking, open your mind and listen to someone else’s ideas every once in a while regardless of how long you have been teaching.

2.       Set a schedule.  The inevitable is sure to occur.  Just don’t let it get you in a tizzy. Face it, things happen.  I have noticed that children behave so much better if they know what should happen in a normal day of work. Just beware; they will try to correct you if you veer away from the normal happenings.  Reassure them that things change and they are still expected to complete all activities regardless of the schedule shift.

3.       Set clear expectations…not just for students, but for everyone around you.  If you allow craziness, craziness will surely find you.  Let it be known in your expression, your appearance, choice of words, and actions that you are not going to put up with the foolishness.  Drama will try to come your way every once in a while to test your tolerance level, but keep a level head and remain positive throughout any situations that arise with colleagues, students, parents, guests, and even your boss.   You don’t have to be mean to keep the drama away.  Just don’t join it. Trust me, it is sure to come.

4.       Remain positive. No matter how hectic things may get and how unsure you might become about your job because something outrageous occurred on your watch, always keep a positive outlook.  Complaining and negativity will only make you feel worse about the situation and about yourself.  Don’t bring negativity into your space unless your goal is to feel bad. I doubt that any of us strive to feel bad…right? o_O

5.       Maximize your time.  My number one plea for teachers is to never make a habit of taking your work home.  If you do, your home life becomes your work life and you will lose a personal life.  Even if you do not have a family to take care of when you get home, you still have to take care of yourself. That’s even more important.  Rather than sitting around mingling and talking during your free time before school hours, after school hours, planning time, and lunch time I suggest that you get ahead of the tasks you know are required of you.  If you have to shut your lights off and hide in a corner to complete paperwork so no one can come to your room to bother you then so be it.  I’m not saying you should be a loner, but you need to take care of business before you play.  That is where so many teachers go wrong and end up paying for it later. Maximizing your time helps to keep you stress free!

Here are just 5 tips to help you get through the school year.  I hope they work for you! Just always remember to be consistent while implementing them.  Let me know how it goes.