After completing my first year of teaching, these are the nine “game changers” I shared with colleagues starting their careers. Reflecting on this list nine years later, it brings me joy to say they still hold true in a different world. Following are my top practical tips for thriving as a Kentucky teacher in the classroom. What you do every day matters more than what you do every once in a while, and these are the habits and practices I intentionally incorporate as an educator.
9. Be slow to anger.
When working with students who are learning so much in such a short amount of time, having patience is critical. While we deliver and assess academic content, it is essential to remember that many students are learning social skills, work ethic, emotional regulation and how to be a good human. We can lead by example by being slow to anger, taking a breath and having conversations with students and faculty. From the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Understanding others and ourselves is much more possible when we are slow to anger, which leads to more significant results.
8. Just ask.
Instead of making assumptions about what to do, when to do it or where, ask. Some people feel self-conscious asking questions during professional development (PD) or faculty meetings. Still, your questions may help someone with the same wonderings and inform administration and coaches of areas that need more clarification. Asking questions can create a shared understanding, help you feel more confident in the task, and lead to more student success.
7. Remember to huddle up at the holiday party.
I love a good holiday party, but I love the people I work with even more! Building trust with the people you share your daily life with is a special bond. You gain the opportunity to know talented people who care for others. Through teaching, I have met staff who double as artists, local sheriffs, bakers, college professors, swim coaches and more. I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate important life milestones with these phenomenal educators, including hard-earned degrees, weddings and babies. Your feeling about going to work Monday morning says a lot about how you feel about the culture. If you have a sinking feeling, try getting to know some colleagues so you have a dependable friend. If you are part of a positive staff culture, think about how you can show appreciation to someone you don’t usually talk to or include a staff member who is new this year to join in for lunch between professional development (PD) sessions.
6. Students can do what you believe they can do.
Have you ever heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy? It’s the idea that if you believe you can do it, you can. Before you achieve, you first have to think that you can. Acknowledging students can complete a task or achieve a level of thinking is the first step toward their success. I like to tell my students when they aren’t sure what to do; imagine what I would say. During an assessment, a student was struggling.
Given that it was an assessment, the support I could provide at the moment was limited. When the student asked for help, I responded, “What would I usually say to do?” His response surprised me when he said, “You can do this.” You can be your students’ biggest cheerleader and advocate in the school setting. Just imagine how much they will accomplish because you set the standard that they can achieve in the first place. It’s easy to tell kids they can do hard things; it’s more challenging for them to believe it themselves. When they know you think they can accomplish the hard things, they will be more motivated and know you are counting on them.
5. Trust the kids to be on their own, but have a way to hold them accountable.
Too much direct teaching can limit students’ creativity. Students need choices in their day, but they also need structure. Think about being a kid. They don’t get to choose much in their day-to-day lives. They go home and eat what their family cooks, with little input. They wear the clothes their family buys them and may or may not get to help shop; they live where they have no say and take required classes. They live a life chosen for them. Letting students have time to be independent and make learning choices can be powerful and enhance your repertoire. While students need some choice in their learning, they also need structure and accountability. A quick reflection, sharing or conversation is a great way to check in, get to know students, and ensure learning takes place for free choice moments.
4. The more engagement = less time with behaviors.
If you need help with behavior management or need help with how to respond to constant talking, students out of their seats or incomplete assignments, try adding more engagement or opportunities to respond (OTR). Engaging activities take longer to plan, but they save time when correcting behaviors later. For example, instead of a worksheet about character traits, try posting characters kids love around the school. Take a walk and record these characters’ physical and personality traits as you discover them in different locations. Use a Mr. Potato Head to practice describing physical traits and then hide Post-it notes with personality traits on the inside to be found. These activities make comprehension concrete, keep students’ whole bodies more engaged, and translate well when reading a text and discussing characters.
3. Find someone who will let you take a bathroom break.
The need for a bathroom buddy speaks for itself. When you have to go, you have to go, and knowing who to call can save you a lot of stress later.
2. Incentives are always a good thing.
Who doesn’t love a little appreciation? Find out what motivates your students. Some students prefer a public shoutout, while others prefer private praise. Knowing your students’ interests and motivation styles to encourage their learning makes a huge difference in your day-to-day routines, and it doesn’t have to cost a dime. Celebrate their achievements inside and outside of the classroom. My favorite way to do this is through goal setting and morning meeting shares.
1. Remember that everyone is unique, including students and staff.
We all have lives outside of work. Remembering everyone, students and staff alike, are humans with feelings, hobbies and families outside the walls of your school building is critical. Give grace, love others and know that most people are doing their best and may be different from you. Our experiences shape us, and we all have lived very different lives.
If you want a career where you know you are making a difference, be a teacher. Send these ideas to a colleague to show you care and enhance their day-to-day or adjust their mindset with these tips.