20 Tips for New Teachers | That Teacher Life Ep 8

[@cypoole]

Tip 1 : Consistency and practicing procedures/ routines is the MOST important thing. Spend ALL summer if you have to planning your procedures so you know what to do. If you succeed at this everything else is easier. If you FAIL at this NOTHING you do matters. Your principal will consider you a bad teacher and your classroom will be hell on earth. I know from experience. Practice routines over and over the first week or two and don't focus as much on academics. Incorporate academics with teaching your routines , but let the routine teaching be the focus. Be very vigilant and specific, you have to teach them how to do things that seem like every human should know such as trash goes in a trash can, don't run with scissors and put your name on the paper (and I taught 6th grade and still had these problems). You may think you explained something extremely clearly like 9 times, but they may not get it until you say it the 10th time slightly differently or model it exactly how you what. For example if you want them to line up, you may have to physically show them what you mean by stand straight in line, don't just say straight line , go up and say stand like me "shoulders down, face forward, feet together, directly behind the person in front of you, not talking to the person next to you" sounds ridiculous, but there are many kids who don't understand what you mean by standing straight in a line. I mean some kids have never seen snow before, you'll be surprised by what they know and what they don't know. So teach and model everything everyday until they do it the way you want. 2) Contact parents soon with something positive first ideally. Then contact early when behavior is bad. Don't be afraid to contact them because they'll be the ones pissed at you later for not telling them sooner that their kid is throwing pencils in school. "He did it 3 times! Why didn't you tell me the first time?" Some parents just want to know everything. 3) DOCUMENT everything. In a binder or on your phone. If you have a conversation with another teacher, parent or your administrator, EVEN casually in the hall and they give you any advice or instruction take note. Just write a simple note with the name of who you talked to, the location , date , time and briefly what was said: talked to principal in the hall at 1:30, Jimmy was yelling at lunch, tomorrow he will have detention in principals office. Bam then tomorrow you can send principal an email saying "just want to check in on what we talked about in the hall yesterday, should I send jimmy to you at lunch?" Or something like that. Anytime someone in charge tells you to do something or about something important it's good to send a follow up email saying exactly what you heard them say and ASK it in a question format. What this does is gives evidence through email (valid in court) of what you heard and gives them a chance to clarify if you misunderstood so you don't ever get in trouble for hearing wrong or if they remembered wrong. You may think you won't have any issues because you are an honest person, but you probably will at some point be questioned by somebody for something so keep records. You also want to record directions the boss gives, suggestions any time they observe you or evaluate you. And of course record every parent phone call or conversation. In addition you want to keep a discipline record for kids who have a pattern of not behaving. Start recording what they did, what you did to re-teach and help them, the result and if you contacted parents or the office. That way if you have to suspend a kid or have a parent conference you have specific examples of their behavior . 4) Also for Legal and safety reasons never be alone with a student even for a second. If you are talking to them privately make sure your door is open and that other people could see you. If you have a really difficult kid who is not honest then try to speak with them or discipline them with another teacher present like call a mentor teacher over to your class when you hold them in for recess and ask them to observe. I had a student in at recess, the door was open, but no one else was around. The student was only talking to me for 2 min, and I was trying to encourage them in better behavior, somehow the student decided I had not said encouraging things, but actually said I don't like them and no one likes them. They lied to their parent about what I said the parent called the school to complain and I got reprimanded because there were no witnesses to see. So basically if you keep kids in at recess keep more than 1, keep the door open, or have them do the work outside the classroom in the hall, or ask another teacher to come or if you have a really difficult kid who just can't be trusted then send them to the office at recess. If you have to just let them go to recess and find some other motivator. Avoid being alone with kids for your own safety. 5) If you don't want to get sick a lot then take moringa supplements and zinc,vitamin c , echinacea supplements. I have a gummy that has all 3 from Lil critters. Plus like she said you have to take care of yourself. It's called self-care. I thought I was doing it right because I let myself have 1 hour of tv after my 5 hours of planning every night. No. Bad. Don't agonize over your job because sometimes the harder you try , if something ain't working, doesn't make a lick of difference. Work smarter , not harder.

[@laneymedberry4849]

Holy cow

[@samanthabenvenuti8430]

Hey guys, Check out my new KZbin clip. If you're a teacher or a parent - I want to hear from you. Do you think picture books still matter in the classroom? Comment below! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3-uhH53i5elrrs

[@oneleggedduck]

One thing I learned my first year teaching is that developing routines for yourself is just as important as for your students. Make a list of what to do when you get to school every day, and what you have to do before you leave each day. Things that might often get forgotten like organizing your teacher desk, making copies for the next day, checking your box etc. I started doing these things my second year and it went so much smoother!

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

I absolutely agree with this! My planning time is so much more productive now because I go into it with a list of things to get accomplished.

[@hannahjones4156]

I'm a first year teacher. I had a really rough week. Your words and encouragement just brightened my day. Thank you!

[@tisha_1234l]

Hannah Jones yessss

[@marierosetj]

Im not a teacher, but I want all the teachers to know that I really do appreciate them, and I respect them. I understand this, but I want them to know I am the luckiest to have them. Especially my teacher Ms.Mincher.

[@pm-r6136]

Taking time for yourself is so important. We spend so much time trying to help students that we neglect ourselves. I agree that we should never compare ourselves to other teachers. We're all unique and do things in our own special way.

[@amandawilkins8403]

Super tips! I like your quote, “You can’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or end.”

[@Nailpolishfreakful]

This was extremely helpful!! I'm in college to be a teacher and will definitely be keeping these tips in mind. I would love to see a video of you just going over how your first year of teaching went. The good, the bad, the unexpected, etc.

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I can definitely do a video on that! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sharkness100]

This is my sixth year teaching and I agree with ALL of your tips! I also agree on the importance of your last tip, we need to take time for ourselves. It is definitely hard especially when certain things are NOT DONE, but we also need to enjoy the time when we are not in our teacher role.

[@itsmelissak511]

So happy I found your channel! I am in my sophomore year of college majoring in elementary and special education! I can't wait to keep watching your videos and watching you grow as a teacher! Thank you for all of the great tips!!

[@erikahamlin1648]

I love your channel and tips! I'm a first year 3rd/4th grade teacher and love what I do. My tip is to take the parents up on their offers to volunteer or help. I didn't know how to initially, but am so thankful for giving it a shot. It's brought us all closer together and even encouraged the kids to see their parents at the school helping out! 😊👍🏼

[@cedieeeee2828]

Tips are awesome! I'm in 5th grade (a bit too early, maybe?) and teaching elementary students is my DREAM job! By "getting to know your own school", I hope that I can possibly teach at my own elementary school that I go today, but it might possibly be renovated soon😂

[@danikabellemare1]

Cedieeeee tips are awesome I’m also in fifth grade and I really want to be elementary teacher too

[@sharonbizriguez]

That's what grade I was in when I decided to be a teacher. Now, I'm in my first year teaching. Don't give it up!! :)

[@twi1875]

I’m in fourth grade and I also want to be a teacher.

[@melanieranson7632]

another tip, going along with #18 keep an ENTIRE extra outfit at school

[@michelleelliott7295]

A few other ways to get classroom books are 1. Library book sales - In my area we have groups called "Friends of the Library" that sell books twice a year at different branches. Not all branches are good at this, so you might have to try a few different locations. At the sales counter show your teacher id and ask is there is a teacher discount. Mention that you work in a title 1 school if applicable. I usually get books at half what they are selling them to the public for. I usually pay anywhere from 10 to 50 cents each. Plan to get there when it opens for the best selection. 2. Scholastic book orders - With bonus points you can order free books. There are always dollar books that I stock up on. Check the website at all the grade levels and you can find some great deals. In February there is usually a dollar book category with maybe a hundred books for a dollar each in the "Teacher Store" section. 3. Send a note home to parents asking for donations of books that their child may not have room for in the house anymore.

[@YesYesJenna]

I'm about to start my 2nd year of teaching and these tips are still helpful to me. My first year of teaching was extremely rough so I'm pretty anxious/nervous about Year 2!

[@kendraleier5273]

I'm interning (student teacher) this fall, and love your tips! Many of them I had already begun doing, and others I will add. I have definitely found that the support of other teachers in the building is key. It's good to have a "buddy" who you can check in with. I found another teacher who I connect with and she often will check in with me a few times a week just to see how I'm doing. I really enjoy your ideas on early finishers and sub plans and will go check those links out!

[@BlackRoze29]

For the cell phone number, next year I'm using the Sideline app. It adds a line to your cell phone with a separate number and it allows calls and texts. I had a heck of a time with my classroom phone this year and some parents had number blocking when I called using *67 with my cell phone. I also have an out of state number on my cell phone. But getting a separate, local number worked really well the last couple weeks of school. I'm going keep using it.

[@MsPeaceandLove11]

Love it! I love the fast talk. Thanks for the tips!

[@courtneygunn5254]

Wow. I'm in my third year of college studying to be a teacher and I really enjoyed this video and am hoping I can implement these suggestions into my future classroom. Thanks so much for being so open and always giving such great advice!

[@briannant]

I am in the same position as you. I really appreciate any advice that can be given to help.

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I wish you the best of luck when you start teaching!

[@ThePackQueen]

I am a first year Sped PreK teacher and I am so grateful for your advice! Thank you

[@indiahodges1428]

This video has helped me so much! I will be a 1st year teacher this year and am already overwhelmed with not knowing what I should be doing to prep for the first day these tips just gave me a small dose of peace. :) Thank You!!!

[@Mimzarooni]

On my first field trip, the bus left me. Yep, it pulled out of the school without two of three teachers. Still hate field trips! 🙄

[@thesandrapagethings]

I was homeschooled, but whenever I would finish my work early in K-2nd grade, my mom would let me color on the back of my worksheet. I LOVED it! Haha It might not work for everyone, but it might be something you could let your early finishers do if you don't have any extra activities available. :)

[@tisha_1234l]

These are awesome tips. Thank you so much for sharing! It was very encouraging. I'm a first year teacher and sometimes I do compare my work to seasoned teachers because I just want to do my best. Some of your tips I learnt the hard way lol... especially with the clothing. I remember wearing a skirt which turned out to be a coloring book lol. The money spent on rewards and decorating the classroom really adds up. And making time for yourself outside of teaching IS crucial.

[@mariely0527]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your tips! As a veteran teacher, I feel all of your tips are helpful to both new teachers and veteran teachers as well. Love following you and watching your videos.

[@thisartjourney5150]

I am going to go broke from shopping in your TPT store!!!! lol.

[@littlesimsfairy]

Try Hand Sanitizer to get dry erase marker off your clothes... it doesnt always work on every type of fabric, but worth a try! SAVED ME when I was subbing in a kindergarten class!

[@tanishasanders9365]

Thank you for talking about your teacher life, as a potential educator, it really helps me to get organized and excited. Thank you!!!!!!

[@york752010]

I love your videos. I am getting ready to start as a new middle school ELA and Social Studies teacher and it is a career change for me so I am doing an alternative teacher program. Your videos are amazing and have been so helpful.

[@VTtink]

Just found you!! Binge watching all your videos :)

[@bdancer7416]

I love your videos! I am a soon to be teacher and I love seeing someone relatable! ❤️

[@MsLeprechaun7]

Thank you so much for sharing! I am planning on going back to school to earn my teaching degree. These tips are going to be really handy for me in the future. Thank you again!

[@lizger94]

I'm so happy that I've found your KZbin page! I'm a student teacher next year, so I need all the tips I can get! Great video, and I'll definitely be watching this video the night before my first day as a "real" teacher, hahaha!

[@cindyperez9791]

Hi. I'm a teaching practitioner from Chile. I had never being into a classroom or taught anything before this year (not the way it is supposed to be done at least), and I totally get what you say about feeling like an alien inside the school. It is so hard sometimes that I start asking myself if I may have mistaken the profession I chose. Thanks for this video!!!

[@rupaliii]

I'm going to be a teacher and these are really helpful. Thanks for this video. You are doing a good job💕

[@createteachthrive5106]

awesome tips! I like how a lot of us discuss the same tips in our videos and elaborate on them differently :) I wish I had this info at my fingertips when I was a first year teacher... Thanks for posting!

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much! Yes, I definitely agree!

[@weiwei08]

Thank you for taking time out of your busy teaching schedule to make these videos! I just got a teaching job starting next fall and will definitely be using your tips for my first year!

[@paigewillis9163]

I am a elementary school student and these tips would really help my teachers

[@caprispillingtheteaLST]

These where some awesome tips. I am going to school to become a teacher and I really like to look ahead and watch videos like this. Thank you again!!!

[@Haileyrocks360]

I'm about to start my first year teaching at a middle school and this video helped!!

[@MrsBryon]

Such great advice! I wish I'd had this info my first year. I may go back to education, don't know yet...

[@ubaidrehman7793]

It's brilliant infact.But you spoke so quickly despite that, it's great work.Thank you.

[@dancerjen1]

I just want to let you know that I'm absolutely loving your videos! Also, as a future teacher, I LOVE this video!!

[@annakl1226]

This as a very helpful and encouraging video. I just got a job as a kindergarten teacher as a first year teacher. I am very nervous, but this video was very helpful and made me feel a little more at ease.

[@洪琪琪-j2d]

yes i'm a first-year teacher. thanks for your video. kind of putting me at ease!

[@VanazzaB]

Thank you so much!! I’m a first year teacher and your channel is a blessing! I am now a subscriber so please keep the videos coming!

[@dakotahjaramillo318]

Can you do a video about College for teaching? what to expect, hardest classes, tips, etc.

[@skylarh2400]

Thank you so much for this video! I am currently student teaching and this has been very beneficial!

[@stevenchew9662]

thank you for your great videos! i'm going to be a 4th grade teacher and i did my student teaching in 2nd grade so this is perfect and so helpful!

[@mariambeshara7466]

Thank you so much for your videos, you're awesome and so easy to listen to! Can you do a video(s) on how to organize work for the week/unit (you mentioned in a previous video that you print off entire units etc)? How to you organize paperwork with parents/administration etc.. and how to you organize centres (non-math, if you do them)? Thanks again!

[@ashawilliams8612]

Great Video, I'm a 4th year teacher and found your video refreshing! Thanks!

[@noliepolie7918]

I just started watching all of your videos ! I have so much to catch up on and I love your channel

[@jeremiahmebrano1164]

love the tip no. 12.doin'that right now. thanks for this. very helpful and inspiring! keep it up!

[@stsp8765]

I will begin my first year of teaching next year, this was such a great informational video!!

[@mechellmiguel270]

Wonderful tips! I'm a new subscriber, and am currently in school to become a teacher. I would love to see a what's in my teacher bag video if you carry one. If not maybe one on what you would carry if you did. Thank you!

[@xoxLani]

These are all excellent tips, thank you for sharing. I, also, really like your hair color in this video btw.

[@fallonesponge4109]

Uhh, 6 days in, a kid head butted me, fractured my nose & gave me a concussion. I'll take the throw up over that! 😂😂😂

[@juliehardin1690]

Fallon Esponge that sounds terrible

[@eunicaaquino8998]

thank you for your tips.this is my 1st yr teaching.....

[@WalshGym424]

These are all really great tips! I think number 19 is the best one.

[@pamsteckman698]

I had the same thing happen about 5 yrs ago... kid threw up all over my feet on the first day when I was wearing sandals. It was great.

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Oh my gosh, I feel your pain! It's the worst! I've also had a student walk up to my desk to tell me she felt sick and then BAM... projectile vomit all over my desk :/

[@sandgropergirl]

Where do I access the tips mentioned to be below?

[@CAM-yo7fd]

hello im starting after break in new classroom and these are so helpful i started my classroom and it looks so cool my theme is emojis

[@amalustaoglu7960]

Great video, Would you please do a video about how do you plan your lesson! Thank you.

[@savannahl4581]

This was SO helpful! Thank you!

[@WhitakersWay]

Great video I'm a Kindergarten teacher and I have some great tips that I should share. thanks for sharing! motivated me to do this too .:)

[@gabriellecase2255]

I visited Naples, Florida a few months ago as part of my field experience and I want to move there now! They are Title 1 schools as well down there, and I was wondering if you could do a video on talking about that (if you have not done so already) I would love to know more about it to see if I am really that serious about moving down there to teach my first couple years!!

[@lorigarza6035]

Love watching your videos for tips

[@lescreationsdestephanie3639]

Thank you so much for those tips! This is a really good video for new teachers. 👍

[@ClarinetsForever223]

Thanks for the tips!! I love your channel, it is sooooo helpful.

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much for your kind words :)

[@1221river]

thanks very much, appreciate your spirit!

[@katygoodrich3256]

I'm in the 8th grade but I really want to be a teacher. Thank you.

[@Allin1mom]

Can you make a video about what a Kindergartener needs to know by the end of the year

[@alexandrapate6788]

Thank you for your advice! 🙌🏻✌🏻

[@alixrivera001]

Can you please do an outfits video? Like a week of your teacher outfits?😊

[@JulioVelezz]

Great tips, thank you!

[@MusicManofSteel]

Love your video. I just released a similar video too. It is so important that first year teachers are given information like this. College doesn't always prepare you for everything that can happen in your classroom. In most cases, experience is the best teacher for new teachers. Thanks for the video. I have subscribed to your channel! Maybe we can collaborate on some things in the future.

[@mavisbum4686]

I am from Singapore and my school use class dojo too

[@honeyandthebee64]

Thanks for much for sharing this!

[@FreyasArts]

This was confusing until I remembered that in America teachers have their own classroom and the class has to wander from room to room and not the other way round xD In Germany the class has a set room which they rarely leave and the teacher has to come to them. Also thanks for the tips :) communication is soo important. I realised that in my first internship. I was too intimidated by the veteran teachers and didn't ask a lot of questions which lead to easily avoidable situations. Same with students xD Do you do internships at schools in America before you finnish your university studies and get employed as a real teacher?

[@samisutton3436]

Can you do tips on what to do before you start teaching? I haven’t yet applied for student teaching. Any good tips??

[@caitlynknotts2462]

How do you organize all of the "paper traffic"? For example, papers that come from the office, worksheets you copy for the students. It can be overwhelming at times!

[@melanieranson7632]

Caitlyn Haley lots of file folders 😢

[@elinaa7964]

I am a teacher, but I work in Scandinavia, northen Europe, and I have to ask because I do not follow. I have seen several of your videos, and understand that you are buying school supplies for your own money. Do not the school pay for books and stuff to the students? If you need a book to the teaching the school should pay for it? I buy small things to my students sometimes, as a candy treat on special occasions, but it's the only thing I pay out of my own pocket. Hope you understand my question. I appreciate your videos enormously, it is interesting to see how a teacher on the other side of the globe are working, and it's extra fun to see that our weekdays are similar to each other. XXx

[@lanah8518]

Elina A unfortunately in most of America, teachers are paid BADLY and they have to provide a LOT out of pocket.

[@madalynn3308]

You kinda look like collen Ballinger

[@deenaandbeena]

Very helpful!! Did you ever start as a TOC( teacher on call)? If so I would love some tips on that. I'm a new TOC and any advise or tips would be super helpful ☺️

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much! I have actually never done that! I did an internship during my senior year of college and then got hired in my current position once I graduated!

[@audreyadams6882]

Could you do a video on the stores you go

[@michelletrujillo9402]

Hello I’m currently a senior in high school going on to college in a few month and I though about wanting to be a teacher, but I’m scared I won’t be good enough to be a teacher. I’m scared I won’t pass those hard tests you need to pass in order to be a teacher. I’m scared overall😭😭😭😂

[@delaneymcgrath9535]

14:23 her face lol. p.s your videos are the best

[@carpetsclean1]

Keep the job...you get basically 4 months off a year and a full time job pay.

[@gabbymcglynn7397]

I’m in college studying to become a special education teacher 💙

[@davidmsirois]

Thank you.

[@lifelovejourney]

Tip 1: keep an extra change of clothes (and shoes) in your classroom. Lol

[@hannahstephenson7572]

“So whatever it is it’s probably not as bad as what I had to go through” cough cough COVID cough cough

[@connorgunning6504]

800th person to like ! Love all your videos ! I've just become qualified in teaching in the uk !

[@elizabethl.9659]

Love your videos! 🍎😍

[@roxanngaynor9812]

I love her

[@lannyrice9585]

The only tip a new teacher needs is to be told he/she is still young enough to find a different profession. Signed, A 20 Year Teacher who wish he would have taken that advice himself

[@pamsteckman698]

Oh and it got on my long maxi skirt too so I smelled like puke all day.

[@stuffedanimalpolis8349]

Pamela Steckman Your not Michelle......

[@justabby8803]

Stuffed Animalpolis lol

[@morganjay1145]

Great video. I will be starting my first job this fall. Do you have a twitter account I can follow?

[@theresemanabatbeltramme438]

What school do you teach at

[@lovelilyfy]

🥰🥰🥰

[@Mbeepyd]

What was the type of school you said you work in? That means you don't get a lot of parent support? X

[@VeeAlee]

Mbeepy title 1, means low income parents.

[@shayenrobles9854]

Your eyebrows is cute 😄😅😍