Got a Teaching Job! Now What?

[@ericraymondelmore]

Be so prepared for your first 2 weeks that you can focus on getting to know your students without worrying about what to teach.

[@Frazzle2Zazzle]

Don’t worry about having a cute classroom on Day 1. Focus on having a functional classroom on Day 1.

[@carolinadipadova1841]

I took a teaching job last year two weeks before the school year started. It was nuts. Something I wish I had known then was to just not feel bad about asking a billion questions and to stop just assuming people would let me know things when I needed to. I didn't want to be annoying, but, honestly, there wasn't a training program set up for people in my situation and everything I found out was because I asked. So, in summary: anything you don't know, just ask! And ask until you understand. And, if you don't know WHO to ask, just ask literally anyone who has been there longer than you and hope that they direct you to the right person!

[@MissJean63]

I make sure I’m on first name basis with custodial, secretaries, counselors, and special Ed assistants. They can make or break your first year. Also, eat in the staff break room with everyone, don’t clic up. You will become a family, especially at elementary schools. The more we departmentalize, the more distant we become. Isolation is a terrible thing. And remember, we do it for the future of our world.

[@rebeccareed4910]

As a nervous first year teacher I just want to say thank you so much for making this video!!

[@CJReynolds]

Be on the look out 👀 we will have a Back to School Bootcamp opening for sign ups July 18th! The boot camp will be held August 2-6. All the details and sign up will be available on the 18th!

[@JacobHayesTeacher]

As someone who is in their 5th year of teaching, I can 100% say that Reynolds and his endless amount of Wisdom, played a pivotal role in helping me refine my craft. If you're ever in Australia, I'll shout you a beer! Thanks for everything you do mate.

[@heatherandrews5228]

Same!

[@debbieleyva]

Last year was my 4th year as a long term substitute at a public high school. I was literally there every day for four years. Halfway through the first semester of my fourth year I found out I was supposed to be giving detentions for x number of tardies, then ISS after x more, etc. How was I supposed to know?? I never saw a document that stated this and no one ever mentioned it. No matter what, something will slip through the cracks-and that’s OK!! So a few students got away with a whole lot of tardies. In 10 years, who will care? One tip I got from a fellow teacher: however you do your lesson plans (I print mine out and keep them in a huge binder), take 5 minutes at the end of your day, or maybe twice a day, to just jot down what worked and what didn’t. Then, next summer, you just need to go through your notebook (or online document, or whatever) and revise, or junk, lessons that didn’t work. And then look at what did work. Do you need any updates to make them more relevant? Your second year teacher self will thank you! Last, I’ll just say I agree 100% with CJ on making friends. My three best friends at my public high school were the custodian, the secretary, and one of the resource officers. They were amazing people and they helped me more than you could imagine!

[@danahc4851]

Things I Wish I Would Have Asked: 1. Do I have to turn in lesson plans? What day/time? Electronic or a hard copy? 2. What meetings do I need to attend (grade group, departmnetal, vertical/hallway team)? 3. Classroom celebration policy 4. How to contact parents and do you want it logged? How do you want me to log that? 5. For us SpEd teachers: when and how would you like me to schedule an IEP meeting?

[@LandonSousa]

Going into my 4th year teaching, something I wish I knew in my first year was never be intimidated to ask questions. I still ask a ton of questions! Also, try and not take “work” with you home everyday. A good work-balance life as a teacher is very important.

[@brennalill9093]

I am also going into my 4th year! Kudos! :)

[@citrinedragonfly]

This kind of advice would have been amazingly helpful when I started 20 years ago. I got hired the day before students started. If it weren't for the secretary in the office across the hall from my room, I think I would have run away screaming. She was so kind and patient with me.

[@vanishedinthinair889]

As a new teacher, it's also life saving to have an idea about solid behaviour management strategies.

[@SimplySteph99]

A piece of advice is find your person that you can vent to and can vent to you but you both can also be positive together and celebrate the good. Also, don't surround yourself with negativity as it's contagious! I personally don't eat in the teacher's lounge because in more than one school I have worked at, I found it was not the positive safe haven I needed. It's ok to eat in your classroom alone if this is the case. While interacting with your fellow teachers is important, it's also important to surround yourself with positive and try to limit negative interactions or being around those that seem to always be negative.

[@debbieleyva]

NEVER EAT IN THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE is like the Ten Commandments rolled into one! You will hear nothing but griping, whining, and complaining.

[@MirandaWebber82]

I am in my 5th year of teaching and let your new teachers know that you do not have to have EVERYING setup in your classroom your first year. I walked in thinking I was good. I had a cart of just 10 books, thinking my students won't read them....my library grew in the 5 years into almost 200 books. You do not have to have everything. Allow yourself grace and grow your classroom as you grow throughout the school years.

[@debbieleyva]

YES! So important! Your classroom will grow with you. You do NOT need a “Pinterest-worthy” classroom on Day One! Or year one. Clean and welcoming. That will do the job nicely.

[@DiBy-0]

With Respect to Mr. Reynolds, I would like to amend his list with what I have found in my 17th year of teaching. As a new teacher two things are of the utmost importance. Mr. Reynolds is right on the curriculum. You must know what your tasked to teach. The second thing of equal importance is how you teach it. You need to remember that it doesn't matter what wisdom you have and in America especially it doesn't matter really how smart you are. What matters is will someone listen to you long enough to learn what you have to teach them. Novelty and shock value as well as your ability to tell a story can be the difference between getting students who will want to listen and having students who are day dreaming about the next big thing in their lives. Next in the importance meter is this. There is no once size fits all. Your about to hear from administration that direct instruction is an anathema. Your about to hear about "inquiry," "group learning," and all kinds of acronyms that people who wouldn't be caught dead in a classroom can dream up. Do listen to these people because they can give you ideas but ultimately who you are as a teacher will be unique to you. You must develop your own style and no "sage on the stage" is not all bad it is in fact the most efficient way to deliver information. Next successful teachers have ice water flowing in their veins. You will be yelled at, treated like a second class citizen, you will be humiliated and everyone from students to adults at times will try to push your buttons for their own ends. Never lose sight that your job is to never lose your cool in front of students or anyone else. If you do then the new game will be can I get a rise out of the teacher and that game will never end. Next your about to find out that everyone and their brother wants to give you even more work to do. The extra work line usually takes the form of the email server. Do yourself a favor, if it doesn't come from a principal directly, or the person mentoring you delete it immediately. Don't even look at it. Your primary job is to your students and getting to them the curriculum points you will be tested over, never ever forget that. If people get insistent and they are not a Principal, learn to say no if it interferes with your primary duty of teaching students. Sometimes saying no means ignoring them and walking away. Next never depend on the district for anything. If your not dependent on them then you never have to scramble when they as usual will not meet their obligation to support you. As a new teacher they will be talking endlessly about "supporting" you all the time, the reality is as soon as it involves spending money that statement of support becomes hollow words, mantras chanted over and over again. If your short on equipment write grants. There are many corporations out there that will sponsor you if you take the initiative to write to them. Over the years I have taught I have been awarded more money then I make teaching and as a result I own all of my own equipment. I depend on the district to provide me with electricity only. Write your own worksheets, write your own power points and remember a smart teacher steals. I know that sounds bad, but it's true. Sometimes a video is worth more words when you can say while writing on the chalk board so give them the curriculum and then let them see it, experience it, or puzzle it out for themselves. Put that in your power point. If your able buy a really good lap top and a remote control presentation wand. Stop videos to highlight points, and cut them short when they no longer serve your purpose. Keep in mind that you could have 150 students in this next year. That means you could have 300 assignments to grade if two assignments are due. Plan on making assignments that are easy for you to grade. If you have 300 short answer submissions from two different assignments you will be working all of your weekend just to catch up. That doesn't help anyone as your free time needs to be largely devoted to prep work for the next week. On that topic, write assignments and power points that are of quality at your own home. If you do this on the district dime and using district materials they can claim ownership of it. If you do it on your materials and at your own home they can't claim your materials and have no right to ask for it as it is your intellectual property and copyright EVERYTHING. If you write quality stuff you don't have to constantly revise it. You can also sell it on site such as teachers pay teachers. This becomes important in America because they don't want to pay you. The word raise for some new teachers will never be uttered in your entire career. Finally keep in touch with the parents. If you can stop bad behavior with the threat of calling home and a follow through early on you are much less likely to be seeing the same behavior widespread come the end of the year. Good luck.

[@rotmage]

Where do you find opportunities for grants?

[@DiBy-0]

I began with the businesses around me such as Ameren UE, Busch, and the Ralston Purina group. Sometimes you have district related initiatives and non profits. Write to their CEO and their board members (I really mean write to them). That got me more actual funding then writing to HR departments. When you write to them, have your proposal ready, show them where the funds will be spent and break down everything from raw expense, to tax, and shipping. To get the shipping contact the education supplier. What is available to you depends on your location. Mine was the St. Louis Metro area when I started out.

[@DiBy-0]

One final thing, whenever someone provides you with funds, a short video and a thank you note goes a long way as well as a description as to what effect the funding had on the process. Be careful that you have release forms or whatever parental consent forms are required for video or photography of students. Districts can sometimes differ on what they require so check with the principal.

[@debbieleyva]

Agreed. My lessons are my own. Most of my classroom equipment is my own. Slides for my leadership class are revised, with permission, from my best friend who teaches at a community college. I get grants all the time. I don’t get every grant I apply for, but I apply for a lot. Watch KZbin videos or search for how to write grants and never forget the thank you!!

[@charlirogers6235]

Know when to say no. My school has a habit of telling you that you're on team not asking you if you want to join a team. Im transitioning from a TA to the science teacher. I'm now on three different teams. I'm on the security team, the student leader team, and the school improvement team. I'm terrible with time management so I should have tapped out at one or two. Know when to say "no, I'm a new teacher, I don't want to take on more than I can handle."

[@ThatNewTeacher]

The ominous effects when you said “Make your copies now.” 😅

[@ryandifani2787]

Make emergency sub plans. I’m going into my second year this fall. I came into teaching via an untraditional route, so maybe others would have known. But making emergency sub plans never crossed my mind. I wish I had knocked those out well before the year started.

[@rachelsmith3895]

I know this contradicts a lot of common advise, but I wish I knew that messing up on the first day isn't the end of the world. The first day may be your first impression, but if you say something dumb or you run out of time for an activity, or you forget something it's ok! Kids are so "plastic," meaning they can stretch and change as needed, and resilient. You can definitely have a great year after a dumpster fire first day. So don't stress!

[@lbernshouse9890]

Meet your school librarian. They want to help make your life easier 😁

[@Spaghedddy]

1. Have really strong classroom management 2. Learn when and when not to answer parent emails. 3. Choose your battles wisely. If it’s not dire, don’t engage. You will only make more headaches for everyone involved. 4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions 5. Don’t let the heat of a moment make you question your ability to teach or make an impact on your students lives. That one parent or handful of angry and disrespectful parents shouldn’t make you feel unworthy to answer your calling.

[@CJReynolds]

Great advice thanks for sharing it!

[@Sherlock910]

I agree with all of your tips. Not following tip number 1 really screwed me over when I was teaching primary school. The kids walked all over me and didn't listen to my instruction. I got to the point where I could literally not teach because of the amount of noise and shenanigans going on in the classroom. What's funny is that I did introduce procedures from the beginning of the school year. But I never thoroughly enforced them. I was like Britain and they were like the British Colonies. And about the parent emails, I agree. I rarely had parents email me when I was working at the primary school. They mostly relied on ParentSquare, which is like email but it's a schoolwide communication tool. And phone calls. But yes! I honestly think I will probably make myself available for phone calls and emails between the hours of 8am and 3pm. Once 3pm hits, I might answer your email or text message or I might not answer the email or text message. This would depend on the seriousness of the question. It's important to set limits on parents and students so they're not calling you at all sorts of hours of the night.

[@LeedleLeedleLeo]

just got hired as a k-12 music teacher at a small school. glad to see this video released today!

[@CJReynolds]

Glad to do it Leo! My best to you this year!

[@mrjamesholliday]

School starts on 8/17, I was interviewed for the job on 8/11, I still haven’t been onboarded. I’m nervous and excited all at once. Thanks for this video.

[@karinivy]

My first year i wish i had a well thought out plan for parent communication. Its been a struggle my first 5 years about how/when and how much parent communication is necessary. I’ve always found parents so difficult to talk to especially about negative behaviors.

[@peachiet5930]

Love ya Reynolds. Where can we find these shirts?!

[@heatherandrews5228]

Great advice in your video! Second year teacher here. I discovered that photocopying doesn’t get queued in our school machine, so I print one master at home and can interrupt the print queue whenever I want my copies without delay. I would have liked to have known where to find: 1. The parents’ evening schedule, 2. The off-site trip procedure and compliance.

[@pianoboy3225]

Great video Reynolds! :) Here is my first year teacher advice: start off the school year in being strict and following and modeling rules and procedures. Do this every day for two weeks even though having to repeat yourself everyday for two weeks will seem monotonous. It’s important that the students are consistently reminded of what to do and to see the expectations in action being modeled by the teacher. Students have a lot of expectations in other classrooms too, so take it easy on them, but model each day the rules, procedures, and routines. Also, be strict in your management plan. Have the consequences for infractions build up. Don’t go for the big guns (detentions) right away. Give the student (and yourself) enough opportunities to try and resolve issues. It shows that you are in control of the classroom and have grace/patience for the student to fix misbehaviors. For example: 1. Address the misbehavior and redirect with a desired behavior; 2. Give the student a warning statement and repeat the process of step one; 3. Have the student sit next to your desk in class for a specified time so other students can focus. After class, quickly discuss with the student the issue; 4. If the student continues to misbehave after sitting next to you in class, or if the student has gotten to this point several times before, take away two minutes from lunch and discuss with the student the issues; 5. If you have to repeat steps 1-4 twice in a week, call/email home; 6. If you have to repeat steps 1-4 again (three times in a week), issue a detention referral. Share this process with the students. Most students won’t get past step three and especially step four once they realize they will lose out time during lunch. The students who deliberately cause situations to happen will realize the ladder they are climbing and understand how each step increases in stricter consequences. Having a structured management plan, especially one like this, saves yourself from having to defend yourself when everyone knows the process and that the student knew what they were getting into.

[@CJReynolds]

Bro! I can’t wait… seriously… to see who you become in the next 5 years. It’s going to be incredible. Keep up the great work buddy!

[@pianoboy3225]

@@CJReynolds Thank you Reynolds! You keep at it as well! You are awesome!

[@hellojeana]

I've been BINGE watching your videos and you're a 10/10 recommend. TYSM for such amazing advice!

[@debbieleyva]

Just gonna add that next year I’m going to be a regular full time teacher at a Christian school. Half the money of public school, but I’m single, my kids are adults, I can do it. Half the money, half the headaches. I’m excited!

[@veronicaf2341]

I have been a para for over a decade. Got my first class this year. I’m sooo excited to use all the things I’ve learned and make a great learning environment for these kids! Thanks for the tips.

[@debbieleyva]

Congratulations!

[@goddessari]

Get to know the secretary, and the janitor! They are your family!

[@myishahutchinson652]

Entering my 24th year, and I approve every syllable that CJ used in this video. Valuable information. Also, don’t forget to hide a pack of paper in the classroom for emergency.

[@pompom2025]

Yes! Especially the paper 😂

[@debbieleyva]

Are emergency chocolate!

[@johnlopez3996]

I begin my 30th year of teaching in August, and I wish that graduate schools and teaching colleges had mentioned all of those things that you stated. You might want to mention what procedures are in place when having to deal with difficult parents. Thank you for your video presentation, C.J. Take care.

[@maynavarro1929]

If you can have access to the pictures of the students before ask for it and try to learn as many names as possible. The effect will be very impressive on the kids the first day.

[@CJReynolds]

Great advice May! Thank you!

[@XtinaCMV]

This past year was my 1st year as a teacher, and it was also my principal's 1st year as a principal. There were so many things that were not explained to me, and there were more days that I felt overwhelmed than not. This summer, my principal asked me to help her write a list of things new employees need to know, and I'm totally using your video to help me. Thank you so so much! Hearing these things again is so helpful, especially to help build good relationships within my school.

[@perfectpraxiss3559]

I would be so interested in hearing the list when you finish it! I start on august and really would like all the tips I can get. Thanks in advance.

[@victoriaLL345]

Class lists can change the school day before 1st day of school for students. Curriculum and grade levels can change over the summer.

[@jessadeluca7814]

Very nervous first year teacher starting! Thanks for all your help. I have been rapid-watching your episodes for some comfort and advice! xxx

[@CJReynolds]

Glad it’s been a helpful resource for you. Best of luck this year!! If interested, we are putting on a b2s bootcamp for new teachers. There’s a YT video on the channel with a link!

[@Mzdedeo]

First year teacher here! Thanks so much for the great advice! It’s definitely helping to build my confidence!

[@brianel3006]

I'm a 2nd year teacher and still benefitted greatly by this! Starting at a new school/staff in a couple weeks.

[@saramcgue4406]

Great content I’m going to share your site in my new teacher orientation next week

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks Sara. If we can ever help your school please reach out to our team!

[@barbb1538]

School started a month ago and I just got hired and start tomorrow so been binge watching your videos

[@CJReynolds]

Congrats Barb! If you’re not in it already you should check out our Facebook group. Here’s the link facebook.com/groups/566468247135630

[@khadijat5496]

2 years ago, I got my first teaching job. I had no idea what I was doing and I felt so much anxiety going into a classroom for the first time, but your advice helped me so much! You inspired me to be my authentic self with my students and your videos helped guide me through some of the toughest situations I’d been through in those two years. Now, for the first time, I feel like I’m going into my third year with confidence instead of anxiety. Thank you so much for your content! If I could give my own advice to new teachers now, I would say that building relationships with your students is a major key in having a successful year. Earning their respect will ease you into teaching as they will cooperate with you. And don’t be afraid to be yourself; kids can always tell when someone is trying too hard to be something they’re not.

[@PeachyYaYa]

Quick tip/suggestion: when you get your classroom, figure out what’s required of you to hang out before the first day of school. 😊

[@jordanhamilton5692]

I start on August 1!!

[@christinabrown5875]

Missed your live Sunday. sick about it. Thanks for all you do!

[@CJReynolds]

That really means everything Christina. See you Sunday!☺️❤️

[@mezonaman4539]

Dude this could not have come at a better time. I start my first job on the 1st. Thanks for the pointers my man.

[@theclassroommanagementguy]

Great advice. My favorite tip was number 4. Know people in the office. Unfortunately they are often over looked but when you need their help they become priceless.

[@jameshetfield4001]

First year of college, and working a tutor in a highschool, was excited at beginning but now not sure about anything!

[@lilyreilly4829]

Perfect timing! Also going to be a Philadelphia educator and have been binging your videos for inspiration.

[@CJReynolds]

Awesome! Where in Philly?

[@lilyreilly4829]

@@CJReynolds performing arts school near Port Richmond area

[@Kevfactor]

Im teaching in korea where it's easier but it's a lot more work(10 classes). OMG I've been on the verge of being fired since I've started lol. I went in not knowing grammar and don't work well under stress. I also am a bit boring to the kids and have a hard time being mean to the kids(as kids are used to being yelled at in the culture). I've worked on it and only fixed some of it by quitting lesson planning and working on my stress hehe. STill might get fired but i do recognize how much I've grown as a teacher in the past 5 months. For the past 2 weeks, they've backed off micromanaging me a bit too. :)

[@alimorgan6887]

Thank you for all of your advice and wisdom. I have been watching your stuff for over a year now and you are seriously one of the only teachers I connect with. Thank you!

[@amandaalmeida3456]

Your chanel is amazing, thanks for been so open! I've been teaching for 3 weeks and stress about wanting EVERYTHING PERFECT. Watching your videos makes me realize that is a process and i'm capable of improvment over time. Keep going!!

[@savannahjones1145]

Something I didn't know the first time it happened at my school was where to go during the fire drill. Fortunately my students knew because I had 8th graders. If I had 6th graders, we would have been lost. But they didn't know the little teacher things about having to close the doors and turn off the lights and bring a physical copy of the roster out to call roll. So asking about drill procedures before it happens.

[@danaevans4655]

I wish I knew that certain teachers were just toxic. A new teacher needs to sit back and watch a bit learn who their people are and who they want to bond with.

[@wewiveslifechats5157]

Great video! I’m not a Teacher but this was great information!

[@heatherbeck4186]

Thank you! I'm a veteran teacher but hooked on your videos! Good job! Love the humor and clips. And the Big Wheels lol

[@june8430]

Just began my MAT program at usc, im learning a lot from these videos! Thank you!

[@TheDndemon]

Gonna need that shirt, it’s cool!

[@TheDndemon]

Starting my first year, this is so helpful. Thank you!

[@hannaervasti571]

Perfect timing for me, just got my first teaching job. Thanks for this video! I love watching your content -

[@lindseyrae8598]

I am teaching 5th this year😮😅 HELP

[@chriscarson1903]

Love the video! Great information even for us old-timers!

[@princesa0414]

I recently got a Job at a school and will start before the winter break. Another teacher is leaving and I am the replacement. This will be my first year teaching, I have never done this before and to make it even more stressful, it's also a career change for me after 14 years in the medical/mental health field. I'm very scared of teaching 6th-grade English. I have been watching many of your videos and honestly, I'm starting to just feel overwhelmed because I just don't know where to start. Could you give any advice or anything that could give a sense of hope?

[@CJReynolds]

Hi there! This is a big question but I’m short I’d say this… you have something in you that you have to give. Show up and give it. 14 years in another career means you’ve learn A LOT. Start there. Our Sunday night live feeds might help you too. Also take a look at our Facebook group. I’m certain you’ll find people there they are working through similar situations. My best to you!

[@stephaniehenry6026]

Reynolds, thanks. So helpful as always. I am looking forward to a fresh year and being prepared for the things I have gained from experience. Order is more comfortable than chaos.

[@veronicaf2341]

Love your shirt!

[@perfectpraxiss3559]

I am starting in august and Am really excited. I’ve gone through a alt cert program so need less to say I feel even less prepared! I have a lot of resources, including this community. So any tips sent my way would be greatly appreciated! I am going to be 9th grade world geography so any resources focused on that would be great.

[@danni.phantom8184]

Followed your channel all through grad school and it was just as (if not more) helpful than some textbooks. I'm starting my first teaching job this September!! I have a question for the Reynolds community: Trained and focused on being a HS Language Arts teacher BUT my first job is a MS ELD teacher (I have my ESOL endorsement). Any advice for resources for engaging games, methods, classroom decorations,or hindsight wisdom?

[@CJReynolds]

Awesome!! Glad it’s been a helpful resource, it’s literally why I started the channel! We just announced a B2S Bootcamp if your interested here’s the link reynolds.samcart.com/products/back-to-school-bootcamp#/sc-checkout

[@Karijones14]

I am starting my first year teaching for a technology magnet program (so I am the only teacher for my grade/subject). I signed all my paperwork for my district but haven't heard from my principal (don't know what day teachers have to report, haven't seen my classroom or curriculum and i'm starting to get nervous since we start in 3 weeks). I've reached out but haven't heard back, is there anyone else I could reach out to? or is this a pretty common thing, to not hear from the principal since he offered me the job?

[@wendyfletcher6132]

Where can I get that shirt?

[@hankwetzel5917]

Papery? LOL!!!!!

[@CJReynolds]

Hank… I’m pretty sure that’s a real word. I mean I’m on the internet. It must be true.

[@TheLessonPony]

HOw important it is to really know your subject material. The kids can tell if you are faking it. STUDY STUDY and STUDY the lesson pony

[@CJReynolds]

I talked about this in my book. 😂 I once went out late to a concert and didn’t prep like I should have for the next day’s lesson. The kids knew it right away! I had my ass handed to me. All this to say, it IS important.

[@mvermeulenedtech572]

Love the shirt!