YOUR JOB
Find your footing with these tips for new teachers Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your teaching career, whether you are a student teacher or in your first paid teaching assignment.
Interaction with colleagues
Find a mentor. Regardless of whether your school district assigns you a mentor as part of a formal mentoring program, it’s useful to have someone to provide guidance and the benefit of experience. There’s more to successfully navigating a new position than just knowing where the coffee is; find a veteran colleague who is well-regarded by peers and make a new friend. An experienced educator may serve not only as a tremendous resource for materials and ideas, but also as part of a much-needed support network. Be sure to appreciate the guidance you get from experienced educators. Recognize your probationary status. Understand that the first couple of years of teaching are the legal equivalent of a “test drive.” Under the statutes governing teacher contracts, you are a probationary employee (see page 9). As such, you will likely be scrutinized more carefully than a veteran employee. It’s easier legally for your district to make a change to your employment while you are on probationary status and, as the term implies, they’re trying you out. Your contract can be nonrenewed at the end of the school year for any reason (or no reason) while on probationary status, as long as you are not the victim of illegal discrimination under federal law for reasons such as race, sex, national origin, or religion. This means that even if you think you’re doing a good job, if your principal doesn’t like you or you aren’t regarded as working well with others, you may find yourself seeking employment elsewhere. As a result, we suggest: •
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Avoid antagonizing your principal, if at all possible. This may not be the time to complain loudly in a faculty meeting. The person with the most influence on the decision of whether your employment is continued is your campus principal, so be mindful of the balance of power. Make a concerted effort to work well with all of your colleagues, from your fellow teachers to the classroom aides to the principal’s secretary. A successful career in a district begins with what is perceived as a “good fit” between you and the rest of the faculty.
Diligence on the job
Deal with parental complaints professionally and promptly. Many parents are wary of new teachers, knowing that your experience is limited. If you fail to address any concerns they raise, their next stop is likely to be the principal’s office. “Too many parental complaints” is a reason often cited when probationary teachers are not invited to return to their employing districts.
Pay attention to any red flags regarding your performance. Even if the concerns are not documented in writing, if your principal or another supervisor comments critically on your performance in any regard, whether it’s cutting it close on your arrival time each morning or maintaining discipline in the classroom, take heed and make appropriate adjustments. Seek out and obtain training to enhance your skills. TCTA provides members with free online professional development, which can help you meet certificate-renewal requirements. If any problems with your performance are noted, your supervisors will likely be pleased if you immediately seek out training to help you improve.
Issues of professionalism
Remember your role. Though you may look young and, at the high school level, may not be much older than some of your students, remember that you are their teacher, not their peer. To behave otherwise is a significant mistake that could result in loss of your current position or even your certificate. Specifically: •
Never entertain students at your home.
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Avoid the temptation to share inside jokes, flirt or make any risqué remarks. It will come back to haunt you and ultimately undermine your authority in the classroom.
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Dress modestly and professionally. Crushes are rampant.
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Don’t fraternize with students outside of school-sponsored activities. You can be supportive of your students without being buddies.
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Never sanction the consumption of alcohol or drugs by students, either explicitly or implicitly.
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Avoid any sort of off-color or profane remark; remember that your students are not adults and what may be amusing at the moment won’t look good in a transcript.
Also see “Professional boundaries with students” on page 20. Continued 2020-21 TCTA Survival Guide
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