ABC's for First Year Teachers

Admit your mistakes -- and learn from them.

Be firm but flexible.

Communicate with parents.

Develop a homework policy -- and stick to it.

Empower your students; don't just lecture to them.

Find time to attend after-school events.

Get to know all the teachers in your school and make friends with the cooks, custodians, aides, and secretaries.

Have the courage to try something else if what you're doing isn't working.

Institute a clear discipline policy -- and enforce it consistently.

Just listen -- both to what the kids are saying and to what they're not saying.

Keep a journal.

Learn your school's policies and procedures.

Model desired attitudes and behavior.

Non carborundum ignorami. (Don't let the imbeciles wear you down.)

Overplan.

Prepare interesting lessons.

Quit worrying and just do your best.

Remember that you teach students first, then you teach whatever academic discipline you learned.

Stay alert.

Take pictures.

Understand that the learning process involves everyone -- teachers, students, colleagues, and parents -- and get everyone involved.

Volunteer to share projects and ideas, and don't be afraid to ask others to share their ideas with you.

Work within your limits.

Xpect the unexpected -- and plan for it!

Yell if you need support.

Zero in on your strengths, not your weaknesses. (Remember -- nobody's perfect!)