Beginning To Teach

Beginning Teacher Reflections

Writer: Kylie, primary teacher in a rural area.

Writer: Helena, secondary teacher in a metropolitan area

Thinking back over my experiences last year, the two issues that seem to be very important for everyone in education irrespective of experience are:

  • the behaviour management strategies in place and
  • managing the stress of a job that can at times be stressful in the extreme.

                                          

The important thing to remember is that the behaviour management style you choose has to be one that you are comfortable with – YOU HAVE TO BE YOURSELF. Try to have a look at different styles during the prac period, visit as many different teachers in their classrooms as you possibly can.

Many beginning teachers are concerned about whether the students will like them. This, to me, is not a good starting point. The job description for a teacher is to be a facilitator of learning, not a new best friend. Nor are we to become like students’ parents. So, here are some hints about behaviour management that I found helpful when I started teaching at my first school (where behaviour management is high on the list of important skills).

In the very first lesson explain clearly and concisely what your expectations about the students’ behaviour are. Have a list of things at hand explaining each procedure.

Although we all manage our own classroom,

  • what happens if it goes too far?
  • Who are your support people?
  • What is the process? A buddy teacher, HOC, HOD, or DP etc?

Make sure you reiterate and work in line with the school's behaviour management plan. Seek guidance if you are unsure.

When encountering for the very first time in the class room a behaviour that needs to be modified, take the time to explain to the whole class what you would expect them to do instead of the inappropriate behaviour that was just displayed. DO NOT SINGLE OUT THAT PARTICULAR STUDENT IF IT IS A FIRST OFFENCE AND PERFORMED OUT OF IGNORANCE RATHER THAN MALICE.

Make sure you are proactive with your behaviour management strategies. Use, for example, well planned lessons, engaging activities and good use of time and space etc.

Have the students line up outside the classroom and be organized with books, pens and other necessary equipment. BE CONSISTENT AND PERSISTENT at this. Do not allow them to walk in while half the students are still rummaging through their bags or sitting nearby talking.

As the students get into the class room, I require them to stand quietly behind their chairs until I greet them and ask them to be seated. This helps with the transition from outdoors to indoors. Until they are all quietly standing I will not start talking. For the first couple of lessons I will take the students back outside and do it all over again until the desired effect is achieved. This saves my voice and my sanity at the end of the day.

For junior students I would definitely recommend implementing a seating plan.

  • Seating students alphabetically will help you to learn their names more quickly,
  • Explain that this is like it would be at any work place – they have to work with everyone else who works there,
  • The seating plan can then be modified to deal with any problem behaviours that develop in the class.

Have what you consider to be the most important rules of classroom behaviour prominently displayed at the front of the classroom if possible. This is a visual aid that can be referred to when you have to deal with misbehaviours.

Managing the stress of a job that can at times be stressful is a skill in itself. Having good time management is the major key to overcome stressful situations. If you find yourself in a stressful situation you can:

  • seeking support from your mentor,
  • Seek support from your administration the Principal, Deputy Principal,
  • Find someone that is passionate about teaching children, committed to developing a collegial atmosphere in your school - someone who is trustworthy and encouraging is very important.

Other ways you can reduce stressful times is by:

  • accessing professional development. You are never too old to learn!
  • observing other teachers is a great way to learn new strategies and techniques within and outside the classroom.
  • having a satisfactory work - life balance.

If you would like to share your reflections on being a beginning teacher please us.