HOW YOU CAN BE A HAPPY FIRST YEAR TEACHER Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. 1

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Content of this presentation was adapted from How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school, Harry K. Wong and Rosemary K. Wong. Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc. ISBN: Order online at Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. 3

4  Isolated  Afraid  Overwhelmed  Uncertain  Helpless  Timid  Clueless  Etc. You are a first year teacher who may feel: Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

You are not alone! Feeling uncertain and nervous is normal, but it’s important to maintain composure and let your students know that you are confident and in charge. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

 New teachers often forget or don’t know where or to whom they can go for support.  Even if you feel unprepared, you are still expected to perform immediately. This can be overwhelming. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

 Teacher education may not have prepared you for the first day of school.  You can only learn so much as an education student before you need to learn on your own in the classroom as a teacher. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Maybe you’re still uncertain about classroom essentials such as:  Maintaining discipline and structure  Managing parent-teacher conferences  Classroom procedures and routines Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Maybe you’re still uncertain about classroom essentials such as:  Coping with difficult or negative students  Contending with unsupportive or negative coworkers Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

 Conquer your fears and be as prepared as possible for the first day.  Pay attention at teacher in-service meetings  Ask for help or suggestions from your peers before the first day and during the first few weeks Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Teachers should always continue learning. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

 Join a professional organization  Go back to school  Attend conferences or conventions  Rely on your fellow teachers as a support system Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Student Teaching Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

 Student teaching may have prepared you well, but you probably never experienced a first day of school. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Be a happy first-year teacher:  Contact your master teacher for advice about or best practices for the first day of school if you’re feeling unprepared or nervous. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

School Districts Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

 Most school districts do not prepare new teachers.  The district expects you to take on the same responsibilities as veteran teachers.  New teachers are more effective in districts that offer training for all new and newly hired teachers. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Be a happy first-year teacher:  Do not sign a contract until you determine that your district has a new teacher introduction program. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

It is important to note that induction programs do not include orientations, mentoring or evaluation. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Induction programs:  Begin on the first day and sometimes last for several years.  Nurture new and first year teachers.  Partner new teachers with a mentor. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Be a happy first-year teacher:  Respect and collaborate with your colleagues  Seek out and learn from optimistic and helpful mentors Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Be a happy first-year teacher:  Join professional organizations  Continue your education Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Avoid cynical, unenthusiastic, off-putting teachers who are sure to negatively impact your behavior. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Be a happy first-year teacher:  Strive for success and you will be rewarded.  “The greatest threat to a non-growing teacher is a teacher who is growing.” (Wang & Wang, 19)  Find a mentor who symbolizes the level of success you want to achieve. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Summary  Ask your peers for help and rely on them as a support system  Find a mentor who inspires you  Continue your education  Strive for excellence Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school. (pp ). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Content of this presentation was adapted from How to be an effective teacher: The first days of school, Harry K. Wong and Rosemary K. Wong. Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc. ISBN: Order online at Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. 26