1. Who the heck are these people and what do they want from me?
Adolescents
Who the heck are these people and what do they want from me?

2. Adolescents No longer children; not yet adults Confused and conflicted
Independent and dependent
Sophisticated and naïve
Developed but unfinished
Teachers of adolescents play a very important role in helping them develop well

3. Teaching Adolescents What do they need from their teachers? Authority
Expert knowledge of subject
Relaxed control of classroom environment
Respectful and demanding
Tough but fair
High expectations and lots of patient support
Not controlling or manipulative
Not condescending or patronizing
Not weak, disorganized, uninterested, or cruel

4. Life as a Secondary Teacher
You live in a department
You work collaboratively to set curriculum, grading standards, and common assessments
You teach 5 classes a day, students in a class
You have 2-3 preparations
Usually all in your subject

5. Life as a Secondary Teacher
You have other responsibilities as assigned
You may coach or direct or moderate
Sports, performing arts, academic competitions (Decathlon, Mock Trial, etc.)
You will have another level of conversation with your students
Sometimes difficult and challenging

6. Life as a Secondary Teacher
In short ---
Busy
Challenging
Engaging
Rewarding
And, if you approach it with the right attitude, great fun