As a new school year approaches, teachers worldwide prepare to transform lives through education. From navigating classroom challenges to embracing the excitement of learning, we asked fellow educators across the TC community and beyond what they wish they knew upon entering the classroom for the first time. Here’s what they shared.
Building Connections with Students
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Just be your authentic self. No amount of over-preparing will compare to the love you show your students by getting to know them as individuals and valuing their unique contributions every day.
Jessica Riccio (Ed.D. ’08, M.Ed., M.A. ’02), senior lecturer at Teachers College
Teaching is deeply relational work! Enjoy the process of getting to know your students and take time to celebrate who they are inside and outside of the classroom. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and honor your philosophy and vision. Remember your relationship with yourself and consider what self care looks like to you.
Madeline Dressner (Ed.D. ’19), fifth grade teacher
Stay present. Look and listen between the lines. ENJOY! Let the kids be your guide, don’t be glued to your lessons. Curriculum is everything that happens in the classroom, not a purchased package. Teach from your passions and strengths.
Nancy, TC alum and reading teacher
Focus on relationships over assignments. Developing relationships opens up the student to wanting to be in your room and listen to what you have to say. Listen to them and they’ll listen to you.
Matt Bilz (M.A. ’24), music teacher
Relationships with children and families are the basis of teaching and learning.
David Vining, TC student and pre-k teacher
The Importance of Self-Care
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The emotional toll [of teaching] is huge. I wish I would have taken more time to decompress in the beginning.
Kari Vargas (M.A. ’15), middle school English and drama teacher
Set boundaries. Do things for yourself that bring you joy.
Paula Hercules (M.A. ’11), early childhood teacher
Lifelong Learning
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You can always go back and reteach skills the next day. You are not behind.
Cheryl Gartsbeyn (M.A. ’21), English and special education teacher
Remember that learning is both ways. Children bring to class something that they are trying to understand, but the teacher must be perceptive to what they think. Building from [students’] pre-knowledge is a must.
Abhilasha Awasthi, educator
Learn the gifts of your students. Always reflect on the reasons you became a teacher, and be confident that you can have a positive impact on the self-esteem and academic growth of your students.
Lisa Clark, adjunct assistant professor at CUNY Queens College
Teaching is an ever-evolving profession with no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. As students’ needs change, teachers must adapt their strategies to meet those needs. Creativity and diversity should know no bounds as you work to meet the unique needs of your students.
Kelian Stedman
Words of Encouragement
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Believe in yourself! If things go awry, don’t see it as a sign that you are a bad teacher or that your ideas are bad; instead, believe in your ideas and yourself. Edit, improve, revamp and learn from what went wrong, but don’t see yourself as a failure.
Sharon, current TC student and ESL & EFL teacher
Never let anyone detour you from what vision and truth lies in your heart. Listen to your intuition, for you know what’s best!
Darius Phelps, higher education teacher and current TC doctoral student
Ask questions, listen to the answers and remember the best people to have on your side are the secretaries, janitors and cafeteria aides.
A. Smith, TC alum and special education teacher
You don’t have to figure out everything alone. Don’t isolate yourself. Rely heavily on more experienced teachers. They know what works in their setting.
Andrea Paskoff (M.A. ’99), early childhood teacher
Allow yourself to be a beginner.
Gregory Jennings (Ed.D. ‘98), retired educator
Assumptions are futile. If a student is unruly, point them in the direction of their strengths then create/find accountability structures to reinforce positive behaviors. Greet everyday with a smile but also be real, if you are not at your best let the students know — if they have developed a relationship with you they will notice and ask anyway.
Megan G., elementary language teacher
Do what feels right and good for your pedagogy. There is no perfect way or universal way of teaching children. Every child sitting in front of you is unique, and has a mind that will only fit them. Don’t be hard on yourself this new school year either! You’re a super hero without a cape. Overtime you will see it and believe it.
Tiffany Howell
— Jackie Teschon and Sherri Gardner
Published Tuesday, Sep 3, 2024