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What 94 Teachers Know: Back-to-School Wisdom

At this time of year it is almost impossible not to notice the “Back to School” signs stretched across the aisles in just about every department store. The bittersweet feeling those signs invoke—nostalgia for a slower summer pace and excitement at the prospect of a new school year—is a familiar one for teachers everywhere.

Below, expert teachers offer words of advice to help you as you begin preparing the strategies and activities that will help you and your students find success in the year ahead.

In June, over a hundred teacher mentors from Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland came together for a week-long Induction Institute. For five days, these mentors worked together and shared ideas about the best ways to assist the new teachers who will be assigned to them in the upcoming school year.

At the end of their day with Julia Thompson, workshop participants were asked to offer advice for new teachers. Their thoughtful insights, teaching expertise, dedicated professionalism, and love of children are shining examples of all that is good in education today.

Thank you, Prince Georges County Public Schools mentors, for reminding us all of the many reasons we are fortunate enough to call ourselves teachers. In their collective words of wisdom, all teachers—novice and veteran—can find much inspiration as we begin a new school year.

1. “Use this motto: ‘Mean What You Say, Say What You Mean, and Be Serious about What You Do.’” ~Marla J. Mitchell, 17 years

2. “I know that the first year of teaching will be the hardest, but it is important to remember that your mentor is here to help. Plan, plan, and plan some more. And finally, teamwork makes a teacher’s dreams work!” ~Danielle Brooks, 8 years

3. “Always remain flexible because in a school things happen and the best made plans will be affected.” ~C. Taylor, 16 years

4. “Use an interest inventory to find out their interests. In World Geography: Students will create collage about their culture. This activity is done after I teach the definition of culture and show a video clip on culture. “ ~Dorothea Houston, 36 years

5. “Establish a personal relationship with your students. Prove that you care about them.” ~Barbara Scott, 20 years

6. “Use all the nonverbal signals: firecrackers, around the world clapping, thumbs up, thumbs down…” ~Ginny Beauchamp, 29+ years

7. “Get to know students as quickly as possible. Do not share personal information with students. “Be sure to teach procedures. Be sure to plan for your students. If you don’t, they have plans for you!” ~M.Williamson, 41 years

8. “Don’t pretend to be someone else. Always be yourself. Keep an open mind and be willing to accept advice.” ~C. Sumlin, 19 years

9. “Take a deep breath and try to relax. The students are as nervous as you are.” ~S. Thornton, 9 ½ years

10. “Start your first day: firm, but fair.” ~Martha Ann Caldwell, 33 years

11. “Take it easy! Teaching for the first time can be overwhelming, so focus on the important tasks (like establishing routines, rules) first. Pray!” ~Rosalie. L. Ochida, 20 years

12. “Keep a journal/notebook about particular items of important information—phone numbers, etc. You’ll need this sooner or later.” ~Patti Klimek, 46 years

13. “Teachers are life-long learners. Remember, each day is an opportunity to learn and discover new things about teaching, your students, and yourself. ‘You are a work in progress.’” ~Beverly A. Neal, 10 years

14. “A new teacher must positively establish routines in the very beginning. Have clear expectations. If you don’t nothing else will matter.” ~Cecelia Sawyer, 20 years

15. “Learn the reasonable expectations of your administration and make them a part of your practice. For example, plans on your desk, prep your room before you leave work, etc.” ~Kara Matthews, 11 years

16. “Show your tough side (strict side) from the moment they walk in the door in the beginning of the year. You can ease up later.” ~Kendall Siedlecki, 4 years

17. “Keep a journal of your first year. Reflect each day on what you feel went well and what could be better. At the end of the year you will be amazed at your growth.” ~Susan Cantorna, 8 years

18. Be confident in your ability—you can do it.” ~Tenika Holden, 5 years

19. “Be consistent throughout the year and don’t deviate from established rules.”~Karyn Kirby, 9 years

20. “My first year teaching, my mentor, Ms. Nora Sink, gave me one piece of advice that I live by. She said, ‘Work smarter and not harder.’ I am organized and effective because of that simple piece of advice.” ~Kelice Hunt, 9 years

For tips 21-40, continue reading on the next page.

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