Karen T. Riddick Executive Director of Human Resources, Greensville County Public Schools, Virginia
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fter working as an educator for 21 years, I still remember my first year as a teacher. The memory that stands out to me is the support I received from my co-workers during that first year. There was so much that I didn’t know, and the veteran teachers, many of whom were my former teachers, took me under their wings. I am forever grateful for their wisdom. Based on my 21-year career in education, from classroom teacher to program director, to building administrator, and now central office administrator, there are three things I know for sure– teaching is important, teaching is changing, and teaching is hard! If there is anyone who can offer advice to new and aspiring teachers, it is those of us who have learned important firsthand lessons from our mistakes, our successes, and our experiences in the field. There are many things I can share about this profession called teaching, a profession I was born to do and have grown to love. A few of the lessons and practices that have worked for me are persistence, amnesia, life-long learning, and building positive relationships. If you are an educator, or thinking about entering the education field, you love kids. But loving children won’t be enough to sustain your passion for this profession. You will need a drive to NEVER let kids down. It’s a drive that will force you to get out of bed every Monday morning because you know that your students need you and depend on you. It’s a drive that allows you to create a magical environment for your students where they feel safe and nurtured. It’s a drive that forces you to see the best version of every student you come in contact with, even when they don’t see it in themselves.
Amnesia This lesson was a tough one for me, but the truth is that new teachers can and will make mistakes. Your students will mess up too. It is important for you to remember that every day is a new day. Both you and your students get a fresh start each and every day. We say it all the time, “learn from your mistakes” that’s how you grow. When you make a mistake, own it, and work to find solutions to correct it so that it won’t happen again. Then move on and forget it. When your students make mistakes, teach them to learn and grow from their mistakes, and then to forget about them. Start the next day just as excited as the day before, focusing not on the mistakes, but on the impact you are making on their lives.
gossip and negativity, maintain a laser-like focus on meeting the needs of your students.
Be a Life-Long Learner Don’t be afraid to learn from others. There is always going to be a phenomenal teacher in your building. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from him. Observe her class, ask questions, and share your ideas. Let him be a shining light for you so that you can be a shining light for your students. Always keep up with the most current instructional trends and stay updated in your practice. Seek meaningful professional development that will allow you to grow as a teacher. Be just as passionate about learning as you will be about teaching.
Navigating Your First Year of Teaching
Advice for Incoming Teachers from a Veteran Educator
Build Positive Relationships The ability to build positive relationships is critical to successful teaching. Some people say that relationships are just for the elementary level, but building connections with students is necessary at all levels. Build positive relationships with your students and their parents, and don’t be afraid to let them know a part of you. Not a part that’s too personal, but a part of you that lets them know that you are human. Get to know students not just academically, but personally and socially. Attend their school events and activities. Show them that you care. You are responsible for cultivating an atmosphere of trust, and the way to build trust is through positive relationships. There will be days in your career when you will be jumping with excitement and love your job. There will also be frustrating days when you ask yourself, “Is this job for me.” There is no script for teaching, and no two days are the same because teaching is important, teaching is changing, and teaching is hard. Be flexible. Embrace conflicts as learning opportunities. Laugh often. Stay focuesd. Positively impact the lives of your students!
On behalf of educators everywhere, Good Luck!
Focus I frequently tell new teachers, “Don’t believe the hype” or, “Save the drama”, and I encourage them to stay away from the gossip and negativity that can be found in the teacher’s lounge. Especially when you are frustrated, it’s easy to get caught up in negative talk and to lose your focus. You have to remember to stay positive, and most importantly to stay focused on the needs of your students. Your students are depending on you. You owe them the best version of yourself that you can possibly give. You cannot allow anything to interfere with your ability to provide the best educational experiences for your students. To combat the frustrations of
85 American Association for Employment in Education
