From time to time, we’ll offer some ideas and reflections—some serious, some…well, not so much…addressing a variety of topics from several of the Curriculum and Instruction professors who led your classes at the College of Education. You may have graduated, but they’re still available to offer support, in the form of resources and humor! For this issue, we asked about common mistakes new teachers often make. Here’s what a few had to say:
- Dr. Brad Burenheide (Secondary Social Studies)— “Trying to do it all at once. Develop a plan of attack and knock it out one bit at a time.”
- Dr. Tom Vontz (Elementary Social Studies)— “Paranoia and anxiety. Teaching is a performing art. Our craft is on public display for students, parents, administrators, and other teachers. As such, it is easy for a new teacher to become defensive, anxious, and even a little paranoid. Fundamentally, however, it is important to remember that everyone really wants you to succeed and that you do not need to be perfect to be successful.”
- Dr. Sherri Martinie (Secondary Math)— “They don’t set clear expectations, guidelines, and procedures. Avoid this by being specific about how you want your students to behave in the classroom and then stating this clearly and reinforcing this.”
- Dr. Vicki Sherbert (Secondary English/Language Arts, Speech/Theatre, Journalism)— “We often think we can tackle too many new things at once. When we do that, our students feel scattered, and so do we. Remember to choose one new idea or practice to implement at a time.”
- Dr. Phillip Payne (Music Education) — “One mistake I made as a new teacher was getting excited over my first paycheck! Don’t let the number go to your head. Enjoy having funds and a steady paycheck, but be frugal in those first months to avoid any financial hardships down the road.”