Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Dear New Teacher

On Sunday, Michelle posted a letter and a request for advice for a new teacher. I loved Michelle's post (you can read it here)!! Her caring, compassion and encouragement was so clearly put into words in her post. As I am mentoring a couple of new teachers this year, I think Michelle's request came just in time. I too, needed to ponder how I would encourage my mentees. Here is my letter:

Dear New Teacher,

Thank you for choosing to become a teacher! You have new world waiting for you this year. It is your own global classroom!

Your classroom will soon be filled with teenagers from many different countries. They will speak English with different proficiency levels. Don't worry, your other students will be there to help you. Just join the adventure and learn along with your students.

Your students are the focus this year and every year. It is not about the perfect classroom or the right shade of paper on your bulletin board. Yes, classroom organization is important, but students are what teaching is all about. Get to know your students. Talk to them. Have fun. Read with them. Write with them. Discuss books with them. Debate. Be real. Be kind and compassionate. Be firm. Boundaries are good. Respect is a must. Kleenex will help to dry many tears and antibacterial wipes are a necessity! Don't forget to ask for help. You have a team that will support you. You are not alone.

Gather your supplies, coffee (maybe some more coffee), open your door, and smile! Your students are coming. They can't wait to meet you!

Wishing you a wonderful year of learning together!


7 comments:

  1. What an inspiring note! I hope you really share it with your mentees. Those first years are so hard and it is always good to remember why we do what we do.

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  2. What an inspiring note! I hope you really share it with your mentees. Those first years are so hard and it is always good to remember why we do what we do.

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  3. What a great way to make a new teacher feel welcome and part of the team. Wish I had had something like this when I started my teaching career.

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  4. "Students are the focus" - the most important thing for every classroom. I like how you included antibacterial soap and Kleenex in your advice.

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  5. Beautiful letter to your mentee, Jaana. I loved Michelle's letter, too, and you've included what I think is the most important thing: "students are what teaching is all about". Exactly! Have a great start!

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  6. What a perfect way to welcome a new teacher - students are the focus, a perfect mantra, too.

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  7. What a perfect way to welcome a new teacher - students are the focus, a perfect mantra, too.

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