On June 13, 2016 marks the start of the school year 2016-2017. Again, many teachers are looking forward of another intense yet fruitful career as an educator.   After a series of years spent on studying, completing and sometimes repeating the given curricula, they, the newly registered teachers, will now have their “turn” to educate the eager-to learn-youth, who resemble themselves once upon a time.

            The first days of wearing that prestigious title  are always the frightening days for new teachers, for these are the days of “mind your own but teach others” style.  No one is exempted from this rule, but they can at least prepare and make these days memorable and less nerve-wrecking for them.  Therefore, hold on sirs and Ma’am.  These are some suggested things to do on your first workdays as a real teacher:

            The general rule is “know everything. This is the most ideal way of starting your working day.  There’s a lot more to know and learn other than the entrance and exit of the school.  If you still don’t know the major offices or establishments are located, like the canteen, audio-visual room, principal’s office, the clinic, try to know them all.  These will be of big help to you in the coming days.

            Try to obtain the school systems and policies.  Theseinformation may be already given or briefly discussed to you when you were hired.  But obtain a personal copy in case there are topics not clear to you. For instance, policies on absencesleave teacher rules for client contract and discipline guides for you and your students.

           

            Every opening of the school year, adverse experiences are being encountered by teachers. Most teachers especially the beginning teachers are having the jitters about the first day of classes. The start of the school year will be the routine of facing the whole new set of 40-50 students, all expectant, and all aiming to meet and assess their new teacher.

            Teachers must know his/her own things and organize them.  Your classroom will be your second home.  It will be your second home.  It will be your responsibility to take good care of everything inside it.  Think of ways of arranging furniture that will be interesting to your first ever student and at the same time comfortable for both of you.

            Know the books to be distributed.  If you are a public school teacher, books are one of the important things that should be one of your major concerns, since it will be distributed to students.

            Another important thing, befriend your co-teachers.  Aside from noisy and unruly students, there are other people that you have to deal with. These are your co- teachers. However, many teachers follow a guideline in starting the school right. Most of these are learned through years of experience while some are acquired through sheer common sense.

            First and foremost remember that the first day of classes seemed to be the display of varied facial expressions, emotions and to some, the first day seems to be intimidating. Most students attend their first day in a particular section, year level or schools with questions in their minds which they find embarrassing for fear of being laugh at. Let the first day of school be smooth, by projecting to them that they are all welcome

            Regardless of the year level a teacher is handling, check every information the students are providing, or through their registration card to be sure that the correct student is reporting to your classroom.

            Classroom management is also a big concern for a teacher. He should check the light, temperature or ventilation, the visuals, designs, cabinets and other furniture.

            Children are also concerned about the way they will be graded. In an effective classroom, students are graded based on their mastery of the learning criteria.

            Most importantly, the teacher must be concerned how he treats himself. Is it with dignity and love? Consider also how you dress. Make it obvious that you are organized and ready, and that you are in control of the learning environment.

                        As F.W. Robertson puts it, “the true aim of everyone who aspires to be a teacher shouldnot beto impart his own opinion, but to kindle minds”.

 

 

Reference:

B. Corpuz and G. Salandanan. Principles of Teaching.

            Lorimar Publishing., Manila (2008)

 

By: Richelle Eileen O. Dador