John Maxwell once quipped “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” I love first time. It is exciting. It is exhilarating. I can still remember my first time in school as clear as the summer sky in Boracay. It was fun. It was challenging. It was purposeful. First times reminds us that we need to be learning new things and experiencing new adventures. This saves teachers from boredom or being stuck in a rut, it makes the next day, the next month, the next semester, the next school year even more exciting, and it makes us more interesting teacher.

            This June 2017, the gates of schools will once again be opened to schoolers. It’s that time of the year again where the excitement are so high and everybody seems to be on a full battery mode, ready to fight, ready for battle for another ten months of schools.

Whatever your circumstances are, here are some few tips for you to make that first day of school count.

1. Show and tell optimism. Do not be shy to show off that smile. An evidence that you have rested quite well and enough over the summer break. Pupils and students love a cheerful teacher. Greet your students with that smile as they enter your classrooms and see its impact to the overall starting mood of your class and the feelings of your students. There has been too much stress in the world today and it would be really helpful if teachers imbibe a very optimistic attitude inside their classrooms. Encourage your students to do the same too!
2. Put on your best wardrobe.
3. Be Prepared. As a student, I have seen teachers who slack too much when they attend class. Don’t be. It is a cardinal sin for teachers to come to class unprepared. Do not be like others who go to class, ask students to copy what is written on the board, then class dismissed. We are all sick and tired of all the complaints of teachers who do not teach or do not teach well. My comrades in the profession, come to class prepared, even if it is the first day.

Remember, you only have that one day and the next one would be next year again. So, my fellow teachers, make it happen, make it count!

Reference:

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/815270-when-was-the-last-time-you-did-something-for-the

By: Leandro Malibiran