15 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Teaching

Don't you wish you knew the good, the bad and the ugly before you became a teacher? Find out some things to look forward to and things to avoid.

1. Relating to every student takes research.

If you're like me, you are decades older than your students. It takes research to figure out what prior knowledge you're building on. Don't just focus on what they've learned in school, but think about what they've learned outside of school. What programs do they watch on TV? What do they read for fun? What kind of music do they listen to? You can ask your students this information and more in simple survey or game. Knowing them and who they in in the context of the world today will help you connect.

2. Be prepared for anything and everything to happen on your watch.

You have to be prepared for anything to happen during school. In my first year of teaching, I got vomited on and didn't have a change of clothes. I got the stomach bug shortly thereafter and didn't have any medicine with me. I had to teach without power for three days during the aftermath of a hurricane. I had to stay at school with my last class one day until 4:00 in lock down while the police searched our school for an escaped convict. I've sewn shirts, taught with a flashlight, and written study guides out by hand when the copy machine was broken. At the time, each of these things seemed out of the norm. I learned later that "out of the norm" was the norm. Teaching is an unexpected journey that provides a great story at the end of the day. It's better to laugh at life's unexpectedness than to stress.

3. Student teaching may not completely prepare you for your own classroom.

Not all student teaching experiences are rosy. And even if they are, you could end up teaching a different age group, completely different grade, or school environment.

If you haven't started teaching yet, try and choose a place that will be most like your desired job. If that's not possible, spend time in a school observing how things will work and what you need to be prepared for.

4. What you want to teach may not be in demand when you look for a job.

Teachers are always needed, right? True...to some extent. Teachers are always needed, but what kind of teacher and where varies widely depending on area growth, retirement rate, and state budgets. The best advice I can give prospective teachers is to get a sense of the job market in your area before choosing a focus.

5. Working with parents is hard.

Teacher training doesn't focus a lot of time on how teachers can best work with parents, but it's a crucial part being a teacher. My first year teaching, I had a parents yell at me, cry in front of me, hit on me, and even practically stalk me on my cell phone. Setting boundaries with parents in the early years is a struggle. Some years my group of parents gave me no troubles at all, while other years seemed to be full of controversy.

Working with parents is hard, but it's not impossible. The hardest parents for me were the ones that didn't realize that I cared as much about the progress of their child as they did. If you can explain- with actions and words- that you are sincere in the education of their child and exhausting all avenues to help them, they'll come around.

6. Your principal can be your greatest ally or biggest enemy.

Each school is ruled by the principal. In a perfect world, good work would be rewarded with the respect of a principal. However, the world is not perfect. Principals, like the rest of us, have their quirks. Each principal has a unique way of measuring teacher success, and it's important to find that out early on.

I was the music teacher in an elementary school. It wasn't my teaching the principal was concerned with. Instead, if the PTA parents thought my musical was good, she was happy. Be bold and ask your principal exactly what they'd like to see from you in any given year. If they answer you and you measure up, you should have good things in store.

7. More degrees mean more pay.

While the rest of the world works toward promotions, teachers have only pay scales related to degrees/credit hours earned. Some states now pay extra for additional certifications, too. I wish teachers could get promotions based on merit, but since that's not the norm for public schools, it's smart to keep learning. Not only will it pay off in the long run, but it'll help keep you up to date on new technologies and advances in teaching.

8. Earning the respect of students is hard work: the older the students, the harder the work.

I remember being right out of college and substituting in a high school. I tried to look "old" so my students would take me seriously and respect me. Little did I know it had nothing to do with my appearance. Earning respect has to start from day one. It's about being consistent, fair, and dependable as a teacher. Once you've earned their respect, all the hard work you've put into being someone they can respect is totally worth it.

9. Getting supplies for class is sometimes impossible unless you spend your own money.

I've taught in schools where money flows freely, but I've also taught in schools where the purse strings are tight. Be resourceful in everything you do. And if you do spend your own money, keep your receipts! I've seen many teachers post wish lists on their bulletins boards or websites. Don't be afraid to ask parents for supplies that you need or would like for an extra project. If the parents of your students are not able to help, try asking your local merchants and organizations.

10. The day before a vacation day brings back child-like excitement.

You can feel it in the air when you step in school the last day before a holiday break. Even if it's raining outside there's a certain buzz in the school. Teachers have a spring in their step and students seem excited to learn. Breaks are great to look forward to. They help give teachers and students renewal and refocus. The bad part? The last five minute before the bell seem to last forever.

11. You'll make some of your best friends teaching in a school.

The year I started teaching there were 15 other newbies in my school. A lot of turnover had taken place- people retiring and having babies. Although we were sprinkled throughout the school in different grades, subjects, and locations, we always stuck together. There were several veteran teachers that took us in and showed us the ropes. I still see almost all of the teachers that I used to teach with at that school. We can pick up a conversation like time hasn't passed.

12. The internet is your friend.

When I was in college and started teaching, the internet was just taking off. I can only imagine (or hope) how teaching training has changed over the years. Start a blog for self-reflection, but make it anonymous if you really want to air it all. Using the internet for your career can help give you insight about how your students use it and how you can incorporate technology in your teaching.

13. Only someone who's been alone in a classroom full of students can appreciate exactly what your job is like.

I have a great group of friends that are teachers. (See #11) The rest don't really understand what it's like to not sit at a desk with a phone and a computer. Most people relate to teachers from their experiences as students. And just as we don't "get" how hard jobs outside education might be, they might not fully understand our teaching jobs. Pick your teacher friends to work out issues at school; they'll be the best at listening and relating.

14. A note of thanks from a parent or student will mean more than any gift.

In the bottom of my night stand I have a card tucked in an old book. It's my absolute favorite note from a mom of three boys I used to teach. In it, she explains how she could tell I really cared for her boys and how much they enjoyed learning in my class. It's nothing fancy but it's hand written and honest. The best part? She wrote it two years after they'd been in my class. As a teacher, you'll get enough apples and coffee cups to fill a cabinet, but hand written notes are priceless- the best kind of evaluation of your work.

15. Students are amazing creatures.

Each student has a unique personality and talent. Teachers have such an interesting perspective to interact with students and watch them interact with each other as they mature. From the beginning of the year to the last day of school, it's fascinating to watch how students grow. Each year and each new group of students is a journey different from the previous year.

Do you have something to add to the list? Please do in the comment section below.

10 Things Your Students Won't Tell You

Do you really want to know what you’re students are holding back? Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced veteran, these 10 things serve as strong reminders for how to connect with students and make the most of learning experiences.

1. You Aren't Their Favorite Teacher

Students will tell you that you are in fact their favorite teacher. They want to make good grades and stay off your bad list. But the truth is, student opinions change with the wind. Don't put a lot of stock into what students think about you or how popular a teacher you seem to be. Wining a popularity contest is not what you got into teaching to do.

In my experience, the "favorite teacher" label usually went to the teacher who allowed their students to get away with anything and didn't require a lot. Who'd want that label if that's the case?!

2. You Don't Make Learning as Fun as You Should

Students can only compare their current learning with their previous experiences. If they haven't experienced fun and engaging learning, changes are, they don't know what they're missing. However, that's not an excuse for that bored look on their faces. If your students don't look like they're having fun learning, then they're not. Do your homework and plan lessons that can engage your students and provide memorable learning experiences.

3. They Cheated on Their Homework

Why do students cheat? Because they don't "get" the homework or they're lazy. US News and World Report says roughly 50% of students say they've cheated, so chances are, 50% of your class is cheating, too, if given the opportunity. Homework isn't busy work, so make sure you're assigning meaningful ways for students to test their knowledge.

4. They Don't Like School

There comes a time in every student's schooling where they may hate the tradition and routine of it all. Even if it's short lived, not liking the school experience is a challenging period in a child's life. Outside influences could be coming in to play, so keep your eye out for students who change suddenly in demeanor, or never seem to fit in. Don't let them slip off the grid. There's a little place in every school where students should feel welcome and enjoy learning.

5. No One Likes Them

Students want to be popular and well-liked. And when they fail, sharing that feeling isn't something that comes easy. Kids can be cruel, and sometimes the older the student, the more cruel the joke. Kids face all sorts of challenges at school, from what they wear to what club they join. Try to help students out of their shell to find a group of students who will accept them for who they are. Don't forget, you liking them might mean a lot, so offer to eat lunch with them every now and then to check in.

6. They Aren't Scared of the Principal

In my childhood, the principal walked the halls with a wooden paddle in hand. Those days are over, and so is the big fear that students used to feel for principals. The fear of the past should have been traded for respect, but sometimes it isn't. Don't rely on using "I'm going to tell the principal" to get what you want out of students. Your room is your world, and the respect you set up there should be all you need.

7. Bad Behavior is Entertaining

Wouldn't it be great if all students wanted to please the teacher by working hard and following the rules? The truth is, some students live for the attention of getting in trouble. And those angelic students sitting on the side line watching it all? They think it's pretty entertaining. If you haven't figured it out yet, you need to find a way to get order in your class and discipline students without causing a scene. The less attention you draw to the behavior, the less likely the "entertainment" of it all will happen again.

8. Their Parents Don't Care

So you've tried the "your parents will be disappointed" speech to a student and it just isn't motivating them like you want. Know why? They know their parents don't really care about their grades or performance at school. While sad, this can sometimes be true. Do your best as a teacher to make a connection with each student's parent. In the end, relying on a parent's perception to motivate a student isn't your best bet. Take the parent out of the situation and connect with the child and find their individual motiviation to do well.

9. You Make Things Too Easy

Students are the first ones to complain about things being too hard in class, but have you heard many students complain about things being too easy? Not likely. Make sure you present your students with challenges, and don't forget about the students at the head of the class. Differentiate your instruction.

10. Other Teachers Talk About You

Let's be honest, teachers love to gossip. While gossiping is unfortunate, it seems to be a part of the school workplace that's here to stay. Good or bad, students have probably heard other teachers talking about you. If it's something really good or really bad, they might tell you about it, but don't count on it. Remain professional and hopefully the gossip won't be about you.

13 Things Teachers Should Never Say

Some teachers have the gift of language down pat. They know how to use their words in a way that everyone around them feels good about themselves and motivated to do their work. However, there are some teachers out there who let their adult sense of humor and frankness go too far. What one person may think is perfectly acceptable language, another may find rude and hurtful. I asked my education colleagues and members here on TheApple to share quotes they'd heard but wish they hadn't. Think about your words carefully, because once you've spoken, there's no taking it back.

Don't Insult a Student's Capability of Intelligence

#1: A teacher to a parent: "Your child just isn't that bright."

No matter how friendly you are with a student's parent, there is never an appropriate time to utter those words. Some children are not as gifted as others, but there is right and wrong way to share information with parents. One might be to present the facts about performance (with examples) and let the parent ask questions. When delivering difficult information to parents, always try to have one gem to share, like a great test score, social occurrence, or artistic ability. Even if you think the particular student isn't doing well academically, there could be outside factors to consider. It's your job to make sure you help the student succeed to the best of their ability.

#2: "You guys can't get this?!? You all are getting dumber by the minute."

No matter how frustrating it is to get a concept across to students, using strong negative language will not motivate your students. If your students are having trouble grasping information, it's better to take a step back and approach your instruction from a different angle, like cooperative or small groups. Putting students down will not help you in the short or long term, and language like that could get you in big trouble with parents and administration- even if you said it in jest.

Don't Squash Student Spirit

#3: A teacher to a student: "Try harder. You're not stupid!"

Telling a student to try harder without giving any other insight is NOT a good motivational tool. The "s" word (stupid) should never be used in your classroom- especially by you. If a student is trying as hard as they can with the tools you've given them, words like this will only serve to frustrate the student.

#4: "You're not gonna amount to anything, anyway."

Teachers can not see into the future, so don't do any kind of fortune telling in class. You have no idea what each student will turn out to be, so don't speculate. Encouraging students to be their full potential is part of teaching, no matter how hard it may be to find what each student's talent is. Every student does have unique potential and the best of teachers find it and use it as motivation. No matter how upset you are at a student, don't let your anger get the best of you by saying something you'll regret later- and can't take back.

Don't Share Private Information

#5: A teacher to a parent: "I'm not sure why Johnny didn't ace his test. His best friend Jimmy made a 94%."

#6: A teacher to a parent: "Sure, I have Mrs. Brown's telephone number. She didn't publish it in the directory, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind me giving it to you."

Students are free to share their personal information with their classmates, but teachers should never speak of a student's performance or personal information with others. Speaking in generals is fine, like "I really enjoy having Jimmy in class, he puts forth great effort." Getting into particulars with non-school staff is not professional. Sharing this kind of information with others could be grounds for dismissal. Check your schools staff handbook to make sure you comply with these kinds of privacy issues.

Don't Over Promise and Under Deliver

#7: A teacher to a parent: "Are you asking about the science projects from last month? I haven't gotten around to grading those yet. Too busy!"

If you're too busy to grade things you've assigned, then you may need to examine why you're assigning the homework or projects you are. Students should be able to get instant feedback, whether it be through a rubric or quick grading. If they don't get feedback sooner rather than later, how do you know that students are learning what you're teaching? Assessment, informal or formal, should be a factor that drives your instruction.

#8: A teacher to an administrator: "I promise every student in my class will score above 90% on the next standardized test."

While personal goals such as this are great motivation tools for teaching, sharing them, or worse, promising them, is not a great idea. Rather, say "I'd like for every student in my class..." You don't want to be on the chopping block for not keeping promises you've made.

Don't Show Favoritism

#9: A teacher to another teacher or parent: "Sally & Erin are just my favorite students."


While you may have favorite students, letting others know who they are can cause problems. They may start to question if grading and behavior treatment is fair and equal in your class.

#10: This is the "worst group in the whole school."

While some groups may seem better than others, most times it's the time of day or state of mind. Telling one group of students that they are the worst means you think there's a group or groups that are the best. Labeling groups out loud will not cause them to straighten up or become magically quieter and more well-behaved. Try a different approach- one that's positive for everyone involved. Like, "Because another class I had today was quiet, we got to try this experiment outside. Would you all like to earn that privilege?" This way, you're telling the class what they need to do to earn something they probably want to do. Everyone wins!

Don't Exhibit a Lack of Enthusiasm for Curriculum

#11: A teacher to a class: "Today we're going to learn about fossils." The class groans. "I know, I know, it's boring, but we have to learn about it for our science curriculum."

Teaching students something new does not have to be boring! In fact, good teachers can find the most exciting ways to present information to students that others would normally find boring. Making learning exciting is a teacher's job- so be creative and have fun teaching!

Don't Accept Less than the Best

#12: A teacher to a principal after an observation: "I didn't have a lesson plan for that one. I usually don't plan anything out. I just teach whatever the kids are most interested in."

While student interest is a great way to direct lessons, not planning at all - and letting your administrator know about it- may be a great way to get ousted from your current position. Make sure your principal doesn't catch you off guard and you can back up what you're doing with solid curriculum standards. Don't prepare anything but your best for your students.

#13: "I can't wait until I get a real job."

Teaching is a real job, and if you always act that way, your students will take you more seriously.

5 Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? It’s a profession with great rewards and challenges. Education is also a profession that generally is in demand, providing steady jobs for the millions of women and men in the field of education.

Whether you're thinking about becoming a teacher right out of college, or choosing teaching as a second career, 5 Steps to Becoming a Teacher is a guide that you won't want to miss. I've published it over at Monster's web community for teachers. Follow the links below to find read the free information I've written to help you start your journey to teaching.

Step 1: Decide if Teaching is Right for You

Step 2: Choose a Teaching Degree & Focus

Step 3: Become a State Qualified Teacher

Step 4: Salary & Benefits Guide for Teachers

Step 5: Get Hired

8 Toughest Education Jobs

No job in education is easy. Every job worth doing right takes hard work and dedication. Though I think all careers in education are tough, these eight stand out as some of the toughest. Educators that stay with these jobs and strive to succeed are making a real difference in shaping our next generation.

1. Inner City Educator

Everyone isn't cut out to teach in our nation's inner cities, and the most urban cities struggle to keep teachers longer than just a few years. Inner city schools struggle for several reasons. Large class sizes, few male teachers, a lack of strong leadership and experienced teachers, and even a lack of supplies make day to day learning hard. Add to that a dynamic student body with street smarts and attitude beyond their years, and you may have a tough school situation. While many urban cities get schools staffed by Teach for America or teachers fresh out of school, the inner cities could really benefit from teachers that are confident in their skills and represent the community that they teach.

"Recent data obtained by the Public School Notebook, which follows school issues in Philadelphia, shows that the schools with the highest level of poverty still have the highest teacher turnover rates and the lowest percentage of highly qualified and experienced teachers." -Philadelphia Daily News

What can help inner city educators face their tough careers? Eliminate the feeling of isolation. Take part in professional development and learning communities, collaborate, and practice patience with perseverance. Teachers that feel called to serve in the inner city shouldn't be discouraged. There are great success stories, though not all as grande as Dangerous Minds. There is tremendous opportunity in our nation's inner cities to make a lasting impact on America's youth.

2. Principal

Some teachers may think the job of a principal is easier than being in the classroom. But if done right, the principal has one of the toughest jobs in a school. Not only is the principal in charge of the school's mission, they also oversee the hiring, firing, transfer, and tenure of teachers as well as coordinating with bus drivers, janitorial staff and lunch workers. In addition, they evaluate teachers, handle student discipline and play defense and offense when it comes to pleasing parents. It's a year round job with a school reputation on the line. Some principals feel such pressure to help their students succeed that they step into the classroom and teach. From a business perspective, they work with budgets, order supplies and curriculum, plan professional development and work to secure school donors. It's one of the few education jobs that can impact a student's day start to finish in every room of the building.

3. Special Education Teacher

By the numbers, not enough teaching students are selecting special education as a career. Is it because it's tough? Most likely. 46 of 50 states identified general special education and related special education fields as in demand careers for the 2009-2010 school year.

Special education students vary widely in ability and personality. Teachers will tell you that these students are challenging, but bring great joy. Special education teachers work with fewer students than general classroom teachers, but sometimes have every student in their room on a different lesson. Add to that the behavior and physical disabilities of students, orchestrating simple classroom tasks can difficult.

Special education teachers have to coordinate schedules with classroom and specialty teachers, fill out tons of papers work, and collaborate with district advocates and parents to ensure state mandates are being met.

4. Middle School Counselor

Being an educator for middle schoolers is not easy, but it's worth it, many will tell you. Middle school is the time when students search for identity and social relationships begin to blossom. This "blossoming" for many is a rocky road. Friendships and cliques become tumultuous, parents become so "not cool" and being good at school is at the bottom of a student priority list. Boys and girls clash and everything seems like an emotional roller coaster. Some middle school psychologist, like TheApple's Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, rise to the challenge and adore this group of tweens. Keeping the peace at a middle school and counseling students through this period of their life is a tough job, but so important in shaping who these young adults will become and how they will handle adversity.

5. Kindergarten teacher

While every grade has it's challenges, kindergarten is a tough transition for many because it's the introduction to official school. During the first few months, kindergarten teachers see a lot of tears, and not just from students. Parents and students both have trouble adjusting to a full day of school with no nap time. Emotions are high in a classroom full of wonderful little creatures. In addition to curriculum, one of the things that makes kindergarten tough is the life skills that these students haven't mastered, like going the bathroom alone, tying shoes or even walking in a line down the hall. Add to that a few snotty noses that haven't seen a tissue and a hamster in a cage and it seems amazing that these teachers get any real teaching done. A kindergarten teacher once told me that getting her students to lunch at the beginning of the school year was like herding cats. Kindergarten classes are bustling with energy and activity and these students don't usually know the first thing about raising hands, taking turns speaking or even the basics of sharing. Kindergarten teachers are some of the most important teachers in the school, because they set the tone for how to behave and view school as an overall experience.

6. Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers make up a huge percentage of classroom educators across the U.S. The pool of subs in New York City is over 13,000, with Chicago and Los Angeles both around 7,000.* Some substitutes have long term posts, but most walk into classrooms on a daily basis with no idea what they'll find. Since all of us were former students, we know that students rarely behave as well for the sub as they do for their regular teacher. A few smart, sassy students can make the life of a sub survival of the fittest. The goal of a good substitute is to carry on class and learning as usual. But imagine walking into a job that's been going on without you for months and you have no knowledge of the students, subject matter, project or school schedule. Subbing is not easy, and good subs have to stay on their toes to get through the day in one piece and leave the teacher a note with "mission accomplished."

* Source: USA Today

7. Curriculum Specialist

Education reforms from each school, as well as district, state, and federal mandates can be so hard to comb through that most schools these days have curriculum or instructional specialists. To be successful, this person need a knowledge of how existing curriculum is delivered in each class in a school. Their job is tough because they try to help teachers - some reluctant- collaborate across curriculum and incorporate new mandates and ideas into their teaching. "It's a tough job," one instructionalist told me, "because you're asking teachers to add one more thing to their already full plate. You feel bad doing it, but you see the big picture and know it can work. They see me coming in the hall and dodge me or don't want to take one more meeting with me." A general classroom or subject teacher gets to hone in on one particular area of study, but the curriculum specialist needs to know about all subjects and all curriculum. For a new person in this career, it's a lot of reading and learning. Instead of instructing students, this person teaches adult teachers how to better instruct, plan and work together.

8. Brand New Teacher

No matter where or what you teach, the job of a brand new teacher is one of the toughest out there. Not more sitting behind the desk in class, now you're standing in front of class teaching! Having your own classroom is something that student teaching only begins to prepare you for. Being the new kid on the block has challenges even for the best of us. School staffs may not be so welcoming or helpful, and finding your confidence as a first year teacher is tough. From working with difficult students, parents, teachers and even administrators, a lot of the first year (or two) is trial by error. Planning a great lesson and executing it are two different things, and thinking fast is a must to survive. I've never met a first year teacher who wasn't stressed out, but that usually means the new teacher is thinking and trying to succeed so much that they can't get school of their mind!