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!

7 Must-Have Work Friends for Teachers

A successful work environment isn't controlled by one teacher. The entire school staff can make or break a work day. Ensure your school days go by in a flash by knowing which seven people hold the power.

#1: School Nurse

If you're a classroom teacher, then you know that a good relationship with the school nurse goes a long way.

Making the School Nurse Your Friend

DO send students to the nurse that seem legitimately ill, injured, contagious, and may need to go home.

DO send a note with the student to the nurse explaining what prompted you to send the student.

DON'T send students who are chronic complainers and aren't really sick.

DON'T send students that need a Bandaid or simple first aid. If the school doesn't supply you with a First Aid kit, then purchase basic supplies (and rubber gloves!) to deal with minor injuries.

Some schools don't even have full-time nurses these days, so every minute a nurse is in the school building is precious time that should be spent on students who need medical attention. Utilize the school nurse only when necessary and the nurse will come to know the serious nature of your student's health when sent.

#2: Janitor

I've always thought that janitors are a school's unsung heroes. Even in my elementary years, I can remember our school janitor fondly. As a teacher, I learned that the janitor is a jack of all trades- helping lift, move, clean and fix just about anything.

Making the Janitor Your Friend

DO require your students to clean up after themselves.

DO ask for help when lifting or moving large objects to avoid on-the-job injury.

DO plan in advance if you need the assistance of the janitor.

DO say thank you every day when you see the janitor cleaning something in your classroom.

DO treat janitors with respect and courtesy.

DON'T leave a mess just because you ran out of class time. The janitor should not be used to clean up projects. Schedule clean up time into everything you do.

#3: Copy Queen

Many schools have what I like to call a "Copy Queen." They control how well and how fast requested copies of worksheets, tests and quizzes are made. If your lesson hinges on printed materials, then being friendly to the Copy Queen is a must.

Making the Copy Queen Your Friend

DO make your copy request official by using the proper paperwork and clearly writing how many copies, sides and collating are necessary.

DO use words like "please" and "thank you" even though you're a busy teacher and in a hurry.

DO make your own copies after hours if it's allowed.

DON'T wait to go over your required lesson materials until the day of the lesson.

DON'T copy busy work- it's a waste of paper! Copy only paper materials if they are absolutely necessary and no substitute (like technology) will do.

Do you have more advice about the copy queen? Share below!

#4: PTA President

Making the PTA President Your Friend

DO find out who this important person is at your school. A powerful PTA makes things happen when you alone can not.

DO join the PTA at your school and attend PTA meetings. The "T" in PTA stands for teachers, so go offer advice on big or small issues.

DO introduce yourself and make yourself available for phone calls or emails. If you're the science teacher and a dream of the PTA is a new science lab, you'll want in on the planning, so don't miss out!

DO find a parent on the PTA that can help champion your cause if you need it. One parent that knows and supports you can go a long way.

DON'T complain. The PTA is a volunteer organization and the president gives a lot of their free time to the school.

Remember that the PTA is not responsible for a school's finances or programs. Everything they do is supplemental. If you butt heads with the PTA president, chances are the administration is going to know about it and that's a tough one to smooth over.

#5: Lunch Lady

Making the Lunch Lady Your Friend

You only have 10 minutes to scarf down lunch, take a pee break and prep for your next class, but you find yourself standing in the lunch line looking invisible while the lunch lady helps all the students. Why isn't she stopping to make your lunch??!!!

DO respect everyone that prepares and serves food at school.

DO speak politely and friendly even though you're in a rush. Don't bark immediately what you want, but ask a quick, "How are you? I'm Mrs. Blank."

DO compliment what is prepared that you do like. "Wow- those french fries are delicious!"

DON'T say, "Ah- Salisbury steak? Yuck!" while waiting in line...even if it's gross.

DON'T expect to get special treatment if the only time you see the lunch lady is when you're in a rush. Try and say "hi" when you're getting coffee, water, or happen to be passing through the cafeteria.

If you're going on a field trip that requires bagged lunch, then you'll want to ask fellow teachers way in advance how to file the proper paper work. Otherwise, your students may go hungry!

#6: School Secretary

Making the School Secretary Your Friend

The school secretary sees all and hears all. They can help you out of a bind (when you're out of paper) or hang out with a sick child while you go on a field trip....but only if they like you.

DO know the school secretary by name.

DO treat them like the knowledge expert they are. They know where the principal is at all times, what parents are involved, and when teachers arrive late.

DO be punctual and meticulous when submitting paperwork to the school secretary. It will insure that your tasks are carried out in a timely manner.

DON'T share any gossip with the school secretary unless it's about you. It'll make you seem unprofessional.

DON'T treat them as your personal secretary.

#7: Veteran Teacher

Making the Veteran Teacher Your Friend

The best way to get the lay of the land in a school is through relationships with veteran teachers. They've seen dozens of teachers - and maybe principals- come and go. They know how the school really works and that can especially help new teachers.

DO find a veteran teacher you admire in your school. It doesn't have to be someone in your field or grade. If you like their style of teaching and methods, you can learn a lot.

DO ask questions when you feel overwhelmed. Veteran teachers have been teaching for decades and they can handle just about anything.

DON'T make them feel old. Age is experience, and it should be respected even if your methods are different.

Do you have more advice? Share below!

5 Reasons Teachers Fail

Failure is a part of life. It's what makes us learn and eventually succeed. Sometimes it's our fault that we fail, and other times, we're not given the tools we need to succeed. Failure isn't the worst thing that can happen to us in our lives. It can make us stronger and more prepared to face what lies ahead. These five reasons are some of the biggest reasons that teachers fail. Even if you feel like a failure now, there's still hope. Realizing your failures is more than half the battle to finding your way to success.

1. Teachers fail because their heart isn't in the job.

Teaching isn't the perfect career for everyone, and that's okay. We were all given unique talents, but sometimes figuring out how and where to use those talents can be tricky. You may have originally thought you were destined and talented as a teacher. However, if you know that you're heart isn't in your job when you step inside the school walls, it's time to evaluate your career path and make some necessary changes.

Perhaps you got into teaching for the wrong reasons, or perhaps your education career has changed so much that you don't even recognize what drew you to it anymore. It happens.

Teaching is a unique career, so unique that it is one of the few careers people say they love doing. Do people like being accountants and sales clerks? Sure they do. But I've seen very few people in my life profess their love for their job more than teachers. Teachers can go on and on about their students like proud parents. They are careful grading papers and making lesson plans because they are empowered to make a difference in the life of a student. If this doesn't sound like you, then it may be time to take a step back and reflect. What about your career is satisfying you professionally?

2. Teachers fail because they're teaching the wrong thing.

So you knew you wanted to become a teacher, but you weren't sure what you wanted to teach. Your teacher training program went by fast and the next thing you knew you were teaching a subject you don't really care for or an age level you don't seem to connect with. Don't worry!

The good thing is you are a qualified teacher. The bad thing is you're not utilizing your talents in the best way. Are you teaching high school and are scared to make the leap to a younger grade? Are you teaching writing but really prefer math? Make a list of what you like about your job- and more importantly- what you're good at. Use your most recent evaluations to figure this one out, and even ask your peers.

It's hard to imagine what having your own classroom will be like in teacher training. Once you graduate, the possibilities can be endless...unless jobs are sparse. Maybe you took a middle school job because there were no elementary positions at the time. If you've made the best of it, then great! If it's time to move on, start looking.


Not sure what subject or grade would really suit you best? Then you've got some work to do. Visit other schools and other classrooms if you can during your prep period, lunch or even after school.

Find what you're passionate about and which students you click with best. Success will be just around the corner.

3. Teachers fail because they aren't prepared.

Teacher prep programs don't always do a good job of instructing teachers on how to plan. This is one of the most important aspects of teaching. The school year is a continuum, and lessons must be planned in advance with thought and care.

What can you do to stay prepared for your lessons? Read, think, plan. Read your goals for your students. Think about how you can best accomplish them. Plan activities and opportunities for your students to learn.

Don't try to plan every detail of every lesson a year in advance. But do think about the big picture when you plan your year. Do think about how you are building on prior knowledge. Do involve your students in planning and shaping curriculum extensions.

If you need quiet time to plan, slot a chunk of time each day or week to really focus on your lesson preparation.

Everything important in life takes solid preparation.

4. Teachers fail because they're overwhelmed.

Do you feel overwhelmed more often than you feel in control of your class? You're not alone. Many teachers- especially new teachers- feel this way at some point in their first few years in the classroom.

Once you feel overwhelmed, it's how you deal with it that makes or breaks you. Take a deep breath and step back. What part of your job is stressing you out? Is it grading papers? Is it working with parents? Is it class management? You can work on each of these areas to gain more control over your career.

Once you feel overwhelmed, don't give up. Focus on what is working and why it is working well. Try to apply your success to areas of your career that are lacking.

5. Teachers fail because they're too scared to ask for help.

Sometimes teaching seems like an exclusive club of experts. I think the best kind of teachers are those who share their secrets of success freely. If you have a problem you can't solve, ask for help.

Do you need to ask for supplies? If you haven't asked for the help of your local merchants, you can post your request on a site like Donors Choose.

Ask your student's parents for help volunteering in your class.

Can you offer help to teachers on these subjects and more? Leave your comments below.

5 Ways to Quit Taking it Personally

Sometimes the biggest on-the-job hazard for teachers is not being able to let things go. We think about our students, school, our principal, our evaluations, and parent interactions all day. We want things to go perfectly, and when they don't, we're devastated and disappointed. Finding success at work and at home is finding ways to not take things so personally. I've found five ways to help.

1. The Performance of Others is Not a Mirror of Your Effort

The system by which teachers are measured is far from perfect. Its imperfections are finally getting noticed by the Secretary of Education, but that doesn't mean the system is fixed yet- or even close to it.

The problem: You have a class of students with widely diverse abilities. You work your hardest to help them achieve and improve, but they don't score as well on tests- especially standardizes tests- as you'd hope.

The solution: While standardized tests are important to some, teachers know they can't control the exact outcome. Try your best to help students improve, but in the end, you can't take full responsibility for their scores -even the good ones. Be satisfied in knowing you tried hard to help students take steps toward improvement.

2. Only Exert and Expect Control in Your Environment

The school walls, and more particular, your classroom, create a micro environment of the real world. The problem is your students don't spend all their waking hours under your control or influence. Once they leave the room and later the school building, they come in contact with outside factors that change their mood, their habits, and even their learning process.

The problem: Your students just won't behave and are pushing your buttons to see what happens. Students that misbehave aren't necessary acting out on you. They may be reacting to trouble at home, trouble with peers, or some deeper personal issues.

The solution: Control what you can when you can and don't take it personally every single time students act out. Try to get to the bottom of what's really causing the behavior. More likely than not, the behavior is not stemming from something you've done, so don't blame yourself. Get your counselor or school psychologist involved if you need to.

3. Don't Let the Mood of Others Bring You Down

The school environment is unique. It's not like desk jobs where tons of colleagues sit in the same room. Hours may go by without seeing another adult when you're a teacher. So when you do see another adult, have a bad interaction and leave it unresolved, it can fester all day or week.

The problem: Adults on the job can have a bad attitude or are negative about your performance. Whether it's a co-teacher or principal, adults can be just as cruel (or worse) than kids.

The solution: If you just taught a great lesson and are feeling good, but then bump into someone who tries to bring you down, don't give them the satisfaction. One positive person can do wonders for the work environment. Remember this: The bad moods of others are more about them than they are about you.

4. Remain Confident

A successful teacher is a confident person. They know their subject matter, they know their lesson, and they deliver it in a believable way. Maintaining confidence at the head of the classroom is key for teachers.

The problem: Students, teachers, or even parents can whittle away and make teachers second guess their actions.

The solution: As long as you carefully and thoughtfully teach, stand behind your work. Back up your actions to others with sound reason and calm responses. If others see you remaining confident about your job, they'll know you take it seriously and can't be shaken easily.

5. Don't Read Into Things

Teachers communicate all day with students, co-workers and parents. This communication may take place through email, phone calls, or even paper notes.

The problem: Teachers are always thinking about things, sometimes too much. Don't add extra words or tone that isn't in correspondence.

The solution: Take things at face value. If you don't understand the point someone is trying to make, ask for clarification. Don't assume anything.

5 Non-School Jobs for Educators

If you've been an educator but working in a school full-time just isn't for you, there's hope. Don't throw that education degree away! Try to stay in the education field with one of these jobs that can utilize your teaching degree in other ways. In each of the following job descriptions, I've listed jobs that are currently posted on our job board for immediate hire.

1. Workshop/Trainer for Teachers

Think of all of the workshops that you attend as a teacher. Continuing education is mandatory for all teachers. Do you have expertise to share with school staffs across your region, state or U.S.? Start small by creating buzz in your local area then see if going broader is a viable option for your career. There are many companies that arrange workshops for schools and who employ many trainers and education consultants. Marketing yourself and your skills to existing companies could save you a lot of legwork and jump start your career in this field.

Corporations train their workers, too. Becoming a corporate trainer could put your teaching skills to good use.

2. National Education Company

If you look around your classroom, you should be able to make a long list of companies that have presence in in education. From the makers of textbooks to school supplies, there are numerous companies with a wide variety of jobs available. A background in education and teaching could be a great asset in landing a job with these types of companies. Here are just two jobs that might be of interest for a national education company:

Textbook Sales

How do you think your school system decides which textbooks to purchase? The sales team does a good job of presenting the education material to selection committee of teachers. I was on the committee that chose the textbooks for my subject years ago. The sales team from each education company sent out tons of materials and went through the process of how their materials can best be utilized by teachers. If you feel passionate about curriculum and are good with people, this job may be for you. Travel is usually involved. Applicants will do well with previous educational and sales background.

Curriculum Development

Do you have a great ideas on how curriculum should work? Curriculum development might be something that you could excel in. Many of the big curriculum companies have offices in more than one major city in the U.S. Think about your skill set and what you could offer a team of curriculum developers. Previous writing experience is probably a must as well as at least 5 years in an education related field.

3. Tutor

Do you love to teach but a classroom full of students isn't right for you? Private tutoring could be the perfect career. Teachers are not allowed to tutor students for pay in most states, but once you step out of the classroom, you can offer your services to former students. Teachers that are in the classroom are always looking for good tutors- and recommending a former teacher as a tutor for their students would be an easy sell. You can call your own tutoring hours, hold group sessions, or even work for a tutoring company, like Sylvan or Kumon. If you like working one-on-one with students, this may be a great career option and put your education background to work.

4. Private Organization/ Boys/Girls Club

Do you love working with kids but hate being tied to a curriculum? Apply your skills with children to a career with a private organization, like the Boys & Girls Club or YMCA in your area. Organizations that work with children seek employees that are reliable, creative, and responsible with children. Children need to come in contact with caring adults outside of school, too, so explore this option if you still want to make a difference.

5. Writer

Author

Are you a talented writer? Get published! Depending on your talent, you can work towards publishing articles, a resource book for teachers, or even a children's book. If you're still teaching while you start to pursue a career in writing, run your thoughts by your colleagues. If you working on a book for children, make sure to get your own students' endorsement. There's no time like the present to find your voice. Start a blog (like this one!) to find your passion and express it with the written word.

Composer

Are you a talented musician? Try your hand at writing a book for kids with music, a choir song, or even band or orchestra music. If you've taught these subject before, you know what music publishers are popular and what they're looking for. Music writing software and recording equipment is cheaper than ever before. If you're teaching while you start your composing career, be sure to get your students' input on the music you've created for their age group. If you are a choir, band or orchestra teacher, have your students perform you original work and record it to send to the publisher.

Race to Nowhere

I had the privilege of seeing a screening of Race to Nowhere recently in Atlanta. I have a feeling that the hour and twenty minutes I spent watching that movie could alter my future as a parent and educator more than any other single event in my life. As I looked around the screening room at the almost 500 other people watching the movie, I had to wonder, how could we get the people who really need to see this documentary to watch it? If like me, you bought a ticket to see Race to Nowhere, you already recognize the issue and want to learn more. But the movie isn't for those of us who are trying our best to stay abreast of the latest research and make changes accordingly.

The issue that spoke to me most as an educator was homework. The movie talked to so many stressed students who had mountains and hours of homework each night. One teacher said, "When did the teacher get to decide how students spend their time when they leave school for the day?" So many parents saw the stress that homework had on their kids, and craved to have time after school to let their kids just be kids. Research says there is no correlation between homework and academic achievement in elementary school. There is a correlation between homework and learning in middle school, but after an hour of homework, the correlation disappears. The same is said for homework at the high school level, but after two hours, the correlation of learning and homework drops off.

Homework is a local school issue. Each school has homework policies, and my hope is that every teacher knows where the value of homework stops. Teachers need to talk to each other at each grade level to ensure that students don't have more work than they can handle.

If parents talk to each other, they might find that homework assigned in certain grades or at certain schools is too much. Advocating for appropriate levels of homework should be a dialogue between schools and parents. Making students sit for hours each day after school to complete unnecessary homework doesn't benefit the teacher or the student.

One high school AP teacher said when he started assigning less homework, his students' grades got better. Several schools, because of parent advocates, started implementing homework free nights or no homework altogether. Students became more excited to go to school and learn, and after school time with families was drastically improved.

Homework Tips to Take to Heart

Homework isn't all bad. It teaches students responsibility and helps them practice their newly learned skills. “One thing is certain,” stresses Roch Chouinard, vice-dean of the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Education, “homework is more beneficial when it is short but frequent rather than long. What’s more, the correlation between homework and cognitive and social benefits is precarious. This means if there is too much homework potential benefits can become negative. This tipping point varies from one family to the next and from one environment to the next.”

Pat Hensley, author of Successful Teaching writers, "Don’t give homework just for busy work. Make sure there is a valid reason for the students to be doing this assignment."

"Make sure the assignment length and difficulty is appropriate for the age of your students. One rule of thumb is that very young children should have no more than 15-20 minutes of homework a night (all subjects combined), students in grades 4-7 should have less than an hour (all subjects combined), and secondary students should have no more than 2 hours a night (all subjects combined). An alternative rule of thumb is that there should be no more than 10 minutes per grade level each night. For example, third grades have no more than 30 minutes, fifth graders no more than 50 minutes, etc, "author Julia G. Thompson writes.

Expectations & Praise

If you're a teacher, how do you praise your students? Do you hold your praise until each student attains the same accomplishment? Or do you praise every students for their personal achievements? Many students in the movie felt guilt until they completed their homework. One student told his mom that he had to do his homework or his teacher would get mad. Reflect on your homework expectations and how you reward students. Make sure the process is one that helps students understand the value of learning.

As a parent andan educator, the message of Race to Nowhere was more powerful. The language parents use to set expectations for kids and the way they are praised for their accomplishments is an important issue. Many times in the movie, parents had motivated their kids to do school work to "get in to a good college." This is where the name of the movie transpired. One student described how he was working so hard to complete everything and do it well, and then he would get to college and do it all over again to "get a good job." All of the racing to nowhere didn't make sense if the goal of life was to be happy.

The parents in the film were mainly middle to upper class parents who pushed their kids to be the best, get involved in as much as possible, and motivated them by the results of a great college and top job. Parents reflected that sometimes they focused too much on trying to get their children to be the highest achiever. One mom said she always asked her child "How'd the test go?" And by innocently doing that on a regular basis, she may have created the stress the child felt towards doing well in school. It's great for parents to care about the school day, and each child should be held to reaching their full potential. However, doing well shouldn't be stressful. After school hours should be filled with a mix of activities, both free and planned.

The education system we have today doesn't measure all types of success. It's important as an educator and a parent to find and redefine success based on the individual, not what society defines as successful. For me, success is happiness. What do you think the ultimate success in life is? Share your thoughts about these issues and your take on the movie Race to Nowhere.

9 Keys to Teaching a Successful Lesson

1. Start With the Standards

Each teacher has a set of standards by grade level and subject that they are tasked to accomplish throughout the year. If you haven't committed them to memory, make sure you post them or have them ready for easy reference. These standards should guide everything you do.

Follow the wording of the standard closely to make sure you hit the target. While straying from the standard a bit may be okay, if you go too far off course, you'll loose valuable time.

2. Plan for Outcomes, Not Activities

Think about what your students are required to learn. It's easy to fall into a pattern, especially at the elementary level, to plan activities rather than outcomes. Don't get caught up in activities associated with unit themes unless the activity really helps drive comprehension. Some activities require more preparation and time than they're worth. If at the end of a long (and even fun) activity your students aren't sure what they did, the activity needs to be rethought and reworked for the next year.

3. Plan Ahead

Last minute lesson success is rare, so take your time thinking about the big idea of the unit and how each class period or lesson fits together. Planning a lesson in advance can help teachers revisit their initial thoughts and maybe make changes that weren't foreseen in the first planning stages. Teachers should allow plenty of time to plan, gather supplies, literature and even technology necessary to carry out a successful lesson.

4. Think Cross Curricular

The best teachers are the ones that don't teach a subject in isolation. Every lesson taught in school can relate and should relate to something students are doing in other areas of school. If teachers can connect student learning throughout the school day, students are more likely to retain information.

At a workshop I recently attended, a PE teacher told me how she had helped students understand pioneer times by setting up stations in the gym with activities similar to the labor activities (fetching water, etc) that pioneers did. It kept the students active and drove home a concept in another class.

5. Collaborate

Thinking cross curricular doesn't happen without collaboration. Many schools are realizing the power of collaboration by allowing more common planning time among grade level teachers. This effort can pay off big when students see how teachers work together and pieces of the puzzle start to fit into a bigger picture. If collaboration at your school isn't off to a roaring start, try working with at least one other teacher. Talk over your plans for lessons and see if you can offer each other ways to enhance existing lessons or activities.

6. Real World Application

Students are more motivated to learn when they see how the knowledge they learn can be applied outside of the school building. If you're teaching a lesson on rock forms, don't just stop at naming and viewing rocks. Talk about what kinds of professions would do this and why it's useful. Studying Picasso in art class is great, but isn't it better to see a local artist paint and how she makes a living? If you don't have enough money or resources for field trips, there are plenty of virtual opportunities to bring real world application of concepts into your classroom.

7. Utilize the Technology Available

Classrooms these days are decked out with interactive white boards and computer stations. Don't plan your lesson around technology (unless that's your core goal), but make sure you explore the options that exist for complementing your lesson. Even the youngest of students are hooked into technology these days, so utilizing technology may make your lesson more memorable.

If you don't have a classroom full of technology, you can extend the lesson at home. Students can complete complimentary lessons on a home or library computer for extra practice and exploration.

8. Have a Plan B

If you're trying out a new lesson, make sure you have another direction in mind if the lesson doesn't go as planned. The students may not be grasping your approach, or something could go ary, like a power outage, or a fire drill. Teachers are great at thinking quick, but expecting the unknown is a great way to insure your lesson is successful, no matter the circumstances.

9. LOVE Your Lesson

If you don't love the lesson you've created, then you won't be able to deliver it enthusiastically. If you're not psyched about a particular lesson, look back over it and see what's missing. What one element would help you get pumped up to teach it? The best teachers know how to craft lessons that not only inspire their students to learn, but create an environment of curiosity and excitement.

Where Have All the Teaching Jobs Gone?

At the beginning of the recession, many careers were flagged as being "safe." Education was among the few careers at the top the list. The popular thought was people being laid off would go back to school. Education would be a huge priority at all levels so a disastrous recession wouldn't repeat itself.

In the middle of the recession, educators around the country were feeling things differently. Schools weren't hiring, jobs weren't being posted, and the teacher job fairs of past years were dwindling. Districts seemed to convey that it was a one-year problem. After state and district budgets were squared away and played safe, the following hiring season would be more promising.

Well, we are now in the midst of the next hiring season for teachers. The experts say the recession is over, but teachers aren't prospering more than last year. In states where school begins in August, contracts are traditionally offered late March or early April. Large urban districts, like Atlanta, are holding contracts longer this year as current staff is expected to wait and see what happens.

Gone are last year's long lines for job fairs, since most prospective teachers can't even find one to attend. Several schools, including one in Rhode Island and one in Georgia, have fired their entire staff. Hot spots for teaching jobs in the U.S. dwindle to include just several urban markets. The highest paying cities for teachers are inundated with applications for teaching spots they don't have, or the candidate pool doesn't match their need.

In other recent news, Kansas City is closing half its schools, The Chicago Tribune lists per district the hundreds of teachers getting the axe, 700 teachers expect to be laid off in Albuquerque, and a whopping 22,000 teachers may get pink slips in California. The once over 3 million strong teaching force in the U.S. is shrinking rapidly.

The President stands behind these mass firings as way to change the status quo. A big focus of the education policy agenda has been the Reauthorization of the Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

Every teacher in the system knows a big change is necessary for progress. But for those great teachers now sitting on the side lines without a job, the current process is hard to swallow. As states stammer to fix their budgets by eliminating school staff, class sizes get bigger. Good teachers-- new and veteran ones with fantastic skills-- get shoved out of classrooms and lose hope. Teachers with advanced degrees and wealth of knowledge sit idle and wait for a job to open while others try to secure a teaching job overseas in a more in-demand climate for teachers.

What's going to happen to our next generation of teachers? Will the current job market for educators deter more promising minds from pursuing the profession? I seriously hope not.

Jobless teachers: don't give up. Continue to search job boards for open positions. Keep learning, keep networking, and keeping looking to find a way to put your talents to good use, perhaps in an alternate education career.

I hope next year's hiring season shows districts bouncing back and offering contracts rather than pink slips.