Training Wheels for Teachers: What I Wish I Had Known My First 100 Days on the Job: Wisdom, Tips, and Warnings from Experienced Teachers

Nothing is more daunting than your first 100 days in a new profession -- unless you go in prepared. Who better to advise you on how to successfully make it through than hundreds of EXPERIENCED TEACHERS who have been successful themselves?

Benefit From Their Wisdom:

Before you start lesson planning, block out days off, assemblies, etc. This way you will know that instead of twenty days, a unit will take twenty-four because of interruptions.

LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

Principals love a heads up on both good and bad news. It only makes you look good if you keep the principal in the loop. Don't hide in your classroom!

FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER

Learn From Their Mistakes:

I used to misinterpret quietness from students as comprehension. Now I look for understanding from all students, not just the ones who seek assistance.

MATHEMATICS TEACHER

Don't put off returning the phone calls of a pushy parent. The longer you wait, the longer they have to think of new questions!

U.S. HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT TEACHER

And Remember That Humor Conquers All:

When you're having a hard day, remember why you became a teacher in the first place. My neighbors wouldn't listen to me talk about environmental science, so I had to find a captive audience!

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TEACHER