Okay, here is another list - because it's Christmas! This list is from a book called Unshakeable by Angela Watson. If Santa does not bring you this book, buy it. It is a GREAT read with practical advice and very little edu-babble.
20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Every Day
Share your authentic self to bring passion and energy to your teaching.
Allocate your time and energy wisely through productive routines.
Establish healthy habits for bringing work home and decompressing.
Determine how to do what matters most and let go of the rest.
Go the extra mile for families (but don't take forever to get there).
Learn to say "no" without guilt and make your "yes" really count.
Do your part to create a positive school culture.
Take charge of your own professional development.
Let your vision define your value and measure of success.
Uncover the compelling reason fro every lesson you teach.
Create curriculum "bright spots" you cant wait to teach.
Incorporate playfulness and have fun with learning.
Build in periods of rest and downtime throughout the day.
Construct a self-running classroom that frees you to teach.
Motivate students to take charge of their learning.
Connect with kids and gain energy instead of letting them drain you.
Choose to love kids most when they act most unlovable.
Be truly present and look for the light bulb moments.
Re-write the story you tell yourself about teaching.
Innovate and adapt to make teaching an adventure.
Angela Watson also has great podcasts (I will add to the blog) if you are looking for something to listen to on your way to and from work or travelling over the holidays. Just do it!
A colleague just shared this article by Carrie Lam from Edutopia. Great site!
11 Habits of an Effective Teacher
Enjoys Teaching (have fun and feel the joy!)
Makes a Difference (make them feel special, safe and secure)
Spreads Positivity (bring positive energy and a smile)
Gets Personal (it is all about relationships)
Gives 100% (do your job for the love of teaching)
Stays Organized (stay on top of marking and planning)
Is Open-Minded (embrace constructive criticism)
Has Standards (only expect a lot, if you give a lot)
Finds Inspiration (make connections)
Embrace Change (be flexible, hit every curve ball that comes your way)
Creates Reflection (what could you do differently next time?)
There is always something positive to be found in every situation but it is up to you to find it. Keep your head up and teach happily for the love of education. Don't just stand in the field of teaching, adapt these habits and be outstanding. Just do it!
I read this interesting article on the Cult of Pedagogy blog called Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers. Here is the gist of it...
Many experienced gardeners use the companion planting strategy. They place certain vegetables and plants near each other to improve the growth for one or both plants. The marigold is one of the best companion plants because it protects plants from pests and weeds. In your school, the encouraging, supporting and nurturing teachers are the marigolds. They can help you grow! You can recognize them simply by the way they greet you - welcoming not questioning why you picked this profession.
Walnut trees are the teachers that will question your career choice and sarcastically wish you luck in the teaching profession. You can identify them by their negativity - they are negative about the kids, the school and the administration. The are poison. Keep regular contact with marigolds if you want optimal growth. Remember this is the grind - the battle between you and your mind. Marigolds will help you defeat the voice of self-doubt. Just do it! Surround yourself with good people - seek out the marigolds and beware of the walnut trees!http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/marigolds/
New teachers are defined as all teachers certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OTC) (including teachers trained out of province) who have been hired into permanent positions - full-time or part-time - by a school board, school authority or provincial school to begin teaching for the first time in Ontario. These new teachers must receive:
orientation
mentoring; and
professional development
All boards must offer all three induction elements of the NTIP (orientation, mentoring, and professional development) to their beginning LTO teachers. Their participation should be included on the Individual NTIP Strategy form. If those teachers subsequently start a permanent contract position, boards may take their previous participation into account when determining which induction elements are appropriate.
Beginning LTO teachers are not required to receive two performance appraisals. Because occasional teachers are not included in the definition of "new teacher", they are not eligible to receive the NTIP notation until such time they do come within that definition. Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA) results prior to becoming a "new teacher" do not count for the purpose of the NTIP notation.
In addition to the orientation, mentoring and professional development and training elements of NTIP, the performance appraisal process for new teachers has been designed to support and promote continued growth and development. New teachers will complete the NTIP when they receive two Satisfactory ratings in performance appraisals, usually in the first 12 months after they begin teaching. For teachers who do not obtain two Satisfactory appraisal ratings within the first year, the NTIP continues into the second year to provide additional supports to the teacher.
New Permanent Teachers - 2 TPAs with satisfactory rating and NTIP Strategy form Long Term Occasional Teachers - LTO Appraisal and maintain the NTIP Strategy form
For permanent teachers, the completion of the NTIP will be noted on your Ontario Teacher's Record Card by OTC within approximately six months of receipt, so usually between October and December if your NTIP was completed in June.
This blog was developed to support you as a new teacher and help you get the most from your participation in the New Teacher Induction Program.
Your first year of teaching will test you more intensely than just about anything you have known up to now. Like any good athlete, being a good teacher, takes a lot of determination, dedication and hard work. Just do it!
