New Teacher Issues

Situation:

Ms. Reyes is a brand-new teacher. She has been on the job with students for nine days. Within the nine days, she seems to have some challenges with classroom management. She has one student that refuses to follow basic directions. The student exhibited a series of non–compliant actions to the point where Ms. Reyes told the student to “leave the classroom immediately. The student left and went to stand in the hallway for an undisclosed amount of time. Ms. Green, the seasoned grade chair, comes up the hallway and notices the student in the hallway, and immediately asks Ms. Reyes to come to the door. She whispers to the teacher; you should use your buddy teacher for the student.

Ms. Reyes thanks her for the advice but becomes upset at what she feels was a correction and a failure on her part. Dr. White, what can you share about this situation?

Dr. White's Response:

First of all, let me say I commend all new teachers that are beginning one of the most rewarding careers! Great teachers are needed.

Rule #1

Keep your eyes on the prize!

Children/your students are your prizes. Under no circumstances should your students be left unattended for any reason. Things can happen so quickly. You do not want to explain why your student is missing, injured, etc., while under your supervision (or lack thereof). We want you to have a long career. Leaving a child unattended is a deal breaker! Do not do it!

Rule #2

Ask for help!

Work with your team if you believe you have lost control of a situation.

Under no circumstances should a child/student be sent out of the room to be left unattended at any time. Rethink your classroom management strategies ASAP.

Once you get in the habit of sending children out of the room, you are showing (in some cases) that you have lost control of your classroom. Depending on the environment created, some students will begin acting out so they can exit your room intentionally (especially if they do not want to be in the room with you). In addition, once you send students out of your room, be it to the principal or another teacher, you have lost the ability to make decisions directly for that student in your classroom. There are ways to get your control back and build those relationships with students. One thing you must always remember is that children will always be children. As adults, we must not expect children to know and understand our expectations automatically. (2) We must never take anything personal (3) We should never hold grudges against children.

Rule #3

Show yourself grace!

Many times, we are extremely hard on ourselves as educators. We go into the job believing that we should have all the answers. Well, that is simply not true. Much of what you do will be on-the-job training. Be open to suggestions and coaching, and all will be well! In addition, remember when mistakes are made, show yourself grace and mercy! For more information or coaching, please leave your email address and a comment and subscribe to the page. I can be reached at drkorriewhite@gmail.com.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of any institutions or employers the author (s) (Dr. Korrie White or any guest authors) may have been affiliated with in the past or current position (s). All views shared are the author's thoughts. The content here is for informational purposes.