Wow ~~ What advice do I want to give to new teachers? I have learned so much over the years!
One of the things that made a huge impact on me was becoming a parent. I learned what it was like to be on the other side of teaching. Parenting is a lot of work and as a beginning teacher without children I guess I felt like, Why are they completing the homework, where's the lunch money?
As a parent I realize how much little time we have every night. I make parent communication an important part of my teaching. This starts at the beginning of the year with a parent handbook. I collect information on all the students and I send home a weekly email/newsletter.
I always make a positive phone call early in the year so when or if I have to make a negative call it's easier and the communication is clearer.
Just found your blog and tried to become a follower, but it wouldn't let me!!
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Wow - something very interesting is going on with blogger! I couldn't follow you either. Also, most of this post has disappeared. How frustrating. Please stop again some time.
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