Newly qualified teachers, we are three weeks in. I am sure you have heard, “Don't smile with the learners until Easter.”
More experienced teachers like to make this statement to the new teachers, and it is more often than not communicated in a very humorous manner but with a serious undertone.
But what does it actually mean?
In my experience, this is the time when you need to be intentional about establishing a disciplined and serious learning environment.
During this time, teachers should avoid:
1. overly casual behaviour and conversation,
2. excessive friendliness that might undermine your authority, and
3. any actions that could distract from your educational goals.
One of the mistakes I made in my first year was to think that the learners were my friends, and therefore I lost my authority, and lessons hardly ever led to us reaching our educational goals.
Importantly, this DOES NOT mean that you should be cold and unapproachable.
During this time, you should be consistent about:
1. Enforcing classroom rules and expectations
2. Establishing clear boundaries between teacher and learner is necessary to maintain a professional relationship.
3. Prioritizing educational objectives and minimizing activities or behaviors that could distract from learning.
4. Demonstrating leadership that creates a structured and controlled classroom atmosphere.
When you are able to achieve this, it will set the foundation for the rest of the year and beyond. You will see how learners will achieve academically, but your relationship with them will be impactful and long-lasting.
Senior Enrollment Specialist at Premier Early Childhood Education Partners
5moThank you so much Brittnye for your continued service and dedication to the children in your care! The impact and ripple effect of what you do will last for generations to come!!!! So thankful to be on your team 😀