Important Information Every New Teacher Should Know By

Important Information Every New Teacher Should Know! By: Nicole Seamans, Kelly Quinn, and Todd Hilmes

Overview �Motivations to teach �Classroom and student needs �Student engagement and using reflective practices in the classroom

Motivations to teach � Why is teaching attractive to many? � What can a teacher hope to accomplish? � What qualities do a good teacher possess?

Why is teaching attractive to many? � Impact on students—knowledge and future � “Convenient � Making reasons” a difference—Ghandi, Martin Luther King, etc.

What can a teacher hope to accomplish? � Many goals! ◦ Academic ◦ Social setting, richer moral fabric, and improved academic achievement � Engage community! � Remember why you are teaching!

What qualities do a good teacher possess? � Prepared to meet the needs/challenges of students � Academic, flexible, and enthusiastic � Support the learning of students

Classroom and student needs �What do students really need? What does a good classroom look like? What does a good classroom feel like?

What do Students Really Need? Safe environment to learn • Respect from teachers and peers • High expectations on their behavior • All of these needs relate to classroom management

What do Students Really Need? • Accountability • Differentiation of teaching styles • High expectations of learning • Excited to learn All of these needs relate to rigor in the classroom

What does a good classroom look like? �Clearly stated goals and objectives �Routines and structures are in place �Engaging students and purposeful teaching • Learning is modeled through critical thinking

What does a good classroom feel like? �Sense of community �Positive �Respect atmosphere shared amongst all members

Student engagement and using reflective practices in the classroom �What is truly meaningful in student learning? �How does a classroom become a place of reflective practice?

What really matters? � Students are physically and emotionally safe and secure. � Students have learned. � Students are engaged in their own learning. � Students are successful and excited about learning.

How can teachers help raise everyone’s achievement? �A teacher who is reflective and thoughtful about their own practice will strive to improve. � A teacher who differentiates instruction and assessment for individuals will see a better picture of learning. � A teacher who promotes and encourages learning will inspire improvement.

Reflective Practice: It makes a difference!!! � Every learner knows their strengths and weaknesses. � It creates personal connections to material taught. � It compels ownership in the learning process for the learner.

Values, knowledge, skills, and attitudes: How do we know which are of most worth? � Personal opinion – but involve your school community. � Consider the cultural characteristics of your students � Knowledge of material and being positive are always in style! � Respect that others have their own beliefs

The Student, The Classroom � Whenever possible, empower students to have control over learning options in the classroom. � Enforce respect and model it at all times to all people. � Don’t be afraid to ask and answer questions.

Conclusion � Why teach? �What are the needs of your students and how meeting those needs? �How are you engaging your students?

Bibliography Canestrari, A. S. , & Marlowe, B. A. (2004). Educational foundations : An anthology of critical readings. Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage Publications. Ellis, A. K. (2001). Teaching, learning, and assessment together : The reflective classroom. Larchmont, N. Y. : Eye on Education.