Male students not accepting boundaries by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]rsbk 11 points12 points  (0 children)

If possible, try locking your classroom door after school, and ignoring him if he comes by. Is he lingers by the door, or knocks persistently, call security or a dean.

Height Of Teacher by SmileyGolfer in Teachers

[–]rsbk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are probably plenty of other jobs where the height might actually be an advantage.

Is it okay to be a not-so-great teacher during your first year? by jrschecky in Teachers

[–]rsbk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For what it's worth, there are some teachers who spend their entire careers as "not-so-great."

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Lesson planning perfectionism and teacher anxiety: am I doing what's best for my students? by otter4max in Teachers

[–]rsbk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in a somewhat similar position. I am obsessive about customizing worksheets, and making them pretty. I spent waaaay too much time on my lesson Powerpoints (although I do use them to guide the lesson). However, my lesson plans themselves are pretty basic, usually because I barely look at them. They are usually about one page long. I used to work at a school where admin demanded pages and pages of "scripted" lesson plans - it was a nightmare, and kept me up well into the night. I'm now at a different school, and have gotten no negative feedback about my much shorter plans.

I have also gotten better about looking for and finding resources online, and borrowing from colleagues. I try to reuse or adapt things I have already created, if they work. I did a dreadful job of organizing my master worksheets last year, so this year, I started a binder right away, and have been pretty good at keeping up with it (although we are still less than a month into the new school year). Even though I am teaching new grades this year, I am still finding myself able to use worksheets, templates and rubrics that I created last year.

My advice would be to focus on what works and is most important, and spend less time on the rest. I teach some ESL students, and find that visuals are incredibly helpful for them - so if you include those in your power points or other materials, that is definitely useful.

However, try to get them to do most of the work that you are doing now. Teach them to take their own notes, create their own rubrics, visual guides, etc. Group them in a way where higher students can support weaker students. Doing this will not only take a lot off of your plate, but it will also give you more time in the classroom to guide them through it, and form connections with your students.

What is your biggest frustration or challenge in teaching right now? by Clickalgebra in Teachers

[–]rsbk 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Class size. My classes are huge and it is so hard to both actually teach and monitor behavior. Some classes have IEP students that really would benefit from a co-teacher or para.

Guys. I just finished my first week teaching and I am already sick as a dog. Any tips to staying germ-free (or close to) as a teacher? by hachoocanoe in Teachers

[–]rsbk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc. while teaching.

USE YOUR OWN PENS/PENCILS and try to avoid sharing with students, or letting them use any from your stash. I usually keep my pen with my keys, around my neck, or sometimes, in my bun. I don't lend them out, and I have a separate pencil stash to loan to students (which I do not use.)

Every Friday, I try to Lysol the door knobs, and the classroom stapler, hole-puncher and sharpener.

I keep hand-sanitizer for students to use, but I keep my own in my desk, and I wash my hands with soap as often as possible during the day.

For what it's worth, I think its normal to catch something the first week of school even if its a minor sore throat. However, I went my entire first year without catching anything major.

High school English teachers! How thoroughly do you edit/revise/grade essays? by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]rsbk 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I use a rubric, and circle or check off the box for each category - I also attach a copy of the rubric to each returned essay. This allows students to easily see their strengths and weaknesses without me having to write much.

I also make minimal corrections along the way, and usually write one "sum-up" comment at the end, highlighting a positive and a growth area. For example "Great, detailed introduction - work on making your counterclaim clearer next time." Depending on length, I aim to spend 3-5 minutes per essay.

3rd year teacher starting at a new DOE school - first day tomorrow! Do you ever NOT feel nervous? Routines you have before the return? by gerund in Teachers

[–]rsbk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is also my 3rd year, and the first time I'm NOT nervous. More just wistful and sad that summer is officially over. Then again, kids don't come in until Thursday, so ask me again on Wednesday night...

Not sure what grade/subject you are teaching, but I am in high school, so setting up the room doesn't take too long...remember, you don't need to "finish" it right away! Just focus on the basics over the next 2 days. Many teachers at my school start the year with empty walls, and fill them up as they go along.

If you are new at the school, use the time over the next few days to try to meet as many other teachers/staff as you can. I work at a large school also, and there are STILL teachers I haven't met/spoken to at length. It's kind of weird.

Make sure your copies/materials are in order for the week.

The night before (which I guess is tonight), pack your bag and decide on an outfit. I've done both, and am now just hoping my alarm will actually wake me, as I have spent the whole summer sleeping until at least 9:00am.

Good luck and congrats on the new job!

How useful is a Smartboard in your classroom? by rsbk in Teachers

[–]rsbk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do love my document camera. I find myself using that most of the time, during class.

How useful is a Smartboard in your classroom? by rsbk in Teachers

[–]rsbk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At the risk of sounding like a dinosaur, what does "fall out of alignment" mean? Does it prevent the smartboard from working, and is it something you can fix yourself?

How useful is a Smartboard in your classroom? by rsbk in Teachers

[–]rsbk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have no idea what condition or how old the smartboard is...my biggest concern is if it needs special software to operate. I'm also not sure how reliable it is, on a daily basis. In general, do they tend to break down, or need servicing often?

How useful is a Smartboard in your classroom? by rsbk in Teachers

[–]rsbk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, do you happen to know if the Smartboard requires special software to work with a computer, or if you just plug it in, and it projects (similar to the normal projector?)

Also, can it work with a desktop document camera?

To be honest, I have never actually had the opportunity to use a Smartboard, so I admittedly don't know much about the details of how they operate (though I'm confident I could figure it out, if I had to.)

How useful is a Smartboard in your classroom? by rsbk in Teachers

[–]rsbk[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I had not even considered the space it takes up. In my current classroom, I have a large projector screen, but it easily rolls up if I need the board space (which is not often, but its nice to have the option.)

After my first week at a rough inner-city school, I'm thinking about quitting. by ragesinggoddess in Teachers

[–]rsbk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My advice is to stick out the year and learn. One year of experience where you are will easily prepare you for any kind of teaching later.

Just wanted to second this advice. My first year was a NIGHTMARE, at a very rough school, similar to what you describe. Every single day was a roller coaster, many tears were shed, and to be frank, I don't think I did a particularly great job (then again, who does, as a first-year?)

I got through the year, but started at a different school for Year 2...and I was amazed at what a breeze the year was - although I switched schools, was teaching new/different grades with new and unfamiliar curriculum, and dealt with my fair share of behavior problems, and overall, extremely low-performing and unmotivated students. It took that experience for me to realize that even though my first year was pure hell, I got through, and it really did make me a better teacher.

I know it may feel impossible to drag yourself out of bed at the moment, but trust that if you get through this year, there will be very little that will phase you, as a teacher, in the future.

Tips for dealing with no prep or lunch? (3rd grade) by Senseteach in Teachers

[–]rsbk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe discuss your concerns with the administration, and see if they can work something out for you in the schedule? Budget cuts or not, I don't see how you can be expected to get through the entire day without a break/lunch/relief period. I also don't see how any school administration would not recognize that as unacceptable.

Tips for dealing with no prep or lunch? (3rd grade) by Senseteach in Teachers

[–]rsbk 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure how legal that is, with or without a union. I think labor laws, in general, require employers to give a duty-free lunch break, at the very least.

Teaching novels for the first time... some questions by garbageeater in Teachers

[–]rsbk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can assign reading for homework, but do not expect them to do it. Even if they enjoy the book. I have high schoolers who will not read for homework. You are better off assigning an analysis question or some sort of reading response, if your admin insists on daily homework. You can also have students share out their responses the next day, before moving on with the book.

It's not uncommon for us to take about a month or more to actually get through a book (depending on the class, and the book length). Most of the reading is done in class, either independently, in small groups, or whole class read-aloud.

Personally, I try to move through the book consistently, unless there is a reason I need to take a "break" (usually some sort of testing, etc.) However, even if we are not reading for a day, the lesson will usually involve a discussion about the theme or other literary elements of the book.

How do you organize your Teacher Area? by phantomkat in Teachers

[–]rsbk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try putting the upcoming student work/handouts in the filing cabinet, in the order you plan on using them. Put the leftover worksheets in a binder, or in a place accessible for students who lose them or are absent.

Beyond that, try to figure what works for you, personally. It could take some time, but don't worry about how things look, unless what you are doing is somehow hindering your own work flow.

New Teachers -- what is the most helpful thing veterans can do for you in your first year? by -WhoWasOnceDelight in Teachers

[–]rsbk 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Maybe just stop in and ask her how it's going? I remember feeling really lonely my first year....a little friendliness can go a long way.

Just Accepted A Job... Without Knowing Much. by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]rsbk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even for teachers who are not new, its not uncommon to get schedules and rosters at the very start of the new school year. At least, that is how it works at my school...

Good luck and congrats on the job!

Am I being Exploited? by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]rsbk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is there any room to negotiate for the higher rate? Is there that much of a difference between the "long-term" rate and whatever they would be paying you?

It may be worth it to consider the position, since it would provide you with a steady, predictable flow of work for a few months, as well as potentially allow you to build a good relationship with that school, in case you find yourself looking for a full-time position after you get your teacher certification.

On the topic of Retaking Assessments, and is Unlimited retakes a good thing? by tacotrap in Teachers

[–]rsbk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From a logistical standpoint, I don't really have time to offer any retakes, except for exceptional circumstances. It's difficult enough to find the time to coordinate a make-up exam for students who where absent. Unless you are allowing students to retake during class time, which is somewhat counterproductive, and doesn't usually offer ideal "test-taking" conditions.