Secrets to Success for Beginning Elementary School Teachers

by Ellen Kottler

• ISBN13: 9781412916479
• ISBN10: 141291647X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-10-18
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

"Kottler and Gallavan prepare new teachers for all the daily obstacles and rewards of the profession in a way that can be easily implemented. The tone is heartwarming and the authors empathize with the frustrations and needs of new teachers." -Lori L. Grossman, Instructional Coordinator Houston Independent School District, TX "A must-have for all new teachers. The material is useful and will make your transition into teaching easier and more successful." -Miranda Moe, Kindergarten Teacher/New Teacher Facilitator Beaver Dam Unified School District, WI Take the first step toward becoming the educator youa??ve always wanted to be! Packed with insider tips, practical strategies, and time-tested advice, this invaluable guide is designed for new and preservice educators. Offering a wide range of perspectives, authors Ellen Kottler and Nancy P. Gallavan cover the essential topics that novice teachers encounter, including establishing routines and classroom rules, planning instruction and assessment techniques, networking with colleagues, navigating school policies and procedures, and communicating effectively with parents. Tools and resources include: Steps for developing meaningful curriculum Activities to extend learning and apply ideas in the classroom Preparation guidelines and checklists Lesson plan formats Strategies for including technology Serving as a virtual "mentor," this handbook combines the insights of experienced teachers with straightforward portrayals of what to expect during the first days, weeks, semesters, and years in the classroom. Reduce your stress, improve your skills, and ensure your success with this extraordinary resource.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xv
About the Authors	xvii
1. Learning Your Way Around the School	1	(14)
Orient Yourself	1	(2)
Make Friends With the Secretaries and Assistants	3	(1)
Learn the Policies and Regulations	4	(1)
Preview the Daily and Weekly Schedules	5	(1)
Meet Your Grade Level Colleagues	5	(1)
Inspect Your Classroom	6	(1)
Introduce Yourself to the Custodians	7	(1)
Familiarize Yourself With Safety	8	(2)
Investigate Your School's Traditions	10	(1)
Acquaint Yourself With the School's History	10	(1)
Introduce Yourself to Others	11	(1)
Take a Breath...	12	(3)
2. Organizing Your Classroom	15	(14)
Survey Your Space	16	(1)
Establish Placement and Movement	17	(2)
Arrange Learning Stations and Centers	19	(1)
Consider Whiteboards and Bulletin Boards	20	(2)
Check Equipment and Storage	22	(1)
Locate Materials and Supplies	23	(1)
Color Code Materials and Equipment	24	(1)
Post Schedules and Procedures	24	(1)
Position Baskets, Files, and Mailboxes	25	(1)
Set Up Your Desk	25	(1)
Gather First-Aid Supplies	26	(1)
Create an Inviting Sense of Place...	26	(3)
3. Knowing Your Students	29	(16)
Get Your Class List	29	(1)
Send a Welcoming Postcard	29	(1)
Gather Student Information	30	(2)
Establish a Shared Learning Community	32	(1)
Learn Your Students' Cultural Backgrounds	33	(2)
Focus on Gender Equity	35	(1)
Explore Your Students' Learning Styles	36	(1)
Address Multiple Intelligences	37	(2)
Investigate Students' Needs and Special Services	39	(1)
Identify Gifted and Talented Students	39	(1)
Learn More as the Year Progresses	40	(1)
Construct a School Supply List	41	(1)
Prepare to Welcome Your Students	42	(1)
Get Ready to Have Fun...	43	(2)
4. Beginning and Ending School on the First Day	45	(16)
Meet Your Students as They Arrive	45	(1)
Take Your Students to Their New Classroom	46	(1)
Help Your Students Move In	47	(1)
Use Nametags to Learn Names	47	(1)
Show Students Around the Classroom and School	48	(1)
Make Introductions	49	(3)
Try Not to Do Too Much Too Soon	52	(1)
Establish Procedures and Expectations	53	(2)
Organize Classroom Helpers	55	(2)
Introduce the Daily Schedule	57	(1)
Give Students a Meaningful Activity	58	(1)
Prepare a First Day Letter to Parents	59	(1)
Review the Day Before Going Home	60	(1)
Look Forward to the Next Day...	60	(1)
5. Developing Meaningful Curriculum	61	(14)
Understand Key Concepts	62	(1)
Clarify Goals and Objectives	62	(2)
Follow a Curriculum Checklist to Fit Context	64	(1)
Review National Standards and Purposes	65	(2)
Access State Academic Expectations	67	(1)
Learn School District Scope and Sequence	67	(1)
Consider Your School's Mission	68	(1)
Design a Yearlong Plan	69	(1)
Think About Content and Skills	70	(1)
Align Curriculum With Instruction and Assessment	71	(2)
Match the Curriculum to Your Students	73	(1)
Take Time to Reflect, Evaluate, and Revise...	73	(2)
6. Planning Instruction and Assessment	75	(22)
Select a Lesson Plan Format	75	(2)
Consider Your Students' Needs	77	(3)
Analyze Your Teaching Style	80	(1)
Begin With Objectives and Assessments	81	(2)
Provide Authentic and Alternative Assessments	83	(2)
Develop Scoring Rubrics	85	(1)
Give Students Choices in Expression	86	(1)
Decide When to Use Assessments	87	(1)
Benefit From Standardized Testing	88	(1)
Use a Variety of Teaching Strategies	89	(4)
Determine Individual, Partner, and Group Activities	93	(1)
Let Students Teach One Another	93	(1)
Allocate Time to Plan and Prepare	94	(1)
Keep Students Actively Engaged...	95	(2)
7. Establishing Routines and Management	97	(14)
Familiarize Students With School Facilities	98	(2)
Demonstrate Uses of Classroom Features	100	(1)
Show Students How to Access Materials	100	(1)
Stay Positive and Patient	101	(1)
Explain School Discipline Policies	102	(2)
Decide Classroom Procedures Collaboratively	104	(1)
Discuss Consequences	104	(2)
Reinforce Frequently	106	(1)
Discipline Fairly	106	(2)
Build Community With Class Meetings	108	(1)
Model Genuine Care and Concern	109	(1)
Be Sure the Classroom Is a Shared Space...	109	(2)
8. Valuing Cultural Diversity	111	(16)
Become Acquainted With Families	112	(1)
Understand That Every Child Is Unique and Special	113	(1)
Recognize Your Own Cultural Characteristics	114	(1)
Learn to Accept Similarities and Differences	115	(2)
Take Time to Incorporate Multicultural Education	117	(1)
Visit the Area Around Your School	118	(1)
Meet Multicultural Educational Goals	119	(1)
Be Aware of Gender Bias	120	(1)
Notice Teaching Zones of Proximity	121	(1)
Observe Grouping and Discipline Patterns	122	(1)
Encourage All Children to Respect All Children	123	(1)
Strive for Equity and Excellence for All Children	124	(1)
Make Certain Everyone Feels Safe and Welcome...	125	(2)
9. Using Instructional Technology	127	(16)
Understand the Content of Technology	128	(1)
Apply the Processes of Technology	129	(1)
Appreciate the Context of Technology	130	(2)
Take a Technology Inventory	132	(1)
Get to Know Technology Standards	133	(1)
Plan Your Uses of Instructional Technology	134	(2)
Identify Learning Outcomes	136	(1)
Guide Students in Gaining Information	137	(1)
Express Learning Technologically	138	(1)
Beware of the Digital Divide	139	(1)
Increase Your Administrative Efficiency	140	(1)
Advance Your Knowledge and Abilities	140	(1)
Let Technology Be Your Friend...	140	(3)
10. Developing as a Professional	143	(14)
Dress for Success	144	(1)
Use Clothing as a Teaching Tool	145	(1)
Tune In to the Weather	146	(1)
Remember You Are a Role Model	146	(1)
Know Your Community	147	(1)
Select Your Words and Actions Mindfully	148	(1)
Consider Various Lunch Locations	148	(2)
Cultivate Your Associations Wisely	150	(1)
Maintain Confidentialities	151	(1)
Keep and Prepare for Appointments	152	(1)
Attend to Personal Matters Outside of School	153	(1)
Strive for Professionalism Everywhere...	154	(3)
11. Connecting With Students	157	(18)
Implement Ongoing Classroom Management	157	(3)
Be Visible and Available to All Students	160	(1)
Listen More and Talk Less	161	(4)
Serve as Mediator Rather Than Problem Solver	165	(1)
Ask Students to Write and Draw	166	(1)
Treat All Students With Fairness and Respect	167	(1)
Understand Student Development	168	(3)
Be Aware of Attention Deficits	171	(1)
Avoid Direct Confrontation	172	(1)
Use a Contract System	172	(1)
Contact Specialists for Assistance	173	(1)
Seek Ways to Ensure Success...	174	(1)
12. Communicating With Parents	175	(16)
Smile and Welcome Parents	175	(2)
Be Available for Parents Before and After School	177	(1)
Call Every Parent With Good News and Often	178	(1)
Prepare Early for Open House	178	(2)
Ask for and Appreciate Parent Volunteers	180	(1)
Attend Parent-Teacher Organization Meetings	181	(1)
Send Progress Reports Regularly	182	(1)
Write Thank-You Notes Promptly	183	(1)
Plan for Parent Conferences	183	(3)
Contact Parents Immediately When Concerns Arise	186	(2)
Understand Limited Responses From Parents	188	(1)
Include Families in All You Do...	188	(3)
13. Using a Substitute	191	(14)
Know How to Arrange Substitute Coverage	192	(2)
Select Absences Judiciously	194	(1)
Prepare General Guidelines	195	(1)
Include Specific Instructions	196	(3)
Keep Procedures Current	199	(1)
Leave Meaningful Plans	199	(1)
Gather All Materials	200	(1)
Meet Available Substitute Teachers	201	(1)
Ask Colleagues for Suggestions	201	(1)
Create a Response Form	202	(1)
Stay Realistic in Your Expectations	202	(1)
Be Prepared and Rest Easily While Away...	203	(2)
14. Getting Involved With the School	205	(14)
Attend All Faculty Meetings	205	(2)
Interact With Your Team	207	(1)
Volunteer to Serve on Committees	208	(1)
Assist With Projects and Presentations	209	(1)
Help With Curricular Writing	209	(1)
Participate in Social Events	210	(1)
Understand Classroom Party Policies	211	(1)
Contribute to Schoolwide Endeavors	212	(1)
Join in Special School Events	213	(1)
Co-Sponsor an Afterschool Club	214	(2)
Demonstrate Support of Activities	216	(1)
Become Part of the School Community...	217	(2)
Reflections	219	(4)
Become the Teacher You
Want Your Students to Enjoy	219	(1)
Keep an Album	220	(1)
Remember: It's a Journey and a Destination...	221	(2)
References and Readings	223	(6)
Index	229