Monday, January 12, 2009

52 Teachers, 52 Lessons #1: Learn, Grow & Balance

Updated 1/18/09: In case you missed it, I decided to repost Dorit Sasson's opening entry in the 52 Teachers, 52 Lessons Project.
Great topic and excellent initiative.

There are so many things I can share with new teachers so i guess I'll limit it to three.

1. Continue to experimenting with different teaching styles and ideas. Locking yourself in one mode of teaching makes for boring lessons.
2. Learn how to improve your lessons with a teacher's aid, teacher's mentor, colleague, etc) without beating yourself with a stick.
3. Remember to stick to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. So many teachers forget this inner balance very easily which leads to poor health, prolonged sickness, etc.

Best of luck for 2009!

Dorit Sasson
The New Teacher Resource Center
http://www.newteacherresourcecenter.com
"Helping You Become a More Successful and Confident Teacher in 2009!"
Check out Dorit's website, which has a ton of information and advice for new teachers (and usually, most new teacher advice is good for everybody). Sign up for her monthly newsletter and you'll get a copy of her free ebook Taking Charge in the Classroom. Thanks again, Dorit!

I am still looking for more entries for the 52 Teachers, 52 Lessons Community Project. Keep in mind that I'm not looking for the answer to life, the universe and everything (because I already know that: 42), but something that perhaps you and only you could share that would help answer the question:

"What is the most important advice I can give other teachers?"

Even if you're a relatively new teacher--and I'm willing to put myself in that category even with 6 years under my belt--you have a lot to offer. Don't be shy. I'd love to hear from teachers who are eager to share their wisdom but don't have a blog or other outlet to do so. This is your chance too!

Details are on the original 52 Teachers, 52 Lessons post. Email me with questions. Thank you!