Teacher Tips

Tip #1: If you teach in a school where a prescriptive or scripted curriculum is required, try starting out each subject/class session explaining to students what will be covered, why students need to learn this material, and how this information can be personally important to them.

Tip #2: Begin the school year with an assignment that relates school or a subject matter to the student. For example, a math autobiography or "why I like school". While this assignment should not be graded, it will provided useful insights about your students' learning experiences.

Tip #3: Volunteer to participate in peer observations. Partner with another teacher in your building to observe one another to provide/receive constructive critique about your practice.

Tip #4: Attend your local school board meetings. You may find that discussions and decisions at this meeting have an impact on your daily practice.

Tip #5: Support your students' extracurricular activities. You may find that students are less likely to be disruptive in the classroom when you take an interest in the things they do outside of the classroom.

Tip #6: If you do not live in the school community, take the time to get to know the landmarks and resources there. Incorporate this knowledge into the classroom experience.

Tip #7: Invite school community members to your classroom. Have them enhance lessons on topics related to their profession or their role in the community.