Next year’s cohort of new chemistry teachers will soon arrive at their new schools after their training. It is almost certain that for most of them, the coming year will seem like a daunting prospect, however, there are many sources of guidance and support that can be tapped into throughout the year. The most important thing is to remember that you are not alone and many other people have gone through the same experience in previous years.
Here is a helpful list of things to help make the transition from a newly qualified chemistry teacher to a confident and successful teaching professional:
1) Ask for help
In the first days it is vital to ask your colleagues for help and advice. It’s natural to be sure of how things work or what to do in certain situations. The more knowledge you gain early on will allow for a much smoother transition into life as a teacher at your school.
2) Talk to your peers
Form a support group, perhaps on Facebook or some other social networking site, with some fellow teachers you trained with the previous year. Allow time and space to help each other with lesson ideas, resources, and to blow off steam. Schools can sometimes be very stressful places, and it’s nice to have people and places where you can relieve unnecessary stress.
3) Allow time to relax
This will undoubtedly be a very busy and exhausting experience, however, you need to maintain some perspective and balance between work and life. Be sure to create periods of rest and relaxation throughout the week, especially on the weekends. Allow yourself the opportunity to recharge your batteries! Maybe play sports, go to the movies, organize a shopping trip, anything to distract you from school!
4) Eat right and maintain your energy levels
Many teachers, especially when they are new to the profession, fall into the trap of skipping breakfast in the morning and then working through lunch to get things done. This can be very detrimental to your health and well-being and you are more likely to deteriorate and become ill. By eating properly and fueling your body, you will be able to meet any challenge with greater ease.
5) Go to bed early
Set a curfew where you have to stop all work and start winding down before you go to bed. If you can’t do this, delegate the responsibility of enforcing the curfew to your partner! I’m sure they would be very interested in spending some time with you.
6) Use prepared resources
You’ll have enough on your plate with lesson planning, proofreading work, attending meetings, etc. without having to spend hours creating your own resources. Use many excellent free resources that are freely available online and often produced by highly experienced teachers.
7) Associate with positive people
It can be all too easy to get down and down, especially when you have a lot of work and responsibility to deal with. There can be many negative voices and complainers in a staff room, try to afford to be sucked into their world. Find yourself some positive and supportive people to hang out with over lunch as they will help you feel happier at work. These people see the bright side of life and are usually good to talk to for support and advice.
8) Enjoy the learning process
There will be many new pieces of information to learn and become familiar with, which can be a daunting task. You won’t learn everything right away, so take it as it comes and see teaching as a long-term acquisition of knowledge.
9) Don’t assume too much, too soon
It is tempting to get involved in many other activities associated with school life in addition to your regular teaching schedule. Leave these extra things alone, if possible, until you feel completely comfortable with the day-to-day teaching requirements. You will have many more opportunities as your career develops to participate in hundreds of additional activities. Enjoy your free time and keep it to yourself!
10) Keep smiling
Always remember that at the end of the day, teaching is a job! It is not necessary for you to carry the problems and afflictions of the world on your own shoulders. There will always be students who need help and have problems. Always try to unplug when you are away from work and realize that the contribution you will make will be immense without even having to think about it!
