Every teacher remembers their first day of work. Nervous and excited, they enter the school with a sense of awe and promise. Finally, they are ready to teach! But as time goes on, so does the list of embarrassing mistakes. Some of these teaching mistakes can be overlooked by parents or fellow teachers; others put your job at risk.
There are many different ways to be an effective teacher. Some people are born with the natural ability to teach, while others may need to take teaching courses to learn how to be effective teachers. No matter what, being an effective teacher takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The most important thing is that a teacher can connect with their students and help them learn in the best way for them.
Many different teaching methods and strategies can be used in the classroom. Some of the most popular methods include lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for each situation.
Here is a list of things you should avoid doing or saying at all costs.
10 Teaching Mistakes Every New Teachers Should Must Avoid
Don’t Talk About Your Career Too Much.
The first thing to remember is that you are not your career. Don’t talk about it too much at school or your colleagues (if you have them), and avoid it on social media.
Don’t Look For New Opportunities Instead Of Perfecting Your Current Job.
If someone tells you there is an opening in their class, don’t ask them how well they did in the past or what qualities they have for the position- it only puts them on the spot for school hiring policy and questions like that. You should always be grateful for the position offer and never make it look like you are getting a new job or promotion. You don’t want to start by showing that you have expectations of not doing your current job well and getting demoted or fired.
Don’t Be Afraid To Correct.
Even though you may think that they didn’t do something right, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them. There is nothing wrong with correcting each other because, according to the National Association For The Education of Young Children, if a child is corrected often enough, they will tend to correct their mistakes more frequently. In addition, asking a student to repeat something is not embarrassing, and it’s essential to their learning.
Don’t Be Late (For work)
This is one of the biggest mistakes you could ever make. Arrive at least 5 minutes before class and ensure your classroom is set up before your students arrive. You need time to get settled in and prepare, and you will be less stressed if all you have to worry about is teaching rather than if everything is ready or not. Your age should never be an excuse for being late for work; show up on time or earlier but always on time; otherwise, nothing good will happen for you.
Don’t Take Credit For Good Work.
If a student does good work, don’t take full credit for it; thanking them for their hard work will go a long way. When you praise them, also be sure to praise their family and other mentors in their lives. If you want to be the best teacher they have ever had, they need to see that they are not alone in school. Praising them will make them feel more comfortable and confident enough to learn even more in the classroom.
Don’t Be A Jerk
If you think that you don’t have the patience to teach, never be a jerk to your students. Don’t brag about how great you are in school; it doesn’t do anything but make them pity and ashamed of their curse. Don’t gossip about others’ parents, teachers, or other students or talk about them behind their backs. Being a jerk will reflect on you and your attitude as a teacher, and it will also show in your student evaluations.
Don’t Be Self-Absorbed.
Students want someone they can relate to, which means that they need to trust that person. If they feel that you are condescending, they will feel uncomfortable around you, and it makes learning all the more difficult. Since this is your first time teaching and all the other teachers aren’t in your place yet, take a step back and listen to your students. You can ask them their questions about why they are learning or what will happen next, or if they have any questions for you. You must know what kind of classroom environment you want to create, which is why you must go out of your way to know it as much as possible.
Don’t Be Intimidated By Students.
When a student walks in the door, they think the craziest things about you. They always want to know your background, how long you have been teaching, and if you will go easy on them. Even if it seems like they want to intimidate you at first, remember that their only job is to learn- which means that they are glad that someone finally cares enough to teach them.
Don’t Underestimate Your Students’ Abilities.
Students often underestimate their abilities and abilities in general just because of what happened in school and what they have heard before. Don’t make the same mistake; do what you can to motivate them and help them feel successful. Once they get the hang of it, they will see that it is much easier than they thought and want to learn more in the future.
Don’t Be Afraid To Say “No.”
Just because they have seen you in a position before doesn’t mean you have to go along with it and give them what they want. If you are not comfortable with something, tell them no. There is no reason why teachers should be afraid of saying no because it does not affect the job or their career in any way; if anything, it will help them learn and improve their skills for the future.
Final Thoughts
We all make mistakes when we first begin something, especially teaching. Don’t let it discourage you or scare you away from doing something that you love because you came to work and do your very best at it. Take the good and bad in your stride, and get back on the horse faster than anyone else.
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