While many college students have begun the countdown to finals, I've begun the countdown to being back in the classroom.
On May 13th, I'll start in a totally new school, with a new CT and new students, observing and teaching for three weeks.
It's a pretty nerve-racking experience walking into a school you know nothing about, but through partnership and substitute teaching, I've come up with a few tips along the way.
1. Be over prepared, especially your first day/week.
I always make sure to bring my planner, a notebook, my computer, anything I could possibly need (even though I usually need none of it).
2. Bring extras of everything from food to clothing, even if you just keep it in your car.
Kids can be gross and you might have to slip a granola bar in your five-second escape to pee.
3. Do some research on your school ahead of time.
The school I sub at has certain rooms that are peanut free due to a kid's severe allergy - I'm positive this is not the only school like this!
4. Try and communicate with your CT ahead of time.
It can be just to introduce yourself or even further into expectations or roles within the classroom.
5. Go in with no expectations and an open mind, you'll save yourself a lot of disappointment.
If you go in expecting everyone to love you and want to be best friends, you'll chance being disappointed in the long run. It's best to go in open-minded and take every day in stride.
You never know what you're walking into when you start at a new school, but there is also so much excitement.
Your CT might turn out to be your best friend.
Your students might light up every day when you walk into the room.
The school may see your potential and you'll leave with awesome references or even a job.
