Advice for starting teachers Tips from the Pros provides a venue for member-to-member dialogue. Professionally Speaking invites teachers to participate by offering their philosophical perspectives and practical advice for day-to-day life on the job.

 

This issue's question: What's your best advice for someone starting out as a teacher this year? Here are some of the responses we received. Prepare Be prepared and then some. Proper planning prevents poor performance! Brenda R. Scott Victory Christian Academy, Owen Sound Be friendly Be interested in and friendly towards your students. Be clear and specific about your expectations. Stay in touch with parents. Margaret Ryder MacLachlan College, Oakville Ask for help Don't be afraid to ask for help. You will be overwhelmed at first, but it will get better with help. Yvonne Lopes St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Toronto Read Take time to do professional reading, including Professionally Speaking - there's good advice there. Find an experienced teacher at your school who is willing to act as your mentor. Jean Hodder Retired elementary school teacher, Toronto Take time for you Make sure that you schedule time in every week just for you - go to the gym, have dinner with friends, take a walk. Whatever you choose, get away from work for a while. You'll be happier, calmer and saner. M.J. (Jodee) Monkhouse James MacDonald Public School, Hamilton Members whose responses are selected for publication receive a gift. This issue's contributors receive an Ontario College of Teachers embossed portfolio and pen. Next Issue's Question: Yvonne Lopes, who teaches at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Toronto, would like to know: How do you balance the demands of home and school? Submit your answer (50 words or less) online. Visit www.oct.ca. And while you're there, tell us what you would like to know from colleagues - across the province and around the world.

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