Teaching can be a highly rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of hard work and patience to be successful. It’s important to plan out just about every detail and try to anticipate any issues in order to be prepared, so teachers need to be extremely organized and willing to put time into thinking about the what-ifs so that everyone will have a good learning experience.

The good news is that there are things like Pinterest and mobile apps to help educators, whether it’s tips on how to decorate a classroom or how to stay connected with parents. However, there are many other things to keep in mind, such as how to organize a lesson plan, how to set up classroom rules, and how to keep everyone focused at the same time. Here are some of the most important things to think about.

The team at TLTP Education can help you find a fulfilling job in education. Call 020 8709 6540 or complete this form online!

Plan, plan, plan

Lesson plans, discipline plans, and grading plans are three of the most important issues for teachers. Give yourself some time to sit down and work out what you want your classroom to be like; will you incorporate fun, hands-on learning, or will it be more of a lecture/reading class? Set up a discipline plan that works for you, such as a chart with each child’s name on it that allows you to give or take away points according to their behavior each day. Plan for a small reward system, and let them know right away what will happen when they get points deducted. Setting a firm system in the beginning will help them understand that they need to take class seriously and can also help them see that trying their best will get them noticed.

About those what-ifs…

Every teacher gets sick now and then; it can’t be avoided. For those days when a substitute will need to fill in, keep a folder just for that teacher letting them know about anything pertinent to the class, such as a seating chart, emergency plans for disasters or safety lockdowns, and the bell schedule. Having everything together will minimize any confusion or incidents.

Set aside time for marking

If it helps, keep an agenda that details what you need to do and when, and definitely add in time to get marking done. Once you make it a habit, you’ll do it as second nature, but remember that things can get hectic, and falling behind will only come back to bite you later.

Be patient

This doesn’t just apply to your attitude toward your students; being patient with yourself is hard work, too. There will be chaotic days no matter how much you plan against them, and because you’ll likely have many students of varying learning levels, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Ask for help if you feel you are not getting through to a particular student. Trying your best to create a positive learning environment will give you peace of mind at the end of the day and will help your students see that you care.

Keep communication open

It can be difficult to work with some parents; while most of them only want what is best for their child, some are very vocal about what you should be doing. Keep communication open with teacher/parent apps and emails and make your teaching style very transparent. This way, everyone can benefit from knowing what the day will bring.

Care for yourself

Being a successful and impactful teacher goes beyond the classroom. It’s crucial that you find ways to deal with any stress as you work your way through the school year. A regular fitness routine and practicing meditation could help relieve stress so you can be there for your students, as can keeping a clean and organized home.

As a teacher, it’s crucial that you create a plan for yourself and your students. The tips above will help you find continued success this school year!