When stepping into your very own classroom, there are several emotions and thoughts flooding your mind. Being a new teacher and managing your own classroom can be challenging! You might question your decisions, wonder if you are doing the right thing or feel completely overwhelmed.

To help you navigate these questions and feelings, here are some tips to keep in mind:

 

You can have personal boundaries:

While it’s beneficial for learners to get to know you, it’s not advisable to share very personal information and experiences. Don’t get too personal unless it meaningfully relates to the content. For example, instead of sharing details about a recent argument with a family member, you could share a relevant anecdote about overcoming a challenge in your own education that relates to the lesson. Avoid discussing personal finances or relationship issues with learners.

 

Professionalism and authority:

You can be liked without trying to be your learners’ friend. Remember that you are a professional and should act accordingly. Set specific boundaries and avoid being over-friendly with learners. It is crucial to remain the authority figure. For example, instead of joining learners on social media, maintain communication through official school channels. Set clear expectations for behaviour and academic performance, and enforce these expectations consistently. Refrain from sharing overly casual or familiar conversations with learners.

 

Be consistent and maintain your professionalism:

It is important to remain consistent and professional in your role. For example, apply classroom rules fairly to all learners. Avoid not implementing classroom rules on some days and only implementing them on others. Maintain a professional demeanour even when facing challenging situations.

 

Be resilient

Try not to take things too personally. While reflection and positive criticism are valuable, sometimes feedback can be harsh. Try to see the bigger picture of what can be learned from the experience. For example, if a lesson doesn’t go as planned, reflect on what you can improve instead of dwelling on the perceived failure. When receiving constructive criticism from a colleague, focus on the value of the feedback rather than taking it as a personal attack.

 

Build relationships with your colleagues:

Establish solid partnerships with fellow teachers, community members, and parents. Remember, you can’t do it alone! For example, communicate regularly with parents about learner progress and any concerns. Invite community members to speak to your class about their professions or experiences.

 

Make time for reflection:

It is vital to reflect on your teaching practices, responses, and interactions with learners, peers, and parents, as well as your attitude. Reflection is key and should become a habit. For example, after each lesson, jot down what worked well and what could be improved. Consider how learners responded to the material and adjust your approach accordingly. Think about your interactions with learners, peers, and parents to identify areas for growth in your communication and relationships. Evaluate your attitude and how it may impact classroom dynamics.

In conclusion, remember that your first few years of teaching is a journey of growth and learning. By setting boundaries, maintaining professionalism, building partnerships, and dedicating time for reflection, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes that come with being a new teacher. Embrace the learning process, seek support when needed, and always keep the bigger picture in mind: you are shaping the future!

 

Monique Oosthuizen

Lecturer