When a colleague, Daryll Powell, and I conduct workshops for teacher leaders and school principals, we frequently ask participants, “Why did you go into teaching?” This question led to many serious discussions on the values, goals, and aspirations on their decision to go into teaching. (To be fair, we also ask a second question to school executives, but that is another post).
Now, I admit there is another motive at work here. I hope that as all teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, school secretaries, assistant principals, principals, and central office employees get the chance to take a moment during this very hectic time of year as we open school to remember why they went into their chosen field AND to take a moment to remember what are the key points they want to keep in mind as they start the year.
So as we start this new school year, I’m keenly interested in what advice you would give to a beginning teacher. What are the one or two KEY points you want them to consistently remember and act upon? I look forward to reading your advice.
Keep safe,
Chris