What I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Teaching

July of 2009. (Hypothetically.)

1. The sooner the kids fall in love with you, the better.
2. If kids make mistakes, the most important thing you can do is give them prescribed consequences.
3. Don’t smile until Thanksgiving.
4. You are in control. Remember, you are the adult and they are the kids.
5. There is never a good reason for kids not to meet your expectation. No excuses.
6. Kids should respect you because you are the teacher.
7. If kids aren’t invested — that’s on them.
8. Admitting that you don’t know something is a sign of weakness.
9. You don’t need the help of other teachers to be amazing.
10. Silence is a great indication that kids are thinking / learning.
11. Ask for permission.
12. Nothing is more important than respect.

School Year of 2018-2019. (Actually.)

1. The sooner you fall in love with the kids, the better.
2. If kids make mistakes, the most important thing you can do is have shared conversations with them.
3. Smile a lot, my dude. Like, as much as you can.
4. Shared control is best. It’s OK to be a kid yourself sometimes. Also, kids are humans too.
5. There are plenty of good reasons for kids not to meet your expectation. Context matters.
6. You should earn the respect of kids by your actions and your relationships.
7. If kids aren’t invested — that’s on you.
8. Admitting that you don’t know something is a sign of strength.
9. You can only be amazing through the help of other teachers.
10. Discussions are great indications that kids are thinking/learning.
11. Ask for forgiveness.
12. Nothing is more important than respect. Well, except love. Love is the highest level.