Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
ALEXANDRIA TUCKER English teacher for four years; just completed probation at Liberty High in Brentwood; served as a BTSA teacher during her second probationary year Liberty Education Association Be ready for random drop‑ins. That way surprise "mini-observations" won't throw you off balance. Strive to always have a lesson plan on paper or on your board, so you are seen as someone who is prepared and confi- dent about what you are doing now and what you will do next. If they say "change it," listen. If you are specifically told to do some- thing differently, do not take it as a suggestion, but as a requirement. Don 't get too comfortable during your second year. During your first year, evaluators are looking to see whether you can handle the classroom environment. You have some leeway, and they know you are adjusting. In the second year, they are looking more closely at your pedagogy and proce- dures. Ultimately, it is the second year that determines permanent status. Remember, they hired you for a reason. It's easy to feel stressed because everything you do is being scrutinized. But keep in mind they saw something in you that made them trust you enough to educate their students. Remind yourself: You were hired because they believe in you. Sound Advice New educators must focus on teaching and connecting with students and staying on top of their lesson plans while acclimating to a new school and colleagues. Being on probation adds to the pressure. Remaining professional in and out of the classroom is key to success, says CTA attorney Joe Colton. He offers specific commonsense advice: • Communicate clearly. Listen carefully to what is asked of you; if in doubt, get confirmation. • Be respectful. Do your best to get along with other teachers and administrators. • Be conservative with social media. Think before you post. • Inappropriate content should never be on your computer or electronic devices. • Be careful about physical contact with students. JEANNA RUBLE Fourth-grade teacher at Raisin City Elementary School in her fourth year of teaching, hired as an intern Raisin City Teachers Association Be organized. I like to use a color- coded system to help with small groups for math and reading. Find an organiza- tional system that works for you. Simplify when possible. You don't have to grade every paper. I try to look at what standards and specific ques- tions are really important, and prioritize student work rather than grading every single thing. Reflect on your lessons and classroom management. There may be flaws and mistakes, but learn from them, recover, and take it step by step. Don't beat yourself up. Encourage communication with parents. Let them know they are wel- come in your class. At the beginning of the year, call to say something positive, such as " Your child completed all his assignments" or " Your child went above and beyond in being a good citizen." Foster a collaborative environment so you are not just contacting parents when something is wrong. 31 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 017