Let's Get Acquainted - Newbie Edition!

I am linking up with Mrs. Reed over at Flying Into First for her Let's Get Acquainted linky party.  This week's theme is advice for new teachers.  I am entering my fourth year of teaching in the public school setting, but, I spent the eight years prior working in a preschool setting.  So, without further ado, here is my advice:

Buy:

You definitely need to have comfortable shoes!  I know we all want to look our best, but, sometimes we compromise our comfort.  I have some super adorable heels that I love from Coach and they are really comfortable.  But, this year, I totally got into Danskos!  I loooooove my Danskos!

Always:

You must always be flexible.  You can't always stick to the lesson plan.  Sometimes you'll be interrupted, sometimes the students will take the lesson to a whole different place and sometimes the lesson just won't work out.  If you are able to just "shift on the fly" you'll be better off.

Never:

Never underestimate your students.  I know we are sometimes afraid to set the bar high, but, you need to do it.  How else are they supposed to reach their full potential?  Also, never underestimate what behaviors they are capable of, they just might surprise you!

Find:

This is one that I still struggle with, but, you need to take time for yourself.  It's easy to get caught up in your plans, projects, blogs, etc., but, you need to take care of yourself too!  Otherwise, you'll be unhappy and burnt out!

Make:

Make professional connections!  Meet and try to maintain a relationship with the staff in your school.  I've worked in three different schools in the last four and a half years and I have made a ton of connections.  It's definitely come in handy sometimes!

Be:

Be fun!  Be silly and have a good time with your students.  It's all a part of your bonding experience!

That's all I have for today.  Head on over and link up too!