Julia G. Thompson


From Section 2 of The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide, Second Edition


The Safety Net of Professionalism


"Professionalism means being the very best teacher that you can be every day. When you choose to conduct yourself in a professional manner, you send the message that you are in control of your classroom and yourself. You'll earn the respect of your students and colleagues in the process. Although it is not always easy to be a professional educator, especially when you are just starting out, professionalism is one of the best tools that you have to prevent stress. These are just some of the professional behaviors that can serve as guidelines to stress prevention:

Treat your students with respect. Don’t be a pushover or play favorites.

Accept criticism from your supervisors in a calm and professional manner. Do not be defensive. Instead, work to correct the problem.

Take your workday appearance seriously. Dress comfortably but neatly. Your appearance sends a message to your students that you take your position seriously.

Greet everyone you meet with a friendly word and a smile. Project an air of confidence and soon you will feel confident.

Become an organized and efficient worker so you can accomplish all of your paperwork chores.

Take charge of your classroom with sound discipline policies.

Be known as a punctual person who does not miss school without a good reason.

Plan lessons that are meaningful, interesting, and based on your district’s or state’s curriculum guidelines.

Never shout at your students. If you are tempted to do this, stop and reassess the situation.

Admit it when you make a mistake. Ask for help.

Be careful about what you say and how you say it. Use Standard English. Never allow students to curse in front of you.

Make sure the goals you set for your students are attainable and that you teach the skills needed to reach them.

Have high expectations for your students.

Take pride in your profession. Share this attitude with your students.

Follow all school rules.

Let students know you care about their welfare. Don’t give up on them when things are difficult."

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Study Guide to The First-Year Teachers' Survival Kit

If you would like a copy of this study guide for use in preservice and professional development training, please e-mail Julia Thompson at thompson_juliag@yahoo.com or click on the "Quick Link" at the left.

A Brief Excerpt from "Study Questions for
The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide"


Section One

Get a Good Start in Your New Vocation

Essential Question: How can I develop myself into a successful professional?

1. In this section, you’ll find the “good news” about your new profession. Do you agree that the items listed are all positive aspects of a teaching career? What are some other positive features of a career in education? What negative aspects can you anticipate? How will you cope with these negatives?

2. Identify a teacher in your past who exhibited many of the values described in “Core Values of Professional Educators.” Which values did this teacher exemplify? Which of your own core values will help you become a competent and inspiring educator?

3. Use “Self-Assessment 1.1” to examine some of the assumptions that you may have about teaching. What did you learn about your beliefs from this quick assessment? What can you predict about your assumptions at the end of your first year as a teacher?

4. After reading “You Are the Solution,” do you think teachers are the solution to many of the problems young people have to cope with today? What character traits and experiences do you bring to the profession that will make you part of “the solution”?

5. After completing “Self-Assessment 1.2,” determine which of your personal character traits will help you become an excellent teacher. How can you use this knowledge to your advantage?

6. Read “How to Avoid Ruining Your Career.” Did any of these tips surprise you? What can you do to avoid mistakes that can ruin your career? What other mistakes can you add to this list?

7. Why is it important for you to feel confident of your ability to perform well as a teacher during your first year? Who will benefit from your self-assurance? Which of the common-sense steps described in this section will boost your confidence?

8. What are some strategies that you can use to create a supportive collegial network? In what ways can this network help you as well as your colleagues?

9. What words would you like to use to characterize your teaching experiences at the end of the term? What words would you like to use to describe your students then? What words would you like to have your students use to describe you at the end of the term? What actions do you have to take to make these words into a reality?

10. Explore the author’s Web site (www.juliagthompson.com) to learn more teaching strategies and to access a wide variety of up-to-date information about your new vocation.

Books for Teachers

For First-Year Teachers
The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide, Second Edition
This newly revised second edition of the bestselling First-Year Teacher's Survival Kit is packed with more than 500 pages of updated, inspiring, and practical advice for new teachers. Publisher: John Wiley Sons. ISBN: 978-0-7879-9455-6 Paperback, 528 pages.
For Secondary Teachers
Discipline Survival Kit for the Secondary Teacher
Ever since it was first published in 1998, Discipline Survival Kit for the Secondary Teacher has helped thousands of middle and high school teachers create a postive learning climate in their classrooms. This practical, hands-on resource is packed with ideas, techniques, tools, and activities to help teachers maintain a postive classroom environment. It includes over 50 ready-to-use-or-adapt forms, checklists and letters. Publisher: John Wiley Sons. ISBN: 978-0-87628-434-6 Paperback, 384 pages.