First Year Teaching Advice for Brand New ESL Teachers | ESL Teacher Tips!

Summary

In this insightful video, Dr. Hemphill shares essential advice for new ESL teachers, drawing from her 20 years of experience. She discusses the importance of joining supportive communities, seeking mentorship, and embracing professional development. Dr. Hemphill emphasizes the need for flexibility in teaching, building rapport with students and families, and focusing on one key area, such as classroom management. She encourages teachers to prioritize self-care and maintain a positive mindset, ensuring a successful and fulfilling first year in the classroom. Overall, her guidance aims to alleviate anxieties and inspire confidence in new educators.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace the nerves: It's normal to feel anxious about your first teaching position; many new teachers share these feelings.
• 😀 Connect with peers: Join Facebook groups for new ESL teachers to find support and share experiences with others facing similar challenges.
• 😀 Utilize professional development: Take advantage of free resources online, such as webinars, articles, and books, to enhance your teaching skills.
• 😀 Seek mentorship: Find a mentor teacher, ideally with ESL experience, to guide you through your first year and provide valuable insights.
• 😀 Understand your teaching model: Clarify with your principal about the type of ESL teaching you'll be doing to better prepare yourself.
• 😀 Focus on one goal: In your first year, concentrate on mastering one area, such as classroom management, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 Build relationships: Establish rapport with your students and their families to create a supportive classroom environment.
• 😀 Stay flexible: Be prepared for your first weeks to differ from your expectations, and adapt your plans as needed.
• 😀 Manage your schedule: Be aware that you might need to create your own schedule for meeting the needs of ESL students.
• 😀 Prioritize self-care: Make time for yourself outside of teaching to maintain your well-being and effectiveness in the classroom.

Q & A

What was Dr. Hemphill's initial reaction to being assigned her own classroom?

Dr. Hemphill felt nervous and overwhelmed, despite having a bachelor's degree and internship experience. She spent the weekend crying, unsure if she would be successful.

What is the first piece of advice Dr. Hemphill gives to new ESL teachers?

She recommends joining a Facebook group tailored for new ESL teachers to connect with others who share similar anxieties and questions.

How does Dr. Hemphill suggest teachers prepare for their first year?

She advises taking advantage of free professional development resources available online, including webinars and articles.

What should new teachers do if they can't find a mentor within their school?

They should ask their principal for a mentor or look for one in Facebook groups, as many experienced teachers are willing to provide support.

Why is it important for teachers to establish rapport with their students and families?

Building relationships helps students feel more comfortable and engaged, making them more likely to succeed in the classroom.

What does Dr. Hemphill say about flexibility in teaching during the first weeks?

She emphasizes that plans may change and teachers should be prepared for unexpected situations, such as spending time assessing students rather than teaching.

What is one major aspect new teachers should focus on during their first year?

Dr. Hemphill suggests focusing on classroom management as a key area for development, rather than trying to improve multiple aspects at once.

How can teachers take care of themselves during their first year?

She stresses the importance of setting aside personal time and not overworking, as maintaining personal well-being is crucial for effective teaching.

What should teachers inquire about from their principal regarding their teaching setting?

Teachers should ask about the model of ESL teaching they will be using (e.g., push-in, pull-out, self-contained) and any specific focuses for their role.

What does Dr. Hemphill want new teachers to remember about their first year?

She encourages them to focus on one main goal and to be kind to themselves, emphasizing that it’s okay not to have everything perfect from the start.