Time to Teach

One of the most helpful tools I was given during the teacher training before school started was the "Time to Teach" curriculum by Dahlgren, Malas, Faulk & Lattimer. Ronan uses this curriculum for new teachers and the training was run by Mr. Johnston, the Middle School principal.

The main take away from the videos and training was the idea of not getting pulled into "doing the dance" with students. This means that students will try to test my patience or will talk back and be disrespectful or defiant but I need to have a plan and steps in place so I know how to handle it. Last year, as a para-professional, I didn't get any training on classroom management and I made a lot of mistakes as I got sucked into the dance. This year, I'm learning what is appropriate behavior for students, what expectations are and what is normal behavior for different ages and stages. My experience with special education last year, gave me confidence and especially helped me in relating and working with students in special ed.

I'm still working through my ideas of how to handle certain situations with student behaviors but what has helped me most is watching how Mr. Smith and Ms. Mallon handle it. I need to stay calm, cool and collected not let the situation get me flustered. It's always a bit shocking to me when students act out because I am not used to it and don't always know how to handle it. I think it's going to take more time for me to figure out what I'm comfortable with and how to enforce it. Studying the school's main policies is also helpful. It seems very simple but first off, I need to know what administration is looking for when doing evaluations. One thing they are looking for is if the school policies are enforced. In the Middle School one of the most basic rules is that students are not allowed to wear hats. This rule is a bit more lax at the Elementary school, especially when it's rainy and cold out. When I have major questions about how to handle a behavior I talk with my mentors, field supervisor and the vice principal.