Some feel hopeful anticipation, others feel a tingling of anxiety and fear, but everyone wants a positive start.
When the last fireworks explode, the calendar speeds up. School, a distant memory in June, takes center stage in July. There is a lot to do and very little time to do it.
At the beginning of August, teachers spend their last holidays thinking about seating plans, lesson plans and preparing classrooms. Experienced teachers know that the first few days are full of talking and smiling, with little time for preparation.
Some feel hopeful anticipation, others feel a tingle of fear and anxiety, but everyone wants a positive start. Here are some suggestions for a positive start.
To the teachers: It’s hard, but you can do it
Thank you for teaching. New teachers will find that there is no waiting room in their classroom. They don’t have the luxury of solving one problem at a time. In any given class, an audience of about 30 people with 30 different learning styles wait for the show to begin. They, too, are scared.
Lean on experienced teachers when you’re overwhelmed. You can do this even though college and teacher training may not have prepared you for this. When it works out and you get to take a class, it’s an adrenaline rush. Let those times hold you up when you’re still at school at 6 p.m. on a Friday.
Experienced teachers, please encourage new teachers. I know you have more work to do than you can handle, but the profession needs new teachers who are willing to try. You were there once. Help them out if you can. Both experienced and new teachers are trying to protect themselves so you don’t burn out.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Police officers and firefighters always need support when they get into difficult situations. This is also true for educators. If you are not yet a member or are just starting out, the union is your support.
More: New elementary schools in Ankeny and Waukee celebrate first day of school
To the school leaders: Don’t manage the staff, lead them
I know you have a tough job. You stand in the middle between the teachers and support staff in your building and the upper level administration. Always be on the side of the support staff in the building. Educators love loyalty.
Their job is a little like that of a tight end in football. They are often called upon to make a play. They also have to block so that others can do their job.
This means that sometimes you have to step in when a hysterical parent attacks. If a teacher is struggling, correct them. The teacher shortage is real. Try to keep the teachers you have.
Adults cannot be managed. They can be led. Educators would leap over tall buildings for a little recognition and praise. In the days before children arrive, the best staff development is to let teachers work in their rooms.
Don’t hire your second cousin just because he’s your second cousin. That never ends well.
To parents: Work with teachers and help with homework
Teachers don’t want to share your child’s education with you. They want to work with you to educate your child. Please attend parent-teacher meetings, help with homework, and read school notes. Ask questions about what’s happening.
If you think a book doesn’t belong in class or the library, read it yourself instead of letting others tell you why it’s bad. Your school board has a policy for adding and removing books. Find out about it.
More: Here’s everything you need to know about the new school year at Des Moines Public Schools
To school authorities: Support teaching instead of testing
Thank you for your sometimes thankless volunteer work. Please don’t overreact when parents or community groups complain about books or classroom discussions. Trust your school administrators and teachers.
Please do what you can to reduce the number of exams and use the time for teaching. The old farmer was right: if you constantly weigh a pig instead of feeding it, you will always have a skinny pig.
Every year is a new beginning. A classroom is actually four walls that hide dreams. Let’s work together to make all those dreams come true.
Bruce Lear lives in Sioux City. He has been involved with public schools for 38 years. He taught for 11 years and represented educators for 27 years as regional director of the Iowa State Education Association until his retirement. Contact: [email protected].
