As a seasoned high school teacher, there are countless lessons and pieces of advice that I would give to my younger self. Having spent years in the classroom, I have learned a lot about teaching, learning, and interacting with students and their parents. Below are eight key things I wish professors would have enumerated for me during college prior to starting my teaching career.

1. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.

One of the biggest mistakes new teachers make — and certainly a mistake I made — is trying to emulate other successful teachers they know or have seen. While it’s important to learn from others and gather ideas, it’s also crucial to be true to yourself. Every teacher has their own style and personality, and it’s important to find what works for you. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, because students will see right through it. Be authentic and genuine, and your students will respond positively.

2. Get to know your students as individuals.

One of the most important things I’ve learned as a teacher is that each student is unique. I remember Dr. Putt calling it the principle of individual differences. They come from different backgrounds, have different interests, and learn in different ways. Getting to know each student as an individual is crucial for building relationships and creating a positive classroom culture. Take the time to talk to your students, learn about their interests and hobbies, and understand their learning styles.

Although challenging in the time of cell phones, learning about students can also help you tailor your instruction to meet their needs and create a more engaging and effective learning environment. But sometimes, learning math is just hard brain-bending work and frankly a little boring for students.

3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Teaching is the most challenging profession, and you’re bound to make mistakes along the way. Perfection is not possible and you should not have unreasonable expectations. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back or prevent you from trying new things. Embrace the learning process and use mistakes as opportunities to grow and improve your skills. Your students will appreciate your willingness to take risks and try new things. Plus it will help them learn to take learning risks when you model the behavior. In the long run, you become a better teacher in the long run.

4. Collaborate with other teachers.

Teaching can be a solitary profession, but it doesn’t have to be. Collaborating with other teachers can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your students. Working with other teachers allows you to share ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and get feedback on your teaching. It also helps create a sense of community and support within the school, and it gives you a break from youngsters. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other teachers and start building those collaborative relationships. Naturally, you’ll develop favorites to work with.

5. Be patient…

Like so many things in life, teaching is not a profession that offers immediate gratification. It can take weeks, months, or even years to see the impact of your teaching on your students. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Be patient and keep working hard. Your efforts will pay off down the road, and you’ll see the impact you’ve had on your students’ lives.

6. Be realistic…

Not all students are going to love you, your style, and your grading practices. Accepting this will save you from worry and anxiety about trying to please everyone. I have no doubt that there are former students who did not care for me, but that goes with the territory. However, enough students have stopped by my classroom years later to tell me that I was the best thing that ever happened to their development. Being realistic goes hand in hand with being patient.

7. Take care of yourself.

Teaching can be a demanding and stressful profession, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting your sleep right, eating a proper diet, and exercising regularly. Find ways to manage stress, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or another activity. I like to lift weights in the morning and walk in the evening. It’s not like I’m training for Mr. Universe, but I’m telling my body that I have not forgotten about it. Taking care of yourself makes you better equipped to handle the demands of teaching and helps you be a better teacher for your students.

I also take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus which is something I never did in the beginning. For years now, I have come home for lunch. I am fortunate to live just a 3-4 minute drive from the school. Doing this breaks my day up, I save money on eating (usually crappy) school lunch, and best of all… I get to see my puppies! They love when I come home to let them outside to go potty.

8. Keep learning.

Become a learning machine. Not only is it a good behavior to model for students, but teaching is a profession that requires constant and never-ending improvement. Stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in education, attend professional development opportunities, and seek out feedback from other teachers and administrators. By continuing to learn and grow, you’ll be better equipped to meet the needs of your students and create a more effective and engaging learning environment.

As a seasoned high school teacher, these are some of the many things I wish I had known earlier in my career. By being true to yourself, getting to know your students as individuals, not being afraid to make mistakes, collaborating with other teachers, being patient, being realistic, taking care of yourself, and continuing to learn, you’ll be better equipped to meet the needs of your students and create a more effective and engaging learning environment. Teaching is a challenging and rewarding profession, and by following these tips, you can make a positive impact on the lives of your students and enjoy a fulfilling career in education.

Until next time…

Remember that success is a planned event. Believe in yourself.

Pay attention, do the work, and don’t give up!

And don’t forget to check out my new YouTube channel!

www.youtube.com/@PlanetNumeracy