For teachers from kindergarten to professional school, establishing and maintaining classroom control is an essential objective. Losing control of your classroom is a particular issue in the K-12 years, where it can derail the process of teaching for an entire year. Take charge of your students by establishing a firm set of guidelines at the beginning of the year, and sticking to them religiously. Go out of your way to identify good behavior, but halt every instance of excessive noise or arguing. Be fair but firm and don't be afraid to hand out detention slips or keep students after class.
Teachers must work with many personalities and styles of learning in a classroom. Some students will advance quickly, while others may struggle with comprehension or focus. It is important for the teacher to identify individual needs and to address them throughout the year. Consider placing students into reading groups based on level, for example, where they will be able to assist one another without getting too confused. Taking notes about the students in your class, and keeping dated and well-filed records, helps teachers direct attention where it is most needed.
After the final bell rings, a good teacher should still be responsible about communicating with team members, attending meetings and keeping administrators in the loop. Most teachers are enthusiastic about discussing students, teaching strategies or education policy with their teammates, so make sure to engage your co-workers often. This will make you look like a thriving member of the faculty and will help you fit into the school. The administration will appreciate having a responsive partner among the teaching staff.
No matter the subject or level of education, teachers must incorporate elements of curriculum into the classroom. Most states have a set of standards, which mandates that students of a certain grade level possess certain skills by set deadlines. Good teachers should weave the curriculum standards into the wider classroom experience in a way that promotes learning and maintains interest.
Perhaps more than any other gift, teachers can confer on their students a love of learning, an inquisitiveness about the world, that may serve them well for years. Pursue this objective by getting excited about your subject and by working hard to break past the barriers of boredom and restlessness that plague most classrooms. Highlight interesting facts and assign projects that require creativity. Most of all, encourage your students to dive into the subject and discover treasures for themselves.