Education

These are universal tips; they'll work anywhere.

Over my twelve years in front of those most precious of resources, I've been both a good teacher and a bad one- sometimes in the same day (But, mostly good, I hope). Because I care about doing a good job, I've analyzed which practices make for my better performances and developed this simple list to share with new or future teachers. Basically, if you do the things on this list, you will be a at least good teacher, I think.

Provisos:

I didn't say "great" because being "great," whether at sports, soldiering, mothering, acting, writing, music, or blogging takes an intrinsic talent beyond the capability of training or short "Do" lists. For teaching, it might be knowing when to smile, the look you give a bad or good student, or maybe the discipline to stay until 6:30P.M. planning the next day's lesson.

For the list, I didn't deal with discipline since I have what you'd call an "idiosyncratic" style. Seasoned (those who have seen many seasons) female English teachers usually do best in this area and you'd do well asking them. I also didn't talk about curriculum as, again, it's too varied to summarize. I avoided being overly general (care!) or too specific (Have them lift up red papers for "no" and green for "yes.") Finally, I chose the three tips below not only because I consider them teaching "building blocks," but because all of them, at one time or another, have been challenges for me. On to it, then:

1. Plan:

This is crucial and the more you do it, the better. Some teachers write 7 step lesson plans and rehearse in front of their cats the night before. More power to them. At least look over the book and have the requisite materials ready. Writing down the homework helps the next day and in grading, for not only will planning help you prepare for future lessons, it will also serve as a record of your achievements.

Follow up:

2. Correct work consistently and return on time:

Paper correcting has bedeviled me since I started teaching; I find it incredibly boring. The fact of the matter is, however, that many students won't do work unless it "counts." Correcting work shows you care and allows you to know your students' strengths and weaknesses. Try to get it back quick and you'll see more productive students.

3. Don't sit down during class:

Whether you're lecturing or just observing, walk around the class as they're working. You'll be amazed at the stuff you find. Also, many students who won't ask a question in a large group will let you know their issues as you pass by. This is the most one-on-one most teachers will get with students.

And that's it. It had to be short and sweet: You should see the pile of stuff on my desk.