“Teacher Advice in Five Words or Less”
September 19, 2022
A popular question asked by new teachers is, “What is your best advice to teachers just entering the field?” Educators asking that question are not necessarily looking for a book long answer, but rather an answer that is given in five words or less. And those short answers can range from, “Don’t smile until Thanksgiving”, to “Smile on the first day”.
Some very good pieces of advice that I have heard sound like these five words or less –
STAY HOME WHEN YOU’RE SICK
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN
RELATIONSHIPS MATTER MORE THAN ANYTHING
CONNECT WITH STUDENTS BEFORE CURRICULUM
FIND TEAMMATES THAT INSPIRE YOU
BE PASSIONATE AND ENTHUSIASTIC
DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL
LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
ASK FOR HELP
EMPATHIZE WITH STUDENTS
BE FLEXIBLE
As an educator of educators, the one question I get asked the most is, “What is your best advice to teachers?” Several of my students are veteran teachers and they are looking for advice, not as a new teacher, but as one who has been in the classroom for many years. My advice, in five words or less, is always the same—“Be teachable!”
Before I became a teacher, I wanted to be a professional student because I enjoyed learning so much. However, I quickly realized that to be a teacher is to be a student forever! Even the most competent and experienced teachers, still have things to learn and may benefit from having the mindset of being teachable.
While reading Proverbs 9 the other day, this verse jumped out at me. And while it is not five words or less, it is good advice that echoes the thought to be teachable –
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. – Proverbs 9:9