The New Teachers Times - Flipbook - Page 11
plan better lessons and manage
behaviour more effectively. I have
learnt new teaching techniques which I
am gradually learning to deploy
effectively (my most recent one is that
as a class becomes louder to noticeably
lower and slow my voice) and I can
sense that my lessons are improving.
The advice from my mentor, NQT
training lead and the headteacher to
make sure to look after myself, my
stress levels and mental health has also
been both comforting and wise.
Despite the daily pressures I’m learning
to relax, sleep more and stress less and
this has helped my teaching
significantly. A fully rested Kevin with
an incomplete PowerPoint lesson plan
is a far better educator than a tired or
stressed Kevin with the most polished
lesson plan. I need to keep reminding
myself that staying up till 2am lesson
planning or marking books is actually
not in the students’ best interests,
despite what I sometimes feel.
Of course, the first half-term has not all
been wonderful. I am substantially
behind in my marking, I have had a
student blow up in different lessons,
certain students misbehave in my
lessons but not in other lessons, I have
had angry parents on the phone, I have
not established a proper homework
routine, I have taught a number of very
poor lessons and, last but not least,
while working late one evening I got
locked in the school after dark!
[Helpful hint: always know where
phone numbers for the maintenance
team are!] But despite all that I’m still
here.
So, if the first week or two felt like I
was bailing madly in a sinking boat
where am I now? Well I’ve certainly still
got water up over my ankles and I’m
bailing madly but the water level is
gradually lowering and, while I’m sure
I’ll hit a few rocks along the way, I am
beginning to think I might survive the
ride!
While I'm sure I'll hit a few rocks along the way, I am
beginning to think I might survive the ride!