As new staff arrived in early august, they engaged in New Teacher Orientation, a staple of which is a student panel featuring students across varying backgrounds and grade levels.
Students drew applause after giving their best advice to teachers and staff to help them be their best throughout the 2023-2024 School Year, and we are sharing their inspiring advice for all to see below:
Advice from our High School panelists:
“Be willing to make a personal connection with your students, even on a bad day. Being a student, walking in and seeing your teacher mentally and emotionally disconnected, it’s very hard because it makes you not want to be there as a student. If you are feeling disconnected in any way, let your class know so they can be there to support you.”
“Don’t be nervous. I know if I was in your shoes, I would be very nervous to be with students for the first time in this district. Don’t be afraid to make relationships with your students. Those have been the most memorable moments in my school career.”
“Do not grow weary. I think teaching is one of the most insane jobs I can think of in terms of the capacity you guys have. I have so much respect. You spend countless hours preparing stuff for us, countless hours figuring out how a lecture is going to go, how a lesson plan is going to go, or how to make content more engaging. A lot of times I see teachers grow weary because it’s a job that requires a lot of strength. But if you were called to this position and if you have a place in your heart to do teaching hold fast to that because it matters and you’re supposed to be here. So hold onto your why so, so tightly. You’re doing this because you have a passion and a desire inside of you. When things get hard and you feel like maybe teaching isn’t for you, I would encourage you to not grow weary because you are called to this and made for this. I have been so inspired by teachers at my school who have passionately taught and loved what they are doing.”
“I believe that some of the most influential people in kids’ lives are parents, coaches and teachers. You guys are around us almost as much as we’re around our parents. We spend a lot of time in school. Sometimes kids don’t see their gifts they have until a teacher helps them see it. So just continue to show students that love and respect, and help them see who they truly are.”
Advice from our Middle School students:
“Making the classroom more fun, having activities. Last year in the 7th grade, we did a lot of activities and in my world studies class, while it wasn't my favorite subject, we had so much more fun and made so many connections."
“If you are teaching middle school, it’s going to be a roller coaster for sure. I know from experience, especially last year, I would be sitting in class and you could just see the teacher’s expression and you could see they were done with a certain student. I would just say don’t give up. There are going to be a bunch of rough days, but I know most students want at least one teacher whom they can make a special connection with.”