By Bruce Van Stone
1. Pace yourself
The early inclination in a teaching position is to do too much, too fast. Pace yourself and remember that your first responsibility is to your classroom, not to supervising extra-curricular activities, sitting on committees, etc.
2. There are no stupid questions
Ask questions and don’t be afraid that others will think they are silly or “dumb” questions. There is a lot to know as a new teacher and you have the right to ask. Besides, asking a question is better than the alternative, which is pretending to know what you’re doing and making a colossal mistake.
Bruce Van Stone is an educator at George Street Middle School in Fredericton, NB.
