Question for Teachers ...?

Question

I have taught mostly up in Northern Canada, where the percentage of special needs students is quite high. I teach English, and a very small percentage of my students were at grade level. Class sizes were also very small.

Now, I have moved south, and the classes will be more of an average type. What I am nervous about is that it has been so long since I've taught everyone at grade level (this is high school) that I am not sure I can do it.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Answer 1

I expect it will take some adjustment on your part as you will be able to accomplish a lot more (at least theoretically) in your new classes than before.  Just over-plan for the first few days / weeks and get a feel for what your students can do.  Perhaps ask another English teacher in the school about their pacing, what they cover, etc.  If teachers give out syllabi in the new school, ask to see one from last year so you have an idea.  Where I am, pacing is basically determined by the district anyhow.

Answer 2

First, thank you for teaching -and being concerned about making adjustments in your teaching as you move from one area to another.

All learners are scattered across the "learning continuum" for a multitude of reasons, from learning styles to special needs .  As such, in my view, "grade level" is not the concern per se, but the actual learning level of each student within that grade is.  In other words, even through you may have not been teaching previously "at grade level" because of special needs students, the possible absense of special needs students in your new position does not mean you won't have to be aware of differences in learning or adhere to a one-size-fits-all instructional methodogy.

In other words, within this "average type" class, you will still have a cross-section of quite diverse learners with a variety of instructional needs.  In order to maximize your competencies while acknowledging the differences of your students, you will need to become asquainted with their skill and knowledge sets, trigger points (motivations), and, of course, learning stles.

This can be accomplished by reviewing past performance (report cards, portfolios, and other assessments); it can be accomplished by having dialogue with past teachers; it can be accomplished by meeting one-on-one with each student; and it may be very helpful to also meet with the students' parents so as to solicit their perspective on their children while sharing your teaching philosophy and style with the parents -including your expections of the students in your class.

I say all that to reinforce your self-esteem ... that is, you certainly can do this!  You've done it before and you will be doing it again -without anxiety.

Keep in mind that teaching is about the learner, that is, the focus is not teacher-centered, it's learner-centered.  As such, once you get to know your learners (and that comes from your philosophy, personality, and style), you'll intuitively know what needs to get done individually (each student) and how best for everyone to succeed collectively.

Good luck, have fun, and be confident!

Answer 3

If you are a good teacher, then you can teach.  Let your new principle know your fears, and bond with like minded teachers, to get you through your initial butterflies.

Trust yourself... you are in the most important profession that we have.

Answer 4

you can alway get out of it if it catches your drift then stay if not you can always leave just try it you never know if it'll be the best time of your life!