Ryan CassidySpecial Education Autism Teacher

Indianapolis Public Schools

Indianapolis, Indiana

Susan DeJarnatt-WalkerKindergarten General Education Teacher

Indianapolis Public Schools

Indianapolis, Indiana

Have you ever felt like you were trying to do a handstand on a downward slope?

How can you get started?

First, don’t get overwhelmed!

Because you don’t have to reinvent the wheel!

What’s out there to help you get started!

For your classroom…• Have everything pre-done

– Know your preferred management technique• It may change, but you are good to go if there is

not a set management style at your school

– Letters for parents• Even if you don’t know where you will teach at

least have the bones of a letter done…it will save you time when it’s needed

• Have everything you already have organized at home…it will save you time when it gets to it’s new home

Don’t be afraid….

to ask for help!

You may be really surprised what others can

do for you!

• Keep organized– Keep a contact log for parents and administration

• Keep a folder/file on each child to pull out at a moments notice

• Be flexible with your schedule for others, but stick to it as much as possible in your room

• Keep everything that is given to you and file it where you can find it

• This includes e-mails

More sanity tips…

• Ask questions about everything– Do not assume…especially about school routines

• Know what is expected of you– Duties, recess, lunch, before/after school

• Force yourself to be part of the big school team as well as the small grade level team

• Let your intuition tell you who your biggest supporters and most challenging colleagues will be

• Have students set the rules (with your guidance)

• Go over rules and proceedures daily!• Be gentle but firm • Practice makes perfect• Remember nothing comes over night

You should…

• Make a happy file – when you need those little pick-me-ups

• Write down all of the funny things that happen to you…it will make you giggle for years to come

• Make mistakes! It shows you are trying!– After all you are “new” you didn’t know!

• Remember – It will be awful at some point! BUT…don’t give up it will get better!

Really know where your priorities are for you…stick to them

How can I get all of that cool stuff other teachers have without spending a

fortune?

Classroom Supplies• Look for deals!

– Stock up on everything from crayons to notebooks those few weeks before school starts. You will thank yourself later

– Ask for teacher discounts. Many times you stores have them, but don’t advertise them. Any little bit helps!

– Garage Sales– Networking– Dollar Stores!

Don’t forget…

• Your professors and your classmates– Keep in touch with them because it could mean a job or a

great idea– It’s a safe place to test something

• Never, never talk bad about anyone or anything EVER at school – it could haunt you later!

• Confidentiality is very important• Be prepared for anything!!!

Connections are key

• Become part of the community…let your kids know who you are

• No matter how big or small they are all connections

• Know what they are talking about…

Rewards…

• Sometimes you just have to bribe them– It doesn’t have to be with stuff though!

– Stuff sometimes helps though =)

Extra Knowledge to pass along

• Find short cuts that work for you• Do not procrastinate• Learn to love them all no matter what BUT

set a firm boundary• Respect what your kids bring to you• Celebrate their experiences and

accomplishments• Keep a positive outlook

It is OK to…

• Leave stacks• Take a day for you!• To feel stressed out• Not to get everything done• Not to know what you are doing!!!!

The tales are true…

• Kids go crazy when the moon is full• The end of the year is worst than any

experience you have ever had• The days after Halloween and Valentine’s

Day rank at the top of crazy days!• Any break means craziness

Don’t forget to laugh!!!

Contact InfoRyan Cassidy

cassidyr@ips.k12.in.us

Susan DeJarnatt-Walkerwalkerse@ips.k12.in.us