Help When You Need It (and we all need it at some point)

Everyday when I open this blog site I think I know what I will be writing about, then I read a comment and realize, oh, that's interesting, let's talk about that. Such is the case with Peter's recent comment (well worth reading, Peter has just completed his first year as a physics teacher - he's got some great stories and insights). His comment is on, "Where is the help with classroom management BEFORE you make mistakes?".

First, everyone, relax, breath deeply and know that no matter what "mistakes" you make in classroom management, you probably have not done anyone any real, lasting emotional harm if your intentions were noble and the students' best interests were your highest priority.

In California new teachers have access to BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support Assessment) the name and focus will change soon, but it's all about supporting new teachers. Intern teachers don't have access but some districts have special support programs for interns. After interning, BTSA is available.

As far as getting preparation in classroom management in Teacher Credentialing programs, fieldwork and traditional directed student teaching is designed for that. Model classrooms exist in all school districts across the nation, either formally (you'll be told about them and sent to them) or informally (you'll find out about them and seek them out). Either way, teaching and managing a classroom is not a science, it is not an art, it is a well practiced craft.

We are all practitioners. We must let each other know what we are doing, whether we "hit it out of the park", or narrowly make it to the plate—it all matters.

Keep practicing and so will I. Let's blog about it.

Stef