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By Alicia

Name: Alicia

Subject/Grade Level Taught: Multiage Grades 3/4

Years Taught: This was my first year.

Years in Current School: one full school year, few months as a long term sub the previous year.

Improve Student Achievement:
1.
Assessments to see where they're at and what we need to revisit-both formal (tests) and informal (observations and assignments). I learned this in college and on the job.
2. Flexible and Interest Grouping-kids learn so much from each other. I learned this in college and on the job.
3. Ability Grouping-For guided reading I use ability grouping/base it on their needs.

I learned this while student teaching.
4. Differentiated Instruction-teach where they are at. I learned a bit about this in college, but I attended an all day workshop through my school district on ways to implement differentiated instruction.
5. Incorporate students' interests and talents-It's amazing how engaged they become when they are interested.

Strategies I wish they taught in teacher training:
I wish they would've focused more on differentiated instruction. This is so important! It can be easy to implement. It's not about writing several different lessons for one subject. Other than that, I attended a really great teaching training program. I feel that I learned so much and was ready to step into a classroom position.

Advice to first year teacher...
Be organized, familiarize yourself with the curriculum, and be well prepared and planned. If something isn't working for you or your students, change it! Nothing needs to be written in stone. I have three weeks left of my first year, and I've changed things throughout the year. Take care of yourself. "You work to live, not live to work". Take time for yourself, remember your family, friends, and hobbies. You will be a much better and more effective teacher if you have a life outside of school. You won't be doing any good if you devote every waking moment to school. It's easy to get caught up in school work and everything that needs to be done. "Do what matters to your students' learning." Don't be afraid to ask for advice or help from another trusted teacher (mentor) if you need it. I have a wonderful mentor who I can vent to, and I trust her completely. Find that one person. They will be your lifesaver at times.

I could go on and on, but I think I've said what's been most important to me as a first year teacher.

I hope this helps!