New School!

So I'm a week and a bit into a new job at a new (and very different school). In all honesty I have felt very nervous as it's my first post out of Probation and I really want to establish myself as an effective teacher.

As I do not go full time until a couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to return to my old school on supply. It's been a worthwhile experience that has afforded me the chance to reflect on how I established strong relationships with colleagues and more importantly with the pupils I teach.

What I realised very quickly is that positive relationships are built up over time. They cannot be rushed. In order to effectively teach, I feel it is essential to ensure that pupils are given time to trust you as their teacher. As the pupils become accustomed to you being in the class with them, they will begin to trust you as the guide in their learning. It seems that regardless of what pupils expect of you ( I began my first classes by asking them to write down exactly that) they want to understand how you operate quickly.

I have tried my best not to be overbearing but at the same time clearly establish my classroom presence. I'm active, positive, proactive and showing the pupils I'm ready to work hard for them. In turn, they understand that I expect the same of them. I suppose it's about practicing what you preach! Although it takes time for pupils to move from establishing the initial connection with their teacher to achieving relative to their individual goals and abilities, it is this constant positive presence that is essential to me.

I'm looking forward to the challenge of this new school, although I am still nervous! However, I'd take nerves over arrogance any day! As a experienced colleague told me early on in Probation - 'The minute you think you are the perfect teacher, you are in trouble. Nobody ever stops learning, especially teachers'.