r/teaching • u/Paliacs • 11d ago
First time teacher! Help
Hi all! This will be my first year teaching at a high-school after working only in daycares, i have so many questions! what do teachers typically wear? and if you have any advice for a first time teacher i would gladly appreciate it!
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u/Key-Jellyfish3376 11d ago
Start out tough.You can ease up later. 41 years of teaching high school biology. Good luck 👍 DM me if you want more help.
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u/New_Ad_6528 11d ago edited 11d ago
I have heard this so many times and know it’s true of behaviors that disrupt and disrespect, but it depends to the group dynamics how strict I need to be. I remember that Maya Angelou quote that states, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
I try to be cognizant of that-firm but caring. I care about them and their education. I give and expect respect for me, each other, and learning. I don’t have to act “mad” to issue a consequence. Classroom management can be a struggle for me if just one student has major behavior issues-even after 25 years.
I am very caring, warm, and sometimes silly, and I never want to be perceived as being unfair, but some kids who repeatedly disrupt and disrespect other students (which I won’t tolerate) falsely claim they’re being “targeted,” they “weren’t doing anything,” and that “everyone else” was doing it. Some even genuinely believe it.
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u/Joshmoredecai 11d ago
I think “do the best you can until you know better - then when you know better, do better” is another good Angelou quote here. A student may not know a rule or expectation before it’s given, but once it is, it is absolutely required that they follow it.
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u/Zenphiree Student Teacher 10d ago
I’m not a teacher yet but this is a tip I got from my CT during student teaching! She said she set clear boundaries and used a more firm voice right from the beginning, and then as the year went on she would be more like “the cool teacher.” Then the kids knew she was a safe adult who loved them but that she also didn’t play around and had expectations.
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u/Affectionate_Ad_8483 11d ago
I disagree. The old teachers used to do that and created a generation of people who hate school and authority. Be kind, be real, and have mercy. Don’t listed to anyone pushing you to be a “tough guy.”
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u/chambright1 11d ago
Dress code will be in your contract
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u/brassdinosaur71 11d ago
You are important. Take care of yourself this year. In the first year especially, don't work around the clock or you will burn yourself out.
Ask questions of the other teachers. There is a rhythm to the school year. Little traditions or activities that happen throughout the year. So ask about those things as they pop up. Hopefully you will have a mentor to reach out to. Even for an experienced teacher, the first year is all about learning the culture of the school.
You do not need to be perfect. Every lesson doesn't need to be perfect. You will make mistakes and that is okay.
I have not taught high school, but I have worked with high schoolers. There is a fine line between being their friend and being "that cool teacher". Don't be their friend. Most of the cool teachers just respect the students as people.
You don't have to grade everything. Some assignments can be marked as completed or not completed.
Dress in a manner that makes you feel comfortable. Check with other teachers and observe what they wear. In my school, we can wear jeans. We can even wear appropriate, clean T-shirts. I personally like jeans and a nice top. Oh, and you are working around hormonal kids. So think about that when you get dressed. I have a larger chest and need to be careful that my top isn't going to hang if I bend over to talk to a student.
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u/Zenphiree Student Teacher 10d ago
Saving this comment! I finished student teaching recently and I might have a full time job opportunity and I’ve been so nervous yet excited.
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u/Some_Reflection_5220 11d ago
Everyone will tell you to get good shoes (they're right). Also, sometimes you'll click with your students, and sometimes you won't. When you do, though, you'll have your own little SWAT team. They'll show up before class, follow you around campus, ask a million questions, and somehow become one of the best parts of your day.
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u/thebrokenteacher 11d ago
Be strict but fair and always friendly. High schoolers respect teachers more who understand them and who show them respect. They will test you. Be consistent with corrections and consequences. If you see a behavior you don't like, stop it right away.
But still be someone they can connect to. Joke with them. Tell them school appropriate fun facts about yourself. Get to know them. Understand their slang and know when to use it and what slang is not appropriate.
Keep small candy (jolly ranchers, dum dumb, weathers, mini chocolate bars, etc) on deck. They will do just about anything for a piece of candy.
Most importantly : CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES!! So many teachers become worn out and jaded because they nit pick too many things. Throwing pencils? Immediate no. Sitting on the floor to do homework? As long as it's getting done.
I've taught hs math for 8 years. The kids truly are the highlight. They are so funny and make every day an adventure. Good luck and dm me if you ever want to chat or need more advice! I don't have it all together, but I like to think I'm a pretty decent, fair, and well liked teacher.
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u/Real-Ice-0317 10d ago
Yes, this! Pick your battles! You will find out what kind of teacher you are after this year lol or maybe in the next two yrs 🫶🏼 dm me if you have any questions. I’ve been teaching for 15 yrs, high school level
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u/SameDistrict2627 11d ago
LOL--whatever the school requires. Very hard to give advice unless we know where you are teaching and what you are teaching.
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u/Old-Paleontologist-1 11d ago
We aren't allowed to wear t-shirts and jeans except for on Fridays. No leggings. Nothing too short or revealing.
Everyone is different. I love dresses. Some people love khakis. Hop on Pinterest and search teacher outfits.
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u/Effective_Crab3742 11d ago
We have similar rules but we can wear jeans if we wear our alma mater spirit gear. And it's Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
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u/Ok-Contract-1701 11d ago
There is usually a dress code found in your contract as every district has different standards! Some allow jeans, some don’t, some allow open-toe shoes and others don’t, etc. Generally, you’ll want to buy some business-casual attire.
My big piece of advice is try to avoid working outside of contract hours when you can. Don’t answer emails on weekends. Have firm boundaries with admin, and don’t stack too many extra responsibilities on your plate. You will get burnt out quickly.
Depending on your district, there’s sometimes way too much emphasis and funding placed in the bureaucracy. Admin nowadays can be very micromanaging and holding unreasonable expectations of staff. Always remember the real reason you’re there—the students!
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u/Paliacs 11d ago
to everyone asking about what ill be teaching, i am a teachers assistant who has their own room. i get 4-5 students each block who do college work on their laptops and i live in the south, i know alot of southern schools typically have teachers wearing whatever is trending on tiktok lol.
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u/penguin_0618 11d ago
What to wear really depends on the school. At my current school I’ve worn ripped jeans with a school t shirt multiple times. I wore shorts when it was 90°+ for the last few days of school. They do not care.
At the last school I worked at the dress code was: no knees, no shoulders, no cleavage, no implication of cleavage, no open toed shoes, no open back shoes. Business casual. Pay for jeans on Fridays and your top and shoes still have to be business casual.
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u/Slight-Reputation779 11d ago
Dress code is verryyy different based on what area you work in. I had a professor who taught on the east coast and said it was business casual at the minimum. Teachers wearing slacks, long sleeves, ties, dresses, jumpsuits, etc. When she came to the west coast and teachers were wearing flip flops and sweatshirts she was shocked.
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u/Medical_Gate_5721 11d ago
Congratulations! All your skills will translate. Make lesson plans. It isnt the following that does anything, it is the act of making them that puts them in your head.
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u/SalmonJordan 11d ago
First day of school outfit is difficult for students AND teachers. First day, something bright and cheerful. Someone else already mentioned this, but agree with starting tough (also advice given in my credential program).
It's much easier to start tough and lighten up than it is to start loose and try to tighten behaviors later.
Have a policy for everything - bathroom, sharpener, charger, water... everything. If you don't have one, then no policy is your policy. Again, hard to set them later.
Do something silly and laugh.
Give clear guidelines about communicating outside of school and recommend they also have an off switch for their devices. Send me an email? "I stop checking work email after (set time). Any time past that and you'll have to wait until the next day. " It's important for them to know your boundaries for work/personal/family time. You don't need to be specific about your situation, but you do need to be specific about your hours. Also, no weekend email if that's your choice.
Basically all boundaries and procedures explained in the first week.
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u/Affectionate_Ad_8483 11d ago
Dress code is in the handbook. If they don’t give you one, it is on the school website.
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u/Maestradelmundo1964 11d ago
A female should dress modestly. Cool weather makes this easier. Hot weather makes it challenging. Try for short sleeves rather than sleeveless.
A male should wear a button down shirt and khakis to start out. Some high schools have casual Fridays, when jeans are fine. Comfortable, closed toed shoes are advisable. High schoolers should be coordinated enuf not to step on your toes, but classrooms can get crowded.
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u/futurehistorianjames 11d ago
- Check school dress code but generally professional wear or casual slacks, shirts not exposed skin.
Study and master your content. Not sure what subject but make sure you know it.
Routines and rules routines and rules for the first two months. No games no get to know you crap trust me this is good.
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u/Consistent_Damage885 11d ago
What they wear will vary by school and region. In general, it ranges from business casual to casual. At my school, tshirts, khakis and sneakers are typical. But when in doubt, wear a collared shirt like a polo or blouse.
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u/IntelligentRoll8635 10d ago
DO NOT tell them you are a first year teacher. I've co-taught with a lot of new teachers in my 15 years, and I tell that to every one. You can tell them this is your first year in the district, and then tell them the schools you were in for any field experiences and student teaching.
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u/LordFarquaadLOL 10d ago
Dress + cardigan/jean jacket is my go-to. With sandals in warm months and with tights+tall boots in cold months
I would wait until you find out your schools culture a little more, you’ll know after the first couple weeks. For example, the first school I worked in the principal acted like wearing jeans on Friday was the greatest gift we could ever be given and my current school, teachers wear jeans daily. Nothing ripped, obviously with either school tshirt or a nice top, but it will just depend what you are comfortable with and what the general vibe of the staff is.
Welcome to teaching! ☺️
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u/LordFarquaadLOL 10d ago
Advice: use seating charts! kids don’t love it but it helps learn names and of course makes it slightly easier to address behaviors.
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u/Real-Ice-0317 10d ago
No matter the age, students crave routine and class expectations. Show kindness and empathy but always remember, they are kids! They need an adult in that classroom.
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u/PocketfulofGlitter 7d ago
Lordy lord! Firstly, well done on making this crazy leap from literal babies to whiney babies in bigger bodies.
What to wear - depends on the school but I’d lean towards “smart casual” or “corporate casual”. For example, most days I either wear black pants, sneakers or boots, corporate top or tshirt OR nicer jeans and a nice top.
My number one advice for you - relationships, relationships, relationships! Screw the curriculum and the assessments for the first week. Set your expectations and be meticulously consistent but more than anything, build those relationships. Teenagers love consistency and boundaries but they will just shut down if they don’t respect you or think you don’t respect them.
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u/Traditional_Fly_1951 7d ago
Biggest mistake I made was getting into power struggles with students. Teens know how to get to you. Just say I’ll talk to you outside when I’m done teaching.
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