My first teacher

Elementary school teachers set the foundation in a child’s life forever. Looking back, I can remember a teacher that set the foundation for me. My first grade teacher, Mrs. Loftus, impacted my life the most. She was more to me than just a teacher. She was my friend, a mother figure, and a teacher. This teacher was my friend in many ways. I could talk to her about anything and she would listen. I could always count on her to be there for me. If I was having a bad day, she would try and brighten my day with a smile. I can remember one time at recess, I was going to pick a fight with a girl because she made fun of me. She came to me and told me that fighting is not always the answer. I did not always make the right decisions as a child, but she would make sure I got back on the right path. My first grade teacher was my mother away from home. Being six years old and on your own in a big school was scary for me. My teacher understood my fears. I can remember times on the playground when I tho......

I thought my second grade teacher was an angel. She had long, sandy blonde hair and a smile for everyone. And she had the best name we had ever heard: Miss Kjoller (pronounced "Keeler"). We knew enough about letters to think, what is that 'j' doing there? 
 

In Miss Kjoller's classroom, language was a mystery and a joy. It could help us discover our past (her name was German, we learned) and introduce new ideas that no one had heard before. She set up a reading corner with books and giant beanbags, and encouraged us to express our ideas in our own journal – a little book of handwriting paper with spaces for illustrations. She connected with us each individually, and made us feel that our thoughts and concerns were important. 

Second grade was a stark contrast to first grade, where my teacher was unprepared, overwhelmed, and unhappy. I felt like a burden to her, and I started coming home with stomach aches. On the outside, the two classrooms looked a lot alike, and it may have been the first year for both teachers, but Miss Kjoller made me love school again. 

The impact teachers have on our lives is undeniable. It is probably the reason many of us chose it as a career – either because we were inspired by a great teacher or motivated by the idea that if we were in charge, we could do a better job. 

As a first and second grader, I was not (and should not have been) aware of the work that went into creating those learning environments, but I could distinctly sense the difference between them. Some early preparation can set the stage for a positive and successful year for you and your students. Here are four suggestions for starting the year off strong: 

    * Get to know your students before the first day. 

      Talk to previous teachers, look through yearbooks, and read students' files – especially those with IEPs. Know their struggles, but also give them the opportunity to start fresh. Knowing a little about them will help you feel less nervous, and may give you ideas about ways to engage them. Remember that they will be nervous on the first day too!

    * Start early in establishing a relationship with parents. 

      If they have talked to you once, they will be more likely to share information later that will help you understand and address learning problems. It will also open the door for suggesting activities to promote reading and learning at home.

    * Create a system for regular assessment and progress monitoring. 

      This will help identify weak areas early and give you regular feedback about your methods.

    * Establish a relationship with an experienced teacher. 

      A mentor can answer questions, provide support, and reassure you when you need it!