What I Wish I Knew During My First Year

In the first interview of our Back to School season, OEA member host Kayla Potter interviews middle-school Social Studies Teacher, Malik White. Kayla and Malik, an early career educator, discuss what it has been like to be a new teacher. Malik’s first year of teaching occurred during the 2020-2021 school year and most of the year was in comprehensive distance learning (CDL) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In his second year, he had the challenge of transitioning everything from online to in-person teaching. Malik found that his relationship skills and purposeful rapport-building style led to success in both CDL and in-person settings. Some of these strategies include asking students questions, holding classroom circles, and generally normalizing conversations so students feel more comfortable sharing about themselves. Malik also witnessed the benefits of being an authentic educator and showing your students your true self. Kayla and Malik also discuss ideas for how to establish a healthy work/life balance (hint: it’s okay to say “no”). Some tips Malik had for new teachers include: finding joy in the profession, being able to laugh at yourself, being unafraid to make mistakes, giving yourself grace, and setting realistic goals. And identify which school printers are least busy! 

 

Resources:

OEA New Educators of Oregon Network

'Authentic' teachers are better at engaging with their students - Science Daily

Six Paths to More Authentic Teaching - Faculty Focus