Before we begin, let's take a look at the current teaching demographics as according to the department of education:
Among full-time and part-time public school teachers in 2007–08, some 76 percent of public school teachers were female, 44 percent were under age 40, and 52 percent had a master’s or higher degree. Compared with public school teachers, a lower percentage of private school teachers were female (74 percent), were under age 40 (39 percent), and had a master’s or higher degree (38 percent). In addition, among both males and females, 83 percent of public school teachers were White, 7 percent each were Black or Hispanic, 1 percent each were Asian or of two or more races, and less than one percent each were Pacific Islander or American Indian/Alaska Native in 2007–08.
As you can see, if you're a a white female you basically already have the upperhand when it comes to fitting into the education community as a whole. And if you thought the percentage more famales than male were bad in education, you should take out the high school and middle school teachers, then we'll see how much more skewed the demographics are. The younger the children, the higher percentage that is is female teachers doing the teaching.
That's not to say that male teachers aren't allowed, it just doesn't seem to happen as often.
Anyway, as far as fitting in goes, there are several things you should make sure to do. For one, make sure to be caught up on all of the education lingo, and don't forget to be caught up on all of the current trends, such as learning styles in education.
Your first year is to be the most magical of them all, don't let a fear of fitting in stop you from doing the best that you can! There's so much excitement, and you learn so much! Whether it's your first year teaching at all, or your first at a new place, there will usually be someone there willing to be your mentor, guiding you through your new work place, teaching you the school norms and culture. They'll help shed light on the official and hidden culture (the stuff that is stated outright, and the bits that are implied), and comfort you through difficult times.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Teacher to teacher communication is one of the more important ways in which teachers communicate (along with communicating with students and parents), if you're in a rough spot where a difficult situation comes up and you don't know quite what to do (and this will happen, particularly when you're just starting out) there will always be someone willing to help you out! Teachers are generally quite supportive of each other.
That's not to say that male teachers aren't allowed, it just doesn't seem to happen as often.
Anyway, as far as fitting in goes, there are several things you should make sure to do. For one, make sure to be caught up on all of the education lingo, and don't forget to be caught up on all of the current trends, such as learning styles in education.
Your first year is to be the most magical of them all, don't let a fear of fitting in stop you from doing the best that you can! There's so much excitement, and you learn so much! Whether it's your first year teaching at all, or your first at a new place, there will usually be someone there willing to be your mentor, guiding you through your new work place, teaching you the school norms and culture. They'll help shed light on the official and hidden culture (the stuff that is stated outright, and the bits that are implied), and comfort you through difficult times.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Teacher to teacher communication is one of the more important ways in which teachers communicate (along with communicating with students and parents), if you're in a rough spot where a difficult situation comes up and you don't know quite what to do (and this will happen, particularly when you're just starting out) there will always be someone willing to help you out! Teachers are generally quite supportive of each other.
RSS Feed