So what if no one in your building has a classroom website? Be the first. Be brave and be bold. A new teacher is expected to not immediately fit into the norm, so this is a wonderful opportunity to carve your own path.
2. Take Time
Not just for spa treatments, but to connect with other educators at your school. You are not in this alone. Find a mix of teachers to surround yourself. I suggest the following:
- An older teacher who is wise to the ways of classroom management and is an expert in understanding your school's particular culture
- A younger teacher who has fresh ideas
- A crazy history teacher who will have you in stitches during your lunch break
- A coffee-friend - someone who will listen to your success and frustrations
As important as face-to-face interactions are with your school colleagues, it's also in your best interest to network online.
- Use Twitter to share and find resources, participate in weekly chats, and follow interesting educators. I suggest following #ntchat if you are new to the classroom.
- Use Facebook to share important info with parents and students. If you are uncomfortable friending, then create a Page on Facebook. (Here's mine)
- Use Google+ in a similar way to Twitter, but with the added features of: extended conversations, picture and video viewing, and Google Hangouts. I strongly suggest finding Google Certified Teachers on Google+ and watching their Hangouts on Air.
I'm a fan of educational technology (obviously), but some of my best ideas come from times when I step away from my laptop. Take a walk, go for a bike ride, watch a ballet performance, snuggle with your kids, or reread a favorite novel. These breaks allow us to take a step back and get excited about our profession all over again.
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