New Teacher Survival Kit

 One of my goals with this blog is to create a platform to share team competitions and ways to motivate staff.   Our counselors give our new teachers a “Survival Kit” as school begins.  The kit below is created for teachers but could be adopted for other professions.  I have always appreciated how our counselors help new employees feel they are valued and supported.  

The following is shared by the counselors of Scott County High School and Elkhorn Crossing School.  My thanks to Maria Lyons, Christina Watford, Nick Maxwell, Julie Karcher and Rosalie Calloway the creators of the New Teacher Survival Kit.  Congrats on being the first guest contributor to the blog. 

  New Teacher Survival Kit

1.  Water…to remind you that “water” is necessary for life and you need it to bloom where you are planted.  We are glad you are “planted” at ECS/SCHS!

2.     Sponge…to remind you to absorb everything your co-workers, students, and parents are sharing with you.

3.     Tissues…to dry tears of an upset student or a friend –or to dry your own!!

4.    Band-Aid…to heal the hurt feelings of someone!

5.     Kisses…to remind you to show you care every day.

6.    Pencil…to write something positive on a student’s assignment.

7.     Hearts…to open your heart to love-- “To learn and never be filled, is wisdom; to teach and never be weary, is love.” 

8.    Toothpick…to remind you not to be too picky.

9.    Rubber band…to remind you to be flexible.

10.  Paper Clip…to help you hold things together.

11.   Highlighter…to remind you to “highlight” the positive things that happen each day.

12.   Post-it notes… keep a list of all the wonderful things you do and all the wonderful things you want to do!

13.   Payday…to remind you that your “pay day” is coming soon!

14.  Cents…to have enough “sense” to realize what a valuable asset you are to our school.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

― William Arthur Ward