When I began teaching all new teachers were required to attend a two week Beginning Teacher Institute prior to our first day of school. The development of this Institute was to provide support and guidance for new teachers. This two week session was to prepare for the "reality" of the classroom. I noticed however, the primary focus was not the delivery of the curriculum per say but on classroom management. There were additional training requirements for middle school teachers in this area because of the physiological changes for this age group which can be a detrimental time in their lives.To properly prepare us we attended group sessions, scenarios and demonstrations of potential issues that were probable in the classroom. We were offered various conflict resolution strategies, counseling techniques and tips on being proactive to prevent and rectify these situations.
Once I entered the classroom and began to teach it became clear to me why the emphasis was placed on classroom management. Regardless of the prior preparation or details of my lesson plans if the class was not manageable there would be little material taught. Each new teacher received a copy of Harry and Rosemary Wong's,
First Days of School. Upon receiving the book I read it quickly because it was an easy read with an interesting layout. I did not realize at that time that this book would become a great resource to me as I embarked on my teaching career. After years of teaching I have found myself continuing to refer to this book because at times you may have to "start over" with your students to re-establish classroom rules and norms.
