Thank You!

I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. When I began writing my book, I decided to write as if I were having an informal conversation with a teacher friend. Venting sessions were a regular occurrence for me, especially when I was a new teacher. My purpose for writing this book was to encourage new teachers and share my experiences with seasoned teachers. My goal is for teachers to relate to my experiences and know that we all experience the good and bad side of teaching; however, we should find ways to cope with situations that will arise and learn to overcome them. 

Save The Date- Book Signing Event March 29, 2014

I will be selling and signing books at Hyatt Place North Charleston from 11am- 3pm on Saturday, March 29. There will be a raffle for prizes and light refreshments. I would love to meet you!

Hyatt Place North Charleston

7331 Mazyck Road

North Charleston 29406

SC Middle School Conference

I'm having fun selling books in Myrtle Beach and meeting new people.

THE ABCs to a Healthy Confrontation

I am not a fan of confrontation. For the most part, I am a quiet and reserved person so I do not like to rock the boat or cause waves. However, there are times when confrontation is necessary, and that was something I had to learn. Confronting someone who offended or upset me was out of my comfort zone, so if you're like me, here is how I learned to handle confrontation.

A- Attitude

There were times when I did not agree with certain situations, however, it was important that I did not get an attitude. If I disagreed with someone, I did not begin to argue with this person or single her out in front of a group of people. I would first take the time to calm down and get my behavior and motives in check. Then I would meet privately with the person and discuss the situation in a non threatening way. For example, I had to talk to a teacher about something she did that upset me. I did not agree with what she said and how she handled the situation. I did not approach her with an attitude or in anger. I smiled and explained how I perceived the situation and how there might have been other ways to handle the situation. By the end of the conversation she stated that she might have improperly handled the situation and took steps to mend it. I did not approach her with an I'm right your wrong attitude because that would have escalated the situation. I humbly approached her, and I was willing to listen to her and she listened to me.

B- Be Factual

When you are confronting someone, stick to the facts. What did this person do to offend or upset you? What are solutions to the make this situation better? The purpose of a healthy confrontation is to make a situation better. If you are a teacher like me, you will see the person in the hallway, cafeteria, teacher's lounge, staff meetings, etc. There is no avoiding him or her so instead of holding a grudge or harboring bitterness, talk to that person. Discuss the facts and try not to let your emotions prevent compromise.

C- Compassion

I have learned that people who like to argue all the time and cause drama are usually people who are not happy with themselves. They have deeper issues in life and they do not know how to deal with their problems. We don't know what other people have been through or what they are going through. Sometimes people who snap at others might not mean to go off, but the issue or situation that is present in their lives at that moment might be too much to bare. I am not advocating for people who like to cause drama and pick fights with other people. I am saying that when you approach people who are like this, keep in mind that there might be an under current to their actions.

Four Ways to Adjust to your New Teaching Assignment

I have been the new kid on the block several times not just because I was a brand new teacher out of college but because my husband is in the military so we move every two to three years. I have had to learn to adjust to several different teaching environments. Based on my experiences, I have listed four ways to help you adjust to your new teaching assignment. 

 1. Always Look Your Best

Dressing nice is not just about first impressions. If students notice that you care about your appearance, they tend to be more interested in what you say to them. Imagine that you are at a doctor's office where two doctors work together and you had to ask a serious question about something related to your health. Dr. One has his wrinkled shirt hanging out. His pants are wrinkled and his shoes are falling apart. He looks slightly dingy and his teeth are yellow and lined with tartar because he doesn't really have the best hygiene. Dr. Two is clean shaven. He is wearing nicely creased dress pants and a buttoned up shirt that is tucked into his pants. His tie matches his shirt, and his brown belt matches his brown shoes. He is wearing his white doctor's jacket, and when he smiles you see his pearly white teeth. Who would you ask for advice? I know that we should not be judgmental, however, people still make judgments about people based on what they see. Many teachers do not care about what they wear, which is fine because everybody is different. I choose to wear business attire everyday because I feel that if I want to be treated like a professional I have to dress like a professional. 

2. Stay Positive

There are always things to be negative about especially if you are a teacher. There were plenty of situations that left me feeling frustrated and sour, but staying positive was the key. Did I stay positive all the time? No, I didn't. However, when I began to allow myself to think negatively, I started hating my job and everything else. It was like I was going through the motions of my daily routine and I felt nothing but anger and resentment. If you allow yourself to become negative, it could lead to depression and misery. It starts with a feeling; then it grows into a behavior. Stop negativity in its tracks and choose to think positively and say positive things. It's hard sometimes, but you can do it.

3. Have an Outlet

As a teacher, you are going to get frustrated. It is important for you to have a predetermined activity selected as a way to release your anger, frustration, and/or disappointments. Your outlet can be going to the gym, reading your Bible, going out the dinner with friends. Choose something because you will need it. 

4. Stay Connected with Other Teachers

It is easy to isolate yourself in this profession. You might feel that you don't belong because your teammates might have already formed relationships or bonds with each other so you feel like a third wheel. You also might feel that you know everything so you don't need help from anyone. Regardless of the situation, it's important that you realize that there will be a time when you need help from others. It's not a sign of weakness but a sign of collaboration. It's important that you go across the hall or next door to the other classroom and speak with your teammates. Build professional relationships. We all need each other.  

Congratulations on your new teaching assignment and enjoy your new journey.