10 Rules Every Teacher Should Live By

When you are teacher, there are a few rules (10 to be exact) that you should live by. Some of these rules are learned from experience, others are just inside us, beckoning to be followed.  So, without further ado, here are the 10 rules every teacher should live by.

When I first started teaching I didn’t get this rule. Ignore my ignorance. I just didn’t know why I needed to buy more than the 4 pack of Flair Pens: red, blue, black, and green. 4 pens should last all year, right? WRONG. 4 pens will last a week. Keep those pens safe, and keep them close. Also, a variety of colors and shades makes grading more fun. It’s a proven fact.

A teacher will always love each of his/her students, no matter what. That phrase is important, “No matter what.” We love our students for who they are, always. Sometimes we are the only love they get, so we must make it count.

I’ll admit, I’ve done this. I left school early one day (like at 5 instead of 6), and didn’t finish planning. Then, my alarm didn’t go off in the morning, and I barely made it before the bell. That day I taught language arts flying by the seat of my pants. I learned a dangerous lesson: I could teach some lessons by flying by the seat of my pants. I became tempted to make it a habit. I advise not to do this often. When lessons are planned and prepared, you are happy, the kids are happy, and usually, the hard work pays off. Plan as much as possible.

There has never been a truer statement. Whether you misspell something on the board, or accidentally give an incorrect fact about your science lesson, there is always a student that likes to correct the teacher. Laugh at your mistakes, let the student know they are awesome, and move on. Laughing always makes instances like this better.