Your first day in the classroom

Over the next couple of weeks, many ESL teachers will be teaching their very first classes.

The private ESL education industry in Canada is unregulated, but hopefully they've received at least a month or two of training before they even hit the pavement in search of a teaching position.

You only get one chance to make a first impression. The old cliche is as true as it ever was. Although most schools don't allow students to change their class on the first day, unhappy students will start the paperwork as soon as they're dismissed from their first class. And for the rest of the week, those same dour souls will subvert your class by poisoning the atmosphere and ensuring that their friends change their class as well. The following Monday, you will have to endure a humbling talk with the school administrator about why your class stinks.

It's unfair, but new teachers are evaluated at a higher standard than those that have gained some seniority (and a record of satisfied students). New teachers will have to work hard to ensure the above situation does not happen.

It can be a nerve-wracking experience for the newbies... not a bad thing. Fear can be an excellent motivator. Stress will keep you on your toes for at least the first week or so. After that, some may even begin to enjoy their new job.

A few tips for the new teacher on their first day:

1. A warm smile, a ready laugh and a friendly attitude will take you far. You don't have to be the students' best friend, but you should at least be approachable. Nobody likes a grouch.

2. Be organized. Have all of your attendance sheets ready. Make sure your lesson plan, handouts and flash cards are right in front of you, in case you need to refer to anything.

3. If a student has a question and you don't know the answer, tell them that you will get back to them about that at the next break. Find out the answer from a textbook or another teacher and make sure that you do follow up. Don't do this often, though - you're only allowed one or two "I'll get back to you" answers before the students start wondering about your credentials.

If anyone else has any tips for new teachers on their first day, please submit them in the Comments section. Thanks.

tags: first day of class, first impressions, impression, new teacher, be prepared