Welcome to Teaching!

A message from Kevin Gilbert, President of MAE

By now you have the key to the door of your first classroom. Congratulations!

That key also unlocks your future as a teacher. You have a lot to learn in the next few months – your new students and their learning needs, your new curriculum, and your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. But don't forget how much you already know. You already know a great deal about the learning process and how to connect with students. Your college classes and student teaching experiences taught you a lot and your life experiences, as well, will help you meet the challenges that teaching presents every day. You've joined the most important career in the world. You will make a difference in your student's lives. I can guarantee that. And you will do it year after year. Right now everything is new and you have lots of questions.

To answer some of them, MAE created this web page with tips and advice on key issues – from classroom discipline to how to handle your first, second or third parent/teacher conference. And don't forget that an Association colleague is just a phone call or a click away to help you with specific questions or to just be a listening ear as you discuss your triumphs and concerns.

May your first year be wonderful!