r/ElementaryTeachers

I’m not a new teacher, per se, but this year I am focusing on teaching how to figure out the meaning of words using context and connotation. This standard seems to be pushed aside for the “essential” ones in my district. I teach 5th grade, for reference.

I know to teach them to use context clues, look for synonyms and antonyms, look for the definition. But what I do not know is if there are any concrete strategies for this, other than lots of modeling and direct instruction.

Does anyone have a different way to approach this standard? I would love to get ideas so I can see growth in my students.

Hi all, I'm starting a new job as a clerical librarian for an elementary school and the teaching librarian and HR staff asked what the kids should call me.

Previously, in public libraries, the kids called me by my first name with no title, but the school prefers an honorific like Miss/ Mrs./ Ms/ Mr.

I don't have an MEd so I feel like going by "Teacher [last name/ first name]" would be disrespectful to teaching staff at the school, so I would love input and opinions on what GNC teachers have done at their institution.

Thank you!

Today we found out that our state has passed a law that any structured or unstructured recess cannot be taken as punishment nor can our students do work during lunch. Losing 5 to 10 minutes of recess is about all I had to hang over them in the afternoons.

so what are y’all doing for consequences these days?

Hi everyone! I’m a first-year teacher, and I just had my IPC meeting today. I’ve been feeling extremely anxious about the possibility of my principal walking into my classroom at any moment for an informal observation.
I’m still learning the curriculum, figuring out classroom routines, and honestly just trying to get the hang of everything. I genuinely want to be the best teacher I can be, but I know I’m not going to be perfect, especially during my first year.
The thought of my principal randomly walking in and observing me makes me physically sick to my stomach. I’ve actually been throwing up from the anxiety because I’m constantly worried about making a mistake, being judged, or potentially losing my job.
I know observations are part of teaching, but I feel like I can never fully relax because I’m always worried someone is going to walk in and catch me doing something wrong.
Has anyone else experienced this during their first year? How did you overcome the fear of informal observations? Am I overthinking this? I would really appreciate advice from teachers who have been through this.

Hey Guys, I'm a first year Elementary Education Major and I was just wondering if you had any helpful tips or tricks to truly make sure I am prepared to have my own classroom one day.

This is my 3rd year teaching multiplication and my first year they were great at just practicing facts with cards, last year I had a class that was super lazy and I couldn’t get parents to make them work at home, this year’s class is wonderful and willing to learn. They like music a lot and I think songs to help them remember times tables would be super helpful for them. Anybody got some good recommendations?

Hello everybody! I am a first grade teacher and it's my first year teaching. I am from Eastern Europe, maybe this will change something.

My grade has two teachers. Me and my colleague. We work on shifts, the morning and the afternoon shift. My colleague has a bit of experience, but I have none, so it's tuff.

I have a kid in my class, that only on my shift make me wanna quit... On my colleague's shift he is ok. I think he is afraid of her, that's why...My personality is more friendly, yet firm, but my colleague is strict, yet not showing any empathy. It's been a month since the school started and it's been so taught... I never had imagined how bad it could be. I get anxiety cause I keep thinking about that kid, what strategies can I implement so he is ok on my shift... but I feel like sometimes they are working and sometimes they are not.

The kid at home I feel like doesn't have any rules... He keep telling me no when he is supposed to do his work... keep talking... talking back at me, moking me, walking in class, laughing at me when I try to make him listento md... and the worst thing is that now he is starting to take other classes stuff and throwing them to get a reaction... and pushing the kids constantly... it gets bad... I tried talking to the partner, but nothing changed... then spoke to the principal and made me feel even worse for the fact that the child doesn't listen to me only... and in the end he just told me to deal with it.... I don't know what to do anymore.... I have to handle it somehow. Do you have any tips for those kids? I have no support here... I tried to teach like my colleague and handle it the same as her but with 0 succes.

Hi everyone! I’m currently an Elementary Education student at University of Phoenix and I have a field experience assignment where I need to interview two teachers.

I’m looking for one K-2 classroom teacher and one K-2 online/virtual teacher who would be willing to answer a few interview questions for my assignment.
I’ve already reached out to a couple teachers but unfortunately haven’t gotten any responses, so I figured I’d try here. 😭 The interview can be done through messages, email, or whatever is easiest. It shouldn’t take too long, and I can send the questions beforehand.

If you’re a kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade teacher (in-person or online) and wouldn’t mind helping me out, please comment or message me! I’d really appreciate it. 🥹❤️
Thank you!!

I’ve switched from what I wanted a career in since I was 18. I am now 25. I started off as an elementary education major fresh out of high school at a community college. Then decided I’d switch to social work, earned an associates of arts degree and transferred to university and took 18 credit hours towards a bachelors in social work. And now I’m currently enrolled in anatomy and physiology back at community college because I thought I’d try the ADN / ASN nursing program and took the TEAS test and scored 5 points below the program requirements I was going to apply at, now I’m back at square 1 I feel like. I have 92 college credits combined from community college and university and from what I’m seeing my best bet is to earn a bachelors degree in general studies which could be possible to graduate with by Dec 2027. The state I am in has a huge teacher shortage that they will hire you with any bachelors degree in any field as long as you take the praxis exam and pass. Then you get hired as a teacher from my understanding. My older sister (7 years older) is a middle school math teacher and she’s always been very smart and knew what she wanted to become since she was in first grade. My decision to major in elementary education was based from her choice and just thinking I’d follow in those foot steps because my big sister did it. Now that I’m 25 and a mother of 3, I’m back there because I see how hard it is to find reliable childcare, so I’m thinking I will have all the breaks and weekends off on the same schedule as my kids and that’s a huge plus. I know people don’t go into teaching for the pay, but with my husbands income supporting a family of 5 and me being a SAHM working 10-15 hours a week, a second income like teaching would honestly help us a lot. The only thing is I don’t know if I’m cut out to be a teacher. I feel like teaching is a gift. It’s not something everybody is able to do. I know I have gifts of compassion and serving others. Teaching? I’m not sure of. I wish I knew what to do! I just want to be a mom who has something and is proud of earning her own education and a role model to my kids. I know that an education is something nobody can take away from you and I want my children to know that as well.