How do I introduce myself 2 new colleagues

[2dcareernewbi]

Help. I just landed my first real teaching job -- a six month position in a middle school. I'm really going to be the "new kid on the block" and I probably won't get a mentor teacher as I'm starting mid-year. What do I tell the other teachers at the school when they ask "how long have you been teaching" or "where did you teach last"? The teacher I'm filling in for has seen my resume (and knows this is my first job) but I don't know what the other teachers on my team will know. Because I have been teaching ESL and test prep to young adults for a few years, I could fake it with a vague answer to make it look like I have more experience than I do. But if I admit that I this is my first job with kids I could get valuable advice and help. I really want the other teachers to have confidence in my teaching, but I'm afraid of feeling completely isolated and overwhelmed without a mentor. So, should I admit to my colleagues that it's my first teaching job if asked?

 

[jams44]

Honesty

Welcome to the board 2dcareernewbi....I am not sure what district you are in, but ALL non-tenured teachers in my district are linked with a mentor teacher, even those that retired from another state and come to us...so hopefully you will still get a mentor.
I know it may not seem like much to you but you are asking us whether you should lie to you new team mates...the answer is NO! I can tell you that the team members have probably all heard from the teacher you are replacing about your experience and know much more about you than you do about them. Starting the year off with a lie when they know the truth will not make it an easier on you. Whether you are a new teacher or an experienced teacher, you will still have to prove to others that you are competent.
Also, in our state, all you have to do is go the state education website and type in a teacher's name, and it tell you how long they have had a license.
Take all the help they offer!! Best of luck to you!

 

[linda2671]

They probably already know

The previous teacher has probably told them what she knows. Also, I don't know about others on this board, but I am more impressed with a teacher who asks questions and gets help than with someone who says they don't want anyone's help. If you tell them that this is your first classroom teaching assignment, I'll bet they will go out of their way to help you with ideas and resources. Teachers usually want to help--it's in their nature. You can build relationships by occassionally asking for, and being appreciative of help.

 

[SusanTeach]

help

I agree with the others - definitely tell them since they probably already know anyway.

Honestly, it's very sad to me when a new teacher comes in and acts like she/he knows everything. We always make ourselves available if they need us, make sure we remind them about upcoming paperwork that's due, etc... But when you get someone who acts like they know more than us, it's very disheartening. We like teachers who are team players.

I would just go to them humbly and explain that you're open to any advice they can give. Tell them you'd appreciate any ideas they have to make you a more effective teacher, and that you'll share any ideas you have as well.

Enjoy your first job!

 

[2dcareernewbi]

thanks everyone

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond to my question on this holiday weekend. I really wanted to be open and honest, but I had an opinionated non-teacher friend telling my I absolutely needed to fudge it without directly lying. I feel much more comfortable earning respect by doing a good job and being a team player and admitting what I don't know. I start in January and I'll likely have more questions.

 

[treetoad]

note

I'd write and mail them each a note with a short autobiography about you and if married your family. Your hobbies, interests and how excited you are to meet and work with them. Ask for their help with ideas and tell them you are willing to share your ideas too. Invite them to pop in to meet you. The ice will be broken and you won't have to tell them anything at school.

 

[jazzer]

also

I agree with what everyone before me has posted. Also remember what other teachers think is not as important as what the people who hired you think. The administration obviously had enough confidence in you to take a chance despite your lack of experience so there is no reason to worry about what your colleagues think.

Telling the truth if asked, asking for help, and being humble and open to your colleagues will be the best way to go.

 

[evergray514]

Don't lie to them, and don't bend the truth either. Tell them that this is your first experience with children, but that you have taught ESL and young adults for a few years, so you do have some teaching experience.

Besides, like everyone else said, they probably already know.