How To Adapt to an Unfamiliar Teaching Position
Teachers are a unique group with certain talents far beyond individuals in other professions. However, with all their knowledge and know-how, what happens when they're uprooted from a well-known environment and placed in a world totally unlike their familiar surroundings? Change in life is inevitable, as indeed teachers will inform their students in hopes to prepare them for an uncertain future. However, can teachers adjust to change themselves? A necessary switch from teaching the subject you love and are passionate about can be challenging to the most dedicated of teachers, whether in online colleges or conventional schoolhouses.
When teachers are placed in new positions where they have little or no experience in a particular subject, it can be overwhelming. More work will be involved with preparing lessons, and the learning process can be hindered for students if the teacher can't cope with acquiring new competencies, developing new pedagogy, and adapting to the new environment.
Teachers must take time to learn the requirements that will be necessary for them to teach their new classes effectively. Gathering and assessing information from previous instructors or from current students about what they had been learning would be a helpful place to start. It would not only aid in determining what material the new teacher needs to brush up on, but also how to hold students' attention. The assessment process may be a bit time-consuming, but in the end it will be worth the effort in determining exactly where the incoming class stands academically.
Keeping stress levels as low as possible is necessary for anybody to adapt to any new situation. If the teacher is stressed, the learning experience of the entire class will likely be stressful as well. 67 percent of teachers responding to a stress management survey said their jobs were extremely stressful. Whether intentionally or not, teachers set the mood for their classes by their own demeanor and comportment. Their actions will determine how well their classes responds to lessons and activities and ultimately will decide their success as teachers. Accordingly, getting stress under control is one of the most important steps to adapting to changed teaching routine.
The majority of teachers say they chose to teach because they want to make a difference in students' lives. This is accomplished by challenging, inspiring, motivating, and encouraging their students. Being forced to explore a new frontier can build courage, strength, and know-how as teachers learn they are completely capable of adjusting to change. Remembering why you became a teacher will help this transformation happen more easily, and in time you might even learn to enjoy your new post.
Change isn't always a bad thing, but more often that not is unwanted and unforeseen. In teaching it can be devastating news to learn the class you've taught for years is no longer your responsibility, and you are required to just walk away from the familiar and face a completely unfamiliar class.
Teachers can cope with change, and must realize it can be a good thing if they allow it to be. Because they not only have opportunity to broaden their skills in a new field of study, but also have the chance to exercise creative innovations with a new class, even an unsought reassignment to an unfamiliar subject could still be a blessing in disguise.
contributed by Natalie Hunter with onlineschools.org
