How to Fit in (& Stand Out) at Your New School

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Show Notes:

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for awhile now, you know how I am the daughter of a Canadian R.C.M.P. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer, which means that we moved every two years or so growing up. Why? Well, because my dad was pretty new in his career, our family got stationed in pretty much every tiny, three-store town in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Now, I say that lovingly because I had a wonderful childhood in so many ways, and, I do have to say, that having lived and traveled in a bunch of different countries around the world, I still think that Canadians are among the kindest and most down-to-earth people in the world.

But, our family did have to move to a new tiny little town every couple of years. You know, the kind where EVERYBODY knows everybody and everyone is always way too much in everyone else’s business. 😂 My dad was usually one of three law enforcement officers for the entire extended community, so everyone knew everyone, and it became pretty difficult to give someone a speeding ticket when you had just partied with that same person the night before. So, the police force had to keep moving these guys around so they could actually enforce the law and do their job. 

But, that had a huge impact on me because I found myself in an entirely new school and new community every couple of years, and that meant that I had to learn how to make friends quickly and easily, or I would be miserable every two years. So, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it means to land in an entirely new situation and have to orient myself and establish new friendships, wherever I go.

So today, I’m going to share with you six ideas for how you can not only fit in at your new school and new teaching placement, but also, how you can stand out in ways that make other teachers want to hang out with you and get to know you.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• How you can apply what you learned in high school to being a new teacher at a new school (sorry, but it's true).
• The amazing impact that truly embracing parents as partners can have on your teaching life.
• The importance of maintaining professional boundaries, even when involving parents as partners.
• How to build solid, genuine relationships with the teachers at your new school (even when you're shy and have a hard time taking risks).

Also, be sure to download this freebie to help your year get off to a great start:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

• Get your free copy of my First Day of School Newsletter & Home Reading Packets.
• Learn more about R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy.
• Join our Beginning Teacher Talk Private Facebook Group.
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram.

Related episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Prepare for Your First Day and Week of School: Four Steps to Success

• How to Cope with Sunday Night Anxiety: Yes, it is Real, and Yes, You are Normal

• How to Make New Friends at a New School

• How to Stop Doubting Yourself (As a New or Student Teacher)

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