Can We TALK?

Congratulations! You have obtained a job and are beginning your first year of teaching. Here are a few tips that will help you begin on a "high/positive" note:

1. Talk to the previous music teacher and take lots of notes!
2. Talk to other music teachers in your district who will give you important information about school policies and discipline procedures.
3. Talk to the principal and get dates that you need to know or ask how you go about scheduling concerts. Find out about your budget and get to your room and do an inventory of instruments and music. PLANNING AHEAD is always a good plan!
4. Talk to the custodian. You will become best friends. The custodian often has the "inside" information that will help you during your first year (i.e. the best way to move equipment, etc.).
5. Talk to the secretary. Veteran teachers know the secretary runs the school!
6. Don't be afraid to ask questions... there is a lot to learn!
7. Get connected in your KMEA District via the KMEA website at: www.ksmea.org/districts. You can find specific information about mentoring at: www.ksmea.org/mentoring/graduate.php.
8. Be pleasant and polite. Those two things will take you a long way.

There is no perfect way to begin the first year of teaching. But, we do know that being flexible and learning from your mistakes is a good start! Keep a positive attitude and stay connected with other music teachers who will help you this first year. Also, don't forget your former university professors. They can be a tremendous resource for you well beyond your first year of teaching.

If you do not have a mentor, get one TODAY! Please contact your KMEA District Mentor Chair listed below. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

NORTHEAST
Maggie McKain:

NORTHWEST
Jeff Jordan:

NORTH CENTRAL
Nancy Monical:

SOUTHEAST
Mark Gard:

SOUTHWEST
Lynn Unruh:

SOUTH CENTRAL
Gretchen Bixler:

We hope to see you at the New Teacher KMEA Mentor Sessions and the 1st Year Teacher Luncheon (FREE) at the February KMEA In-Service Workshop in Wichita.