Case
New Teacher

I am a new teacher and I know I am going to be making some mistakes. How can I ask veteran teachers for advice without seeming like I don't know what I am doing?

Posted on: 10/12/16 | Views: 1455
Solution #1
Top Solution
I believe that there is nothing wrong with asking a veteran teacher for a mentoring relationship in which the new teacher learns from their mistakes and learns the way fo the school. Odds are they will be up for the task because it is a chance to connect with a new teacher.

I agree 100%.

i agree with this. i feel most veteran teachers will be up for giving advice and helping out.

If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.

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Solution #2
There is nothing wrong with asking for help! Most teachers will appreciate that you are taking the time to better yourself for not only you and the school, but also the well being of your students. Ask away!
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Solution #3
I think that as a new teacher you have the right to ask questions, that's how you move forward in the profession. I believe veteran teachers look forward and expect questions from incoming teachers. Don't hesitate to ask, everyone is human and the veteran teacher learned from someone else.

Veteran teachers should not look at your any differently because they were once in your shoes.

Exactly! We all start somewhere.

If I were in this situation, I would do exactly this. Teachers learn best from each other and therefore should provide each other with insight from their experiences.

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Solution #4
I would just be frank and ask someone I feel I could trust or confine in when ever I have questions that may awry. New teachers are not suppose to know everything. It takes time to learn how to manage your classroom and how to do other things with your students.
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Solution #5
You should always ask questions no matter how "new" you feel. I believe that veteran teachers should be making you feel comfortable and welcome so that you can grow as a teacher.
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Solution #6
Usually, teachers are more than willing to help new teachers. Find a teacher you feel comfortable around and ask him or her your questions. They should understand where you are coming from because they were a new teacher at one time as well. You can even look up teacher blogs online if you like.
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Solution #7
Every teacher starts somewhere, and at one point that veteran teacher probably asked the same question. Never hesitate to ask anything, especially if you think it might be a silly questions, I'm sure it has been asked and there's no doubt that it's also been solved. I sure you will be nervous at first, however, don't be stand your confidence and own it.
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Solution #8
I don't think any veteran teacher will think you don't know what you're doing! I'm sure they would love to help and give advice. Maybe you could even arrange a time to observe in their classroom just to see the classroom management and how the students react.
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Solution #9
Every teacher I have ever met always love questions! They want new teachers and students majoring in Education to feel comfortable asking as many questions as they can. A good teacher would love to show you examples and give advice that will help you with your students and classroom.
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Solution #10
I don't think that asking an experienced teacher for advice is anything to be afraid of. They were probably there once to and could be eager to help you. You could go about asking what they are doing in their classroom or ways about doing things.
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Solution #11
Veteran teachers should understand new teachers are going through a lot - they have been there. I have never felt teaching is a profession filled with a lot of self-absorbed elitists. If it comes to the time where you need help with something specific, do some research FIRST before asking. At least have an idea of what it is you're trying to accomplish, and then outline what the end result you want is to the teacher you're asking for help. They will hopefully be able to guide you. I have been fortunate to have many, many Cooperating Teachers, and all of them have been amazing.
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Solution #12
Most veterans will know that you will need some help and want to give you advice. If they are really passionate about teaching they will want to share their ideas and advice with you! just politely ask!
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Solution #13
First off that does not make you seem like you do not know what you are doing. But I would find a teacher you respect and think is a leader. I would start by saying I respect you and like your style of teaching I hope you do not mind but I needed advice about.....(then ask away). Chances are she will give you her cell and have you on speed dial.
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Solution #14
Asking for help, as mentioned in other comments, is important and I also think walking into the situation with confidence (specially in front of the students) goes a very long way. I would also make note of anything that you would like to improve in and try to work on it when you can. Everything is a process and you're not going to know what you're doing 100% from the get go or even ever. Don't be too hard on yourself.
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Solution #15
I don’t think that if you ask a question from another teacher it means that you don’t know what you are doing. It just might mean that you need advice on what to do or a second opinion on something.
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Solution #16
If you are a new teacher, didn't the principal give you a mentor on your team to assist you with learning what to do? if not, then I would mention to the principal that you would like a mentor.
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Solution #17
remember that it takes a vilage! veteran teachers will inderstand where you're coming from and more often then not be more than happy to help guide you.
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Solution #18
Just be open with them and perhaps just learn from them by observing. You don't have to ask if you watch how they handle certain situations in their classrooms and apply them to your teaching style.
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Solution #19
I recommend talking with your team leader. Have a conversation with them about the students, school, and who they recommend you speak with if you have upcoming questions. The reading specialist is a person that you could speak with as well to give you some ideas about ELA. Talking to these two people will help you begin to build a rapport with the teachers.
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Solution #20
Being a new teacher is probably one of the hardest things. I would try to talk to teachers at lunch and ask questions or even emailing them.
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Solution #21
It is normal-- and expected-- for new teachers to look upon veteran teachers for advice, examples, and support. Soon enough, you'll be a veteran teacher enlightening others with your knowledge in the field. Good things take time. Don't be afraid to reach out!
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Solution #22
There are veteran teachers who feel they don't know what their doing. I have yet to be refused help from a veteran teacher. You make mistakes ask for help when needed and those teachers around you will be great resources for any questions or situations that may arise.

great question, we all feel that way at times just trust that those around you will support you.

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Solution #23
I do not think asking help from other teachers is a bad thing. Try and find the teachers who are willing to help you out and give you advice. They were there once too so they shouldn't be rude about you asking questions.
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Solution #24
I feel like there is nothing wrong with asking the wrong question because this will be the only way to learn. If I were in this situation, I would write down questions before asking them.
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Solution #25
Just ask how they handled certain situations before they even come up. Just create a bunch of hypothetical situations and pick their brain. Can never be scared to ask too many questions.
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Solution #26
First off, don't feel insecure. We are in a profession where we all need each other. No one will look down on you for asking questions.
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Solution #27
There is nothing wrong with asking for advice form Veteran teachers. It can be flattering in many cases, so never be afraid to ask.
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Solution #28
well i think the important thing is to not worry about that. you wouldn't have gotten hired if you weren't qualified. the important this is to ask for guidance because you don't want to make mistakes for the students.
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Solution #29
Also learn from what works and what doesn't and use it for the future.

This is also true! We, as educators, should strive to learn and progress just as much as our students are!

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Solution #30
Take control, thats the best advice i can give. Make sure that your students know that you are in control
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