8 Questions All New Teachers Must Ask

When I began teaching in 2018, I had no clue what I was doing.  Not only was I a first-time educator, but I was an alternate route teacher.  My pedagogical knowledge was limited, plus I knew zilch about that school’s inner workings and policies. 

 

During my first teaching gig, a three-month stint as a leave replacement teacher, I was severely lacking direction and answers.  Ironically, my desperation for direction and answers left me feeling overwhelmed to the point of being unsure what questions to ask my mentor and my supervisor because there was so much that I needed to know – crazy, right?!     

If you’re a new teacher, or even an established educator who is new to a district, you probably have a list of questions a mile long – this is great!  In addition to questions specific to the courses you’ll be teaching, here is a list of eight questions to ask in order to ease your adjustment into a new school’s operations and culture:

 

1.   Who is my mentor?

As a novice educator, the Department of Education requires that you be assigned a mentor teacher.  This person will guide you through your first year of teaching, serving as a sounding board for your questions, problems, and ideas.  Prior to meeting your mentor, be sure to also ask an administrator: How do I contact my mentor?  How often will I meet with him/her? 

 

2.   Is there an inclusion teacher in my class(es) with special needs students?  If not, who can be a resource?

Depending on scheduling, you may have students in your class with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  If you obtained your special education certificate, it is likely that you will be the only teacher in the classroom.  Of course, the severity of some student’s needs may require aids or paraprofessionals.  If you are solely general education certified for the subject, it is possible that an inclusion teacher will be present.  In the event that there is no inclusion teacher assigned, be sure to find out who (ask your mentor!), such as case managers, can provide guidance about accommodations and modifications for special education students.    

 

3.   What resources/technology are provided for ESL students?

There is an ever-growing number of students whose native language is something other than English.  Some of these English as a Second Language (ESL) students will have little to no command of the English language when they enter your class.  Find out what tools your school has available for ESL students.  For starters, it may be as simple as using a tablet to access Google Translate. 

 

4.   What is the procedure for each safety drill – fire, shelter-in-place, lock down, etc.?

It is vital to be informed about your district’s protocol for each safety drill.  Although there are certain standard procedures, your schools’ procedures may include nuances.  For example, some drills may require the teacher to use certain codes or to leave the classroom in a particular state upon evacuation.   

 

5.   Are Chromebooks used?  If so, are they 1-to-1?

Chromebooks have become a common fixture in school because they serve a variety of educational purposes.  Many schools currently use them, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if yours does, just to be sure.  In some instances, due to general overcrowding or scheduling conflicts, you might not have enough computers for all of your students.  You need to know the policy for borrowing Chromebooks from other teachers, the media center, etc. so that you can plan your lessons accordingly.

  

6.   What is the cell phone policy?

The policy on cell phone usage varies greatly from district to district.  One district may require students to keep cell phones in their lockers.  Another district may allow cell phones to be used in class for educational purposes, such as spending five minutes before a vocabulary quiz to review in an online study game.  Knowing the policy can eliminate potential disciplinary issues.    

 

7.   What is the discipline policy?

Discipline issues will inevitably occur.  You must know how the administrators would like these issues to be addressed.  Find out which misdemeanors can be handled solely with the student versus the ones that require involvement of the parent and/or of the school disciplinarian.  Be sure that you know the consequences that are associated with particular behaviors, such as the consequence of issuing verbal warnings versus assigning detentions.

 

8.   What method is preferred for contacting parents/guardians – phone or email?  Is a log to be kept of this contact?

Communication with parents/guardians is vital.  Every parent must be kept up to date on course information, as well as news about his/her student.  Find out your school’s preferred method for contacting parents.  One school may favor email, since the email messages serve as a record of the conversation.  Another school may insist on phone calls since an actual conversation reduces the margin for misunderstandings.  It is a great idea to keep a log of communication with parents.  The log serves both as a means to protect yourself if a parent claims they were not informed of a pressing issue, as well as a means of reminding you who has been contacted, how often, about what, etc.  One school may provide a templated log for all staff to use.  Another may require you to be responsible for your own records.   

If possible, find out answers to all of these questions (and more!) prior to your first day of employment, as you will feel at ease – well, as much at ease as you can before embarking on a new journey!

 

When you think of other questions, be sure to ask your mentor and/or supervisor.  The more questions you have answered, the better-equipped you will be to fulfill your role a teacher.

 

Please visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store to purchase an affordable, comprehensive list of even more questions for new teachers, formatted in a user-friendly chart to record notes, as well as a log for contacting parents/guardians.

 

Peace.  Love.  Reading & Writing.  

 

💗 Miss M