4 Tips for New Catholic School Teachers
|
Posted By: Dixie Somers on April 24, 2017 Congratulations on being newly hired to teach at a Catholic school. What a thrilling opportunity! Parents enroll their kids in parochial school with high expectations. Obviously, you're well-qualified. Here are five tips to help you begin on the right footing. 1. Model professionalismRespectability starts with your appearance. Catholic schools require students to wear uniforms, according to a dress code. Although you're not subject to the same rules, it’s best to wear professional attire. If you're a woman, dress in tailored pants or knee-length skirts, with white or pastel blouses. If you're a man, you should wear button-down shirts, dark dress pants, and ties. Public schools allow ultra-casual clothing. However, your students and fellow staff will take you more seriously in professional dress. Also, don an honorable attitude. Try to always speak well of others, including your students. Among your colleagues, refrain from gossip. Don't mention anything privately you can't say to someone's face. Show integrity by aligning your beliefs, words, and actions. You want students to complete assignments on time, so likewise be punctual with grades and feedback. Give fair assessments, and approach each class well-prepared. 2. Treat students with dignityIn the public school system, students are regarded differently than in parochial schools. Part of your job as a Catholic school teacher is helping kids experience that God loves them. Consistent with this, you need to value their perspectives. Be generous with praise. Of course, discipline is tricky, especially as the new kid on the block. Avoid getting into power struggles by remaining calm and controlled. When needing to get kids in line, try these teacher-tested strategies: • Squat down to their level and look them in the eye. Ask why they're misbehaving and what they should be doing instead. This tactic gets them back on track. • Admittedly, order is hard to restore when kids have short attention spans and hyperactive tendencies. Alternatively, you can speak to unruly kids privately after class. You'll drive the message home better this way than by yelling in front of their peers. • Another practical approach is using a point system to track good behavior. When students accrue a set number of points, reward them. Keep a prize box in your classroom, filled with items your age group will like. Examples for elementary school are erasers, stickers, magnets, bracelets, headbands, hair clips, stuffed animals, coloring books, self-inking stamps, toy cars, and mini tote bags. • You can also reinforce desirable behavior by commending it. You might say, "I see Madison is working on her warm-up assignment. Good going, Madison!" NOTE - Count your blessings that you're working in a Catholic versus public school! Parochial institutions train students to respect authority. In public schools, behavioral standards are less strict, and classroom management is much harder. 3. Create an in-school support system for yourself.Befriend staff members, including school secretaries, teachers' aides, custodians, and cafeteria employees. Everyone can provide insight into your teaching experience. Especially, ask the advice of your colleagues for how to manage challenges. You might even partner with a staff member to start each day with prayer. You could request permission to observe other teachers in their classrooms. See what works for them that you can apply. 4. Involve students in classroom operations by assigning helpers.Appointing student leaders from your class fosters responsibility and renders pride. Students feel honored when chosen for special positions. You can invite them to apply for tasks or enlist kids with demonstrated ability. Then rotate the jobs on a schedule. The student vacating a job for a new helper explains to them how to do it. By involving students in daily operations, they'll show interest in your lessons and be more agreeable. They'll also develop leadership skills. Examples of classroom jobs are chalkboard washer, paper distributor, attendance monitor, messenger, supply manager, pencil sharpener, line leader, and door holder. A Privileged PositionBeing on a Catholic school faculty offers unique opportunities. You'll teach from a faith-based perspective. You'll enjoy the camaraderie of dedicated educators with similar goals and values. Parents will highly appreciate you. Launch your first school term by modeling professionalism in your attire, attitude, and actions. Treat students with dignity, especially when administering discipline. Seek out mentors among your colleagues, and befriend other staff members. The support they provide will keep you fortified on trying days. Enlist the help of your students by assigning rotating tasks. Attend after-school activities, where you'll connect with kids on less formal turf. Your genuine interest will summon their cooperation. Above all, pray for the grace to be a great teacher. You've got what it takes! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Dixie Somers
Freelance Writer, Self Employed Other College... class of 2004 Member Since November 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 44 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 80 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 68 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 65 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 57 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,794,978 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,063 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,261 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,356 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
