The first week in front of a classroom is often a sink-or-swim situation. For new teachers who have not had the benefit of professional education training, staying on top of the "water"- the classroom situation- can be extremely challenging.
Teaching, like swimming, can be done at varying levels of skill, knowledge, and efficiency. A teacher with no assistance can be like a non-swimmer who falls into deep water! The results are panic and uncoordinated, instinctive movements to stay afloat. Even a minimum amount of instruction is invaluable to the swimmer to: know what to expect, avoid panic, plan for the first few moments, and use basic skills needed to stay on top of the water. Likewise, a minimum amount of instruction is invaluable to the new teacher.
This Survival Training provides the minimum amount of instruction that a classroom teacher should have to prepare for the first days and weeks of school. The Florida Alternative Certification Program includes a preliminary period of survival training prior to the first day of classroom responsibility. The duration and amount of preliminary training will vary from school district to school district.
In its fullest version, the Survival Training offers a preview of the in-depth instruction provided in the Ed-ventures, and provides:
- an orientation to the school and district
- an introduction to effective teaching behaviors
- an introduction to the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices
- ethical and legal guidelines for teachers
- classroom and behavior management tools
- basic lesson planning
- multicultural and multilingual issues to consider
We've all heard the query- "How's the water?" A preliminary period of Survival Training will help provide calm waters in the first few weeks of school for everyone involved: teachers, students, parents and administrators.
© Copyright 2002, Florida Department of Education