On Teaching: For New Graduates

How do you create a welcoming classroom?
When do you really become a teacher?
Which snacks are best for parent teacher evenings?

On Teaching is a survival guide-on-the-side for new graduates and returning teachers. Drawing on Bianca Hewes’ experience in Sydney high schools, and incorporating the voices of students and other teachers, this is an engaging, insightful, and generous mentor-meets manifesto. Join Bianca as she explains why being a teacher in not always a dream but also shares the many ways it has given her genuine joy, pride and purpose.

Contents

• 1 On becoming a teacher
• 2 On finding your place in school
• 3 On teacher myths and stereotypes
• 4 On keeping fit and healthy
• 5 On establishing a healthy work/life balance
• 6 On creating a welcoming classroom
• 7 On lesson design
• 8 On program writing
• 9 On connecting with students
• 10 On student engagement
• 11 On managing emotions
• 12 On asking for help, saying ‘no’ and maintaining autonomy
• 13 On assessment
• 14 On marking
• 15 On reporting
• 16 On parent-teacher evenings
• 17 On attending meetings and professional learning
• 18 On social media
• 19 On farewelling a beloved class
• 20 On school holidays
• 21 On burn out, thoughts about quitting, and celebrating small wins

About the Author

Bianca Hewes is a teacher. She has taught high school English, Drama and Philosophy. She teaches students and she teaches teachers. She writes, mostly about teaching. She sometimes runs. Bianca works best with cups of tea.