Tammy’s Teaching Tips
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The realities of the jobNew teachersFuture teachersVeteran teachers

The things people say when you tell them you're a teacher

“That's so fun, you get to play all day.” You'll hear it forever. Here's the answer.

With Tammy Striler · 1:13 · Filmed fall 2020

What to take away

  • “That's so fun, you get to work with kids all day.” “You have the best schedule.” “You get the summers off.”
  • They have no idea what we do. They just don't.
  • Nothing you say is going to make them get it, so don't spend the energy.
  • Tammy's answer: “Yeah, it's really fun, I love what I do, I don't do it for the money” — then move on.

Why it works

A small tip that saves a surprising amount of irritation over a career. The point isn't the comeback, it's deciding in advance not to fight a conversation you cannot win.

TS

Tammy Striler

Founder · classroom teacher

Thirty years in the classroom, most of them with the door open and a student teacher in the back. Tammy started these tips because the best things she learned came from other teachers over lunch, and nobody was writing them down.

Next up

1:21
The realities of the job

If you're in it for the summers off, rethink it

One of the most rewarding things you'll do, and one of the hardest. Both are true.

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1:02
The realities of the job

Take the twelve-month pay

Teachers are paid over ten months, not twelve. Spread it out from day one.

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1:34
The realities of the job

Be flexible — this job changes on a dime

A kid vomits. Someone pulls the fire alarm. Or there's a world pandemic.

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With Tammy Striler

Every other tip

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Be that teacherRelationships · 0:56Is this the hill you want to die on?Relationships · 1:01Call home with something goodParents & families · 2:18Fake it till you make itParents & families · 1:24Teach like there's a camera on your shoulderParents & families · 2:00Relationships are the whole jobRelationships · 2:26Don't spend your own money on incentivesIn the classroom · 2:06Use humorIn the classroom · 2:01Cry week is coming, and it's normalLooking after yourself · 1:28On breaks, actually disconnectLooking after yourself · 1:25Get out of your room at lunchRelationships · 1:55No surprises for your principalRelationships · 1:48Class parties: no glitter, everBig days & events · 1:40Take work email off your phoneLooking after yourself · 1:27First day, back-to-school night, conferencesBig days & events · 1:29What's said in the tent stays in the tentRelationships · 0:55