First-Year Teaching in Middle School - A Conversation with Melissa Castillo - Part 2

For Middle School Teachers

Welcome to the second half of the conversation I started last week! The spotlight is on first-year middle school teachers and tips and strategies they can use as they launch their careers in the classroom. And in case you didn't catch the first half of our discussion, here's the expert I'm talking to. 

My Special Guest

Melissa Castillo is a National Board Certified Professional Teacher, blogger, academic coach, curriculum designer, and technology integrator with 30 years of experience. During her years in the classroom, she served as a teacher mentor for colleagues and student teachers. She is the owner of Straight Outta Class and facilitates the FaceBook group, Prepping for Success for Beginning Teachers. She also works as a freelance writer and photographer.

One of her passion projects right now is supporting new middle school educators.  

The Convo

Today’s episode is full of more of our best advice for new teachers as they step into their first classrooms. We dive deep into what it looks like to establish trust with your students and the things parents wish middle school teachers knew.

The Topics

In our discussion, we touch on:

How organization helps you stay connected to students Why you need to be prepared for anything The importance of establishing trust with students Why you need a growth mindset Being transparent in order to benefit your students How teachers touch the world Living the Dream

As we wrap up, we focus on why it's crucial to keep in mind that students always remember how you treated them. Melissa shares what it's like to run into former students who are now adults, and how she reaches out to tap into their expertise. 

For links to the resources mentioned in this episode, head to theishgirl.com/ep55