- Arts and crafts in class are a must (even if the 8th graders get glue everywhere)
- Have designated wall space in your classroom for said arts and crafts (each grade will want a separate wall)
- Ask for help (from students and teachers)
- You will never follow through with, “please pay attention so I do not have to repeat myself” (you will always repeat yourself)
- Say “it’s a surprise!” when you get asked “What are we doing in class today?”
- Have students act out a play, book, or do improv (they become movie stars and directors really quickly)
- Deciphering teenage handwriting is easier than you think
- Celebrate the small wins (like finally understanding the difference between adjectival and adverbial phrases)
- Nobody ever has lined paper (including me)
- Anything can be turned into a metaphor (10th graders are especially good at this)
- Pack your lunch the night before (still learning this one)
- You will genuinely enjoy spending your days here with the kindest admin, colleagues, and students <3
Categories:
Words of Wisdom III
What I’ve Learned in My First Three Months Teaching at Oakwood
November 24, 2025
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About the Contributor
Ms. Anna Bradley, Faculty Advisor