Beginning Teaching with Alannah Gebron | Season 3 Episode 3

Episode Overview

• A first-year Maths teacher, Alannah Gebron, shares her journey from being inspired by her own high school teacher to navigating the first nine months in the profession.
• The conversation explores the key challenges faced by a new teacher, including establishing a work-life balance, managing an all-boys classroom, and unexpectedly teaching a Year 12 Advanced Mathematics course.
• Key strategies for success are discussed, such as the critical importance of routine and structure, building confidence with a "fake it 'til you make it" approach, and relying on colleague support.
• The episode emphasizes the rewarding nature of teaching and provides practical advice for new educators on how to survive and thrive in their first year.

Key Concepts

• Motivation to Teach: The primary inspiration for becoming a teacher was a positive and supportive Year 11 and 12 Maths teacher, creating a desire to "pay it forward" for future students.
• First-Year Challenges: The initial experience is marked by an emotional mix of excitement and nervousness, difficulty with work-life balance, and the unique pressure of teaching a high-level Year 12 course as a new graduate.
• Classroom Management: Establishing firm routines and structure from the very first day is identified as the most crucial strategy for managing student behavior, particularly in an all-boys school environment.
• Building Confidence: The "fake it 'til you make it" philosophy is highlighted as an effective tool for new teachers to project authority and build genuine confidence over time, especially when feeling young or inexperienced.
• Mentorship and Support: Seeking advice and resources from experienced colleagues is presented as an essential factor in overcoming challenges, managing difficult content, and navigating the complexities of the profession.
• Work-Life Balance: A conscious effort to carve out personal time for hobbies and self-care is vital for avoiding burnout and maintaining long-term effectiveness and well-being as a teacher.

Quotes

• At 3:02 - "It was my teacher in Year 11 and Year 12... I'd say inspired me to become a Maths teacher." - Alannah Gebron identifies the mentor who influenced her career choice.
• At 23:36 - "You just kind of fake it 'til you make it, you know?" - The teacher sharing the advice she received and applied to build confidence in her first lessons.
• At 26:50 - "The boys thrive off routine and structure." - Alannah Gebron shares the crucial advice she received from her principal about managing an all-boys classroom.
• At 29:21 - "I had a smaller Year 12 class, and I took on the Year 12 Advanced class... the challenge was more the content." - On the unexpected difficulty of teaching a senior-level course in her first year, a rare task for a beginning teacher.
• At 51:18 - "I would say the most important thing is asking for help and seeking advice from like your colleagues." - The teacher’s primary advice for anyone new to the teaching profession.

Takeaways

• Establish clear routines and structure from day one; it is the cornerstone of effective classroom management.
• Don't hesitate to ask for help; seeking advice and support from experienced colleagues is a strength, not a weakness.
• Projecting confidence, even if you have to "fake it" initially, is a key strategy for establishing your presence in the classroom.
• Deliberately schedule time for your personal life outside of school to prevent burnout and maintain your passion for teaching.