Submitted by Judy Figi, Wisconsin

Idea posted November 1, 2002

Question: I am concerned about setting good routines, choosing and preparing for programs, classroom management, resources... Any ideas or suggestions???

Answer: Welcome to a most rewarding profession! Here would be my advice to a first year teacher:

  1. Subscribe to the MusicK8.com Mailing List and Music K-8 magazine.
  2. Make friends with the custodian and secretary - they can be your greatest allies.
  3. Take care of yourself.
  4. Retain your sense of humor.
  5. Get Cheryl Lavender's book Making Each Minute Count. Plank Road has it and I sure wish I had had it, along with Music K-8, back in 1964 when I started.