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Every experienced educator, regardless of their tenure, has faced the daunting “new semester scaries.” Whether you’re teaching accounting, marketing, personal finance, or any other business education courses, the start of a new semester can bring about a mix of excitement and anxiety. In the 15th episode of The Art of Teaching Business podcast, I provide invaluable insights and strategies to help business educators start their new semester confidently and effectively. Here are my tips for overcoming the new semester scaries.
Understanding the New Semester Scaries
Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand that the “new semester scaries” are a common phenomenon among teachers. This term refers to the anxiety and apprehension educators feel before meeting a new set of students and embarking on a fresh academic term. This feeling is entirely normal and a sign of dedication and passion for teaching.
Tip 1: Deciding on Standards
State vs. National Standards
One of the first steps in preparing for the new semester is choosing which educational standards to follow — state or national. I suggest beginning by reviewing your state’s business education standards, which can typically be found on your state’s Department of Education website. However, I personally prefers the National Business Education Association (NBEA) standards due to their comprehensiveness.
Streamlining the Standards
Once you’ve chosen your standards, the next task is to narrow down the key concepts that you want to cover. I recommend starting with around ten core standards for a semester-long course. This focused approach helps ensure that the most critical content is covered thoroughly, making both teaching and learning more manageable. Highlight these key standards, print them out, and organize them in a binder for easy reference throughout the semester.
Tip 2: Sourcing and Organizing Resources
Using Textbooks and Online Materials
A textbook can serve as a valuable resource, but a textbook is not a curriculum. It’s one of many tools available to guide your teaching. Using a blend of textbooks, online articles, and interactive digital materials can enrich the learning experience and cover various aspects of the standards effectively.
Leveraging Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)
For those looking for ready-to-use materials, Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is an excellent resource. Many teacher authors, including myself, have created comprehensive bundles that are easy-to-integrate into your curriculum. These resources often include detailed lesson plans, assessments, and engaging activities that align with your highlighted standards. While utilizing TPT can save time and ensure a high-quality educational experience, always review and adapt materials to fit your unique teaching style and your students’ needs.
Tip 3: Establishing Practices and Procedures
Daily and Weekly Routines
Having consistent practices and procedures in place will help create a structured and predictable classroom environment. I do not use bell ringers or exit tickets due to her short 42-minute classes but suggests that teachers with different schedules might find them beneficial. Determine what will work best for your classroom dynamics and stick to a routine that maximizes instructional time.
Innovative Teaching Methods
It is important to mix in different teaching methods to keep lessons engaging. For example, while I use a textbook for my accounting class, I also incorporate my own digital simulations and interactive activities. In my personal finance classes, she employs student-led instruction, fostering a more dynamic and interactive learning environment. Decide whether you’ll be using guided notes, PowerPoint presentations, or project-based assessments to deliver your content effectively.
Efficient Grading Strategies
To ease the burden of grading and provide timely feedback, I grade once a week, typically on Fridays. I use this time to review assignments while students work on snip notes — an activity that summarizes the big ideas and core concepts covered during the week. This approach ensures that grading doesn’t become overwhelming and that students receive consistent feedback.
Conclusion: Preparing for Success
Preparation and planning are the cornerstones of a successful semester. By carefully choosing and narrowing down your standards, sourcing and organizing your resources, and establishing consistent practices and procedures, you can mitigate the new semester scaries and embark on a new term with confidence and enthusiasm.
Remember, feeling a bit anxious is a sign that you care deeply about your work and your students. By following these strategies, you can transform that initial anxiety into a driving force for a productive and enjoyable semester. Happy teaching!
To learn more listen to Episode 15 of my podcast ‘The Art of Teaching Business’. You can stream my podcast straight from my website. My podcast is also available on all the major stream platforms including Apple Podcast and Spotify.
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