Imagine it is Summer 2026. What advice would you give next year’s cohort of NYCTF to help them prepare for classroom management at their Teaching Academy? by THERESA DAVIS

2025-07-29 17:41:56 UTC

You gotta bring it!

Bring your grit, resilience, time management and executive thinking.

2025-07-29 17:42:24 UTC

I personally wouldn't recommend the program to anyone, I think its too much pressure. I do recommend any aspiring teacher to take the regular route. Its too much pressure having to past those CST exams without having any teaching experience at all.

2025-07-29 17:43:08 UTC

Come prepared for long days and nights.

2025-07-29 17:43:15 UTC

Pick your battles! Don't get into a power struggle with your students

2025-07-29 17:43:20 UTC

Be ready to work harder and stay positive to become successful

richienag22 — 2025-07-29 17:43:20 UTC

I would advise my future fellows to set in place a strict guideline for phones on the first day of summer school. Because once you let your students use their phones, it will be really hard to go back on that.

2025-07-29 17:43:48 UTC

lol just kidding, but I do like this song. For real though, create a classroom culture where your students know you and you build trust.

2025-07-29 17:43:59 UTC

Do not do it unless you are mentally and physically prepared for everything that is going to be expected of you with little time.

2025-07-29 17:44:36 UTC

2025-07-29 17:45:15 UTC

Give your kids incentives, THEY LOVE FOOD. Also, give praise for effort and grit! Students are more likely to continue doing well when you gas them up lol. Lastly, make your classroom a vibe make it colorful make them want to come to class. I lied that’s not the last thing lol. The last thing for real is to make sure you create individual bonds with ALL your students. don’t have favorites. Students are more likely to listen when you create that rapport with them!

2025-07-29 17:46:10 UTC

I would say to have a good amount of money before entering the program for sure, and be ready for a lot of assignments

2025-07-29 17:46:25 UTC

I am a teacher.

2025-07-29 17:47:13 UTC

As a soon-to-be Alumna of the NYCTF Cohort 39, my advice to next year's cohort is as follows:

-When it comes to classroom management, understand that your students in Teaching Academy have NO IDEA if it is your 1st day, or you 451st day. YOU are their teacher and the leader of the class. Address behaviors of students that are distracting, hindering, or disrespectful right away- no grace period or benefit of the doubt. Check them once in a respectful way that keeps dignity intact and you won't have to do it again.

You are their source of support and a safe space, but you also aren't here for "play play", as my mother says.

-Also, insisting they call your full on last name, not just "Ms.", "Mr.", or "Mx", adds formality and a level of respect/ healthy reverence. Correct them everytime.