UPDATE: Members offer more tips for new teachers. Feb. 5, 2009.

What's the single best piece of advice you would offer a brand-new teacher?

Pose that question at random to 25 teachers and you're apt to get 25 different answers or, as we like to call them, 25 terrific tips for new teachers.

We picked the brains of classroom veterans across the state, including some master teachers at NYSUTs professional development arm, the Education & Learning Trust.

We also talked to veteran teachers like Jan Gubiotti and Beth Sugg. These two retirees from the Fairport Teachers Association in western New York have collected so many suggestions over the years they put them together in a book titled Terrific Tips for Teachers, one of the publications they offer through LEARN, their Literacy Education and Resource Network.

Although we have numbered these tips for the sake of convenience, we present them in no particular order of importance. Each one, we believe, is a keeper.

1. Whether it's artistic ability, collecting materials or speaking in front of the class, emphasize the special talents each student — including special-needs students — can contribute to the group.
2. Call parents early in the school year to introduce yourself, and say something positive about their child.
3. Greet students daily at the classroom doorway and have something positive to say to each one.
4. Remember you are a role model. Dress professionally.
5. "Show and tell" works at any grade level. Create opportunities for students to share their interests and passions with the class.
6. Until you've established a routine and know everyone's name, keep desks in traditional rows and consider seating students alphabetically.
7. Look for ways to give each student some positive attention.
8. Create a seating chart — in pencil. You will be changing it.
9. Establish a zero tolerance for rudeness.
10. Most parents appreciate suggestions on how to help their children. Don't be afraid to give them ideas.
11. Buy a big bottle of hand sanitizer and encourage students to use it.
12. Whether in the car or the supermarket, watch your demeanor outside the classroom. It will be noticed and discussed.
13. A colorfully decorated classroom shows students you care about their environment.
14. Choose wall art that serves a purpose and change it regularly. Strategically placed posters can help students learn.
15. Hang a calendar in clear view and post project due dates, upcoming tests, holidays and field trips.
16. Don't use homework as punishment for bad behavior.
17. Decide what your homework policy will be and how you will enforce it — and be consistent.
18. Don't give extra credit to bail out a student; it should be limited to additional projects, and only after required work is completed.
19. Use student helpers to collect class work and distribute materials so you can keep your eyes focused on the class at all times.
20. Keep brief, anecdotal notes about students; they will come in handy at parent conferences and report card time.
21. Sometimes the students themselves can help you manage the class. Determine early who the class leaders are as well as the ringleaders and form a bond with those students.
22. Avoid talking in a loud voice at the beginning of the day — you'll tire quickly.
23. Have a folder ready for substitutes that includes your schedule, seating charts, names of students with special needs and similar information.
24. Make your expectations of students clear from the start. You might say, for instance: "I will treat each of you with respect, and I expect you to treat me and each other with respect."
25. Don't allow students to complain about other teachers in your classroom.

— John Strachan

For more information ...

• NYSUT Education & Learning Trust: www.nysut.org/elt

• "Works4me" is an ever-changing feature on the National Education Association Web site that lets teachers share their best tips: www.nea.org/tips/index.html

• NYSUT booklets and pamphlets that can help new teachers: www.nysut.org/cps/rde/xchg/nysut/hs.xsl/newyorkteacher_11017.htm

• LEARN, the Literacy Education and Resource Network: http://www.learnwebsite.com/