As a new teacher, what should be your initial approach to students not bringing their supplies to class?

Getting suggestions from your mentor is a proactive and supportive approach for a new teacher facing challenges like students not bringing supplies to class. This option emphasizes the value of collaboration and learning from experienced educators. A mentor can provide insights into effective strategies for addressing this issue based on their own experiences, school culture, and established policies.

For instance, the mentor might suggest engaging students in a discussion about the importance of being prepared, or they may offer ideas for developing a classroom environment that encourages responsibility. This approach not only helps the new teacher find practical solutions but also fosters a growth mindset by showing that seeking guidance is a strength.

The other choices, while they may seem reasonable, do not promote the same level of collaboration or support. Implementing consequences affecting final grades may create a negative classroom environment and does not address the underlying reasons why students may not be prepared. Asking a mentor to speak to students removes the new teacher from the situation and does not provide an opportunity for personal growth or relationship building with the students. Lastly, asking the mentor for a policy change could be unrealistic for a new teacher and may not lead to immediate solutions for classroom management.