50 WAYS TO SURVIVE

1.. Scour the Internet for curriculum and best practices among schools

and teachers .

2.. Join as many discussion groups as available and participate twice

as much

3.. Go to state conventions and workshops.

4.. Volunteer for everything and do what is not asked of you - JUST DO

IT

5.. Integrate with other core subject areas

6.. Make technology your best friend..digital pics , slideshows, Smart

Board , homepages, links, applications, tech websites

7.. Search the NET and ads , etc., for every possible link and follow

those links to more links

8.. Investigate TV , newspapers , movies , radio and all media for

ideas

9.. Keep a notepad with you so you can write your ideas as you drive

by billboards , signs , ads and look to the community for ideas

10.. When other people are sleeping , keep one step ahead , and use =

that time to get the "the early bird gets the worm syndrome."

11.. Make each student feel special and do all you can to make their

lives meaningful

12.. Never complain - nobody will listen

13.. Learning never stops- enrich or develop a "new path that is least

traveled."

14.. Use homemade equipment to show creativity

15.. Always be energetic and enthusiastic - we are actors , let your

hair down and try anything , once.

16.. Don't be afraid to fail - not ever trying is worse than failing

17.. Help classroom teachers understand what (you) are doing- use

their expertise and use it , it will win them over

18.. Make friends of the community , parents and administration- but =

do it truthfully - be yourself

19.. The janitor may be your best ally

20.. Write your thoughts in a diary , or weblog , it helps keep your

feet on the ground

21.. Scan the newspapers for any avialbale opportunity to advance your

career and share what you know

22.. It is an absolute must - always be organized , plan appropriate

activities

23.. Have a suggestion box - ask what the students like to do

24.. Be visible(bus , cafeteria , hallways , library)...smile , extend

your hand to each student that passes(gimme five)

25.. Keep abreast of all new trends in our craft

26.. Have the ability to move large groups without any down time- keep

it moving

27.. Listen to the students - be aware of their body language- you

will know when they have to use the restroom , when they tire or ward

off possible trouble

28.. Explain why you are doing things( heart rate , fitness testing , =

etc.)

29.. Check each area for safety concerns

30.. Have fun ! Participate with them

31.. Don't keep score and keep competition with individual improvement

32.. Have a GYM SHOW to showcase what you do in your classes to the

parents

33.. Realize the fact the students are a captive audience and hang on

your every word

34.. Keep records for assessment - that way the parents will know and

authorize grades

35.. Adapt the area , equipment and rules according to each classes

ability

36.. Be aware of special needs students and how to integrate and make

them comfortable with the rest of the class

37.. Don't look for trouble it will find you

38.. Use duty schedule time to find out what makes the students"tick"

39.. Don't use too may rewards - they will forget what they did and it

loses meaning

40.. Be computer literate - share with other teachers - they will come

to respect your ability to be a real teacher.

41.. Communicate with other teachers through instant messaging and

conferencing

42.. Learn the grant writing process

43.. Be careful of the "lunch room" gossip and stay away from

negativity

44.. Seek out other teachers with a positive outlook and don't be

afraid to talk about (your) concerns about education or home

45.. We are with students for (7) hours and since (we) are there -

make it special and appropriate-

46.. Develop as many homepages as possible, learn html , programming

and functions

47.. Look for everything free - there are a thousand sites that offer

gifts and equipment

48.. Listen , you will learn , participate and you will grow

49.. Write articles for the daily newpaper , PE journals or Internet

sites

50.. Be patient , learn stress management , keep up with your own

health , do community work, pray or meditate for strength

I hope this has been informative and that I will be availabale to

continue to offer my views on this listerv. I will be looking for a new

job for workshops , consultations and in-service days. Of course , the

golf course awaits my wayward shots but I still feel young in heart and

mind and hope that I can be of service to all that may need assistance

in PE and technology issues. I will end with some controversial thoughts

that I have picked up over the last (5) years on this listserv:

a.. Dodgeball - never throw at a person or try to adapt that makes it

acceptable

b.. Compete with self on personal improvement

c.. Not all of us are great typists - don't jeopardize a potential

message writer - don't criticze their ability to write - help them

d.. We must sell , sell ,sell our craft

e.. Sometimes we can write in CAPS - I know its shouting !

Gerry Cernicky