This is my first year teaching, rather I hope this will be my first year teaching. I am waiting for "the phone call." I took a long-term sub at a school I fell in love with. On my last day (last day of school) the principal said make sure we have your info, We only need 8 more students to open a 3rd class.

I have read and re-read the free e-books and attended 2 WBT conf. thus far. Also, a third conf. sch. for Oct. I am soooo excited, but so nervous about EVERYTHING! I know your first year is overwhelming. I start to thing about WBT mixed w/ the Daily 5 and my head starts to spin! What will the admin think of a newbie teaching outside the box???? I know I can do this, but is the first year really the best time to start? Perhaps, I should start with parts and work up the the Whole? Suggestions are welcome!

i am iin the exactly the same situation as you. we start monday. so much to do. i am going do dive right in. if something is not working i know there are many helpful teachers here who can give suggestions to help. im super excited. i am also considering daily 5 but going to start that a few weeks into the year. good luck aand keep us posted.

My advise is: Go for the WBT!!! Your first year is difficult, but it is also a year when you will start to form habits of how you do things. Once you do something the same way 25 times in a roll, it becomes a habit. It is very difficult to break habits once they are formed. So.. if you are going to be forming habits in the way you teach they might as well be great habits! You can't get any better than WBT. You do have great support here if you experience difficulty, and you will, but it will all be worth it in the end.

I agree with slfloyd! Jump right in!! Now is the BEST time to start using the best teaching model I've ever seen. I've been teaching for about 10 years now, and this is my first year of using WBT, but I wish I'd found it 10 years ago!! I wouldn't have been beating my head against the wall for the last 10 years, which is what it feels like I've done. Jump in the first day with the 5 rules, class/yes, the scoreboard, mirror, and you will be SO GLAD that you did!! (I know I am!)

Good to know others are in my boat! Good luck w/ WBT and D5, Your positive attitude will serve you well. Your idea of starting D5 later in the game is a good one, thanks.

Never thought of it that way... thanks! That is why these forms are so great!

kmclampitt,

I just spoke to a colleague this morning about her sister, who is a first year WBT teacher, and the only teacher in her school using WBT. Her principal LOVES it and is highly intrigued by her teaching style.

I think you should go for WBT if you get a position! If your admin has questions, you can always direct them here to the website to check it out!

Good luck!

Tiffany
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

Hi
I am going back the classroom after being an AIS math consultant for 10 years. I too am going to start the year using WBT and daily 5 for reading and math. I hope I am not crazy but it all makes perfect sense. Noone in my building is using these concepts.

Agreed, its seems to make perfect sense. I found the PACE menu (proteacher) and it too looks good. Did you pay for the D5 membership? 70 bucks is such a bummer, especially when you compare the support and cost to WBT. Is it worth the money? I mapped out the displays I need for both programs (I have the advantage of knowing what room I would be assigned.) The school is an IB school, so thank goodness I had one blank wall left lol. What I really want to get my hands on is the Units of Study for writing, Lucy Caulkins. Good luck to you and keep me posted on your journey I'd like to know how others intergrade the two programs.

Thanks So much and good to know a newbies efforts were well received I will do my best and hope the admin is happy with my efforts as well. I am grateful for everyone's responses and support. Have a good year!

This is only my second year with WBT, but I have been teaching for 20 years. It is funny because every once in awhile I will think back to a student in the past and think, "Wow, I think I could have really reached "Sally" differently had I had WBT! Definately dive right in. If you act as confident with your administrators as you do with the kids, you will be headed in the right direction with your administration. Good luck to all of you newbies! You're on the right track!