Start with Goals and the Big Picture by Quarter, Trimester, or Semester: For each grading period, include required literature, major projects, and other must-do items. Tip: Add district and state assessments also!
I had my share of ups and downs as a teacher for over 10 years. And of course, there have been people -- including colleagues, administrators, friends, and family who had had both comforting words of wisdom as well as terrible advice (although most had the best intentions). Here are some of the worst and the best I've heard over the years.