A few weeks ago, I asked a question on our Milady Instructors Facebook, “What advice you would give to a new educator?”. There were some great suggestions so I decided to pull them all together and share them here. This is not only great advice for new educators, but also a good reminder for those of us who have been teaching for awhile.

Angeleque Santillanes: Make sure you show your students that you genuinely care about their education. Build trust and show them that they’re more than just a paycheck. Be nurturing and encourage them, but also be strict and help them grow. We are raising the future generation of the beauty industry.

NI NI: Set boundaries. Build trust. Being passionate about teaching is a plus. I like to share salon scenarios to give students the reality outside of the classroom.  Knowing your content is very important. Don’t read directly out of the book.

Jonathan Perkins: Be intentional about learning the culture of your students, then seek to be understood. Keep Moving Forward

Teri Lancaster McLemore: Remember students pay by the hour for education. Make sure you are delivering every minute!

John Aldaya: We are there to help them grow into quality barbers.

Kim Cutter-Williams: Do not be afraid to integrate technology into the classroom. This generation thrives with gadgets so make it educational and fun.

Sandi Jamison: Teach how you would want to be taught.  Treat students with respect, they pay your salary.  Put time into your lesson plans.  “Edutain” them.

Winter Brown: Learn as much as you can from others.  Write things down, and don’t expect yourself to be perfect in the beginning. You have to travel the road to gain confidence as an educator. Be authentic, and you will relate more to your students and they will in turn gain more knowledge from you.

Shantal Janai: Treat each student as an individual!

Claudia Renee: After 34 years in the field I would say, teach, instruct, be prepared, be original, and set your boundaries.  They are not your friends.

Lynne Nagel: Deep breaths.

Kelly Medina: Trust yourself and the process. Be patient!

Deborah C Wilfred: Stay consistent.

Debbie Brady: Use MindTap!

Nicole Hindo Lucas: I think at one time we were all one lesson ahead of the students. Relax….it gets easier.

Analia Sandoval: Don’t used only your knowledge, use your heart too. Don’t forget they come to you with a dream.

Jessica Hardman: Technology! Keep up with the changing time.

Ruby Warren: Never stop learning.

Vicki Moody: Document everything!!

Julie Curtiss Richter: Stay consistent, yet flexible to change.

Shari Jacoby-Thorson: It’s not a power trip it’s a partnership! I have boundaries and rules in my class, but I want them to learn and surpass me in my skills. I want every student that is invested in their education to do well.  It is not threatening to me it is an honor to me.

Gloria A Cantu Longoria:

1. Give respect to earn respect
2. Show them you care about them and their success
3. Be open minded
4. Be positive everyday
5. Be patient with them and technology
6. We all learn from each other, so don’t be afraid to ask for help

Michael Macdonald: Always be fair and professional!!!

Veronica Hutchens: Be professional, they are not your friend.  Be positive every day and be fair.  Prepare your lesson plans don’t just go in and try to wing it.

Carolyn Phillips Black:

1. You have to be consistent and treat them all the same.
2. Be enthusiastic about this awesome industry we belong to!
3. You need to be prepared and flexible. Sometimes things happen and you just have to go with it
4. Use humor to engage them or make a point
5. Use technology every chance you get
6. Stay current

Cherie Lewis: They get bored fast with mannequins all day.  Add a little extra in the lesson.

Mirta Williams: Be caring and empathetic, create a classroom contract that clearly outline expectations. Do your best to realistically assess the time you need for each lesson and be prepared for finishing early by having extra activities on hand.  I believe true learning occur when students are engaged in the topic.  Believe in yourself.

Mar Sunset: Integrate demonstrations during these challenging times!

Trina Watson: Always “set the stage”. Tell the students your role and then follow with the expectations for the course, the day, or the lesson. Everyone benefits with knowing expectation.

Jennifer Potts: Stay organized and have your notes accessible.

Sheila Manley: They are not your friends; they are your students. Set good boundaries

Kier Johnnson: Be professional and nurturing at the same time. Make sure you have syrup in your class they thrive off of it.