Do teachers have to know everything?

Your concerns are very normal for a beginning teacher, but don’t fret. Typically parents are quite friendy and non-confrontational. There are always a handful of “involved” parents and a handful of “invisible” parents. But, believe it or not most parents are just as afraid of being judged for their parenting skills.

No teacher knows everything. In fact, one of the greatest assets a teacher has is to say, “I’m not sure, but I will find out.” And, of course, it’s important to follow through. Parents and students will ask questions and if you don’t know the exact answer you find it. Once you do arrive at an answer and demonstrate that you took the time to look it up, they will be impressed and feel respected because “they were important enough” for you to do the research.

Breathe. . .

Good teachers are smart, so you should know a lot. You should also know a lot about all of the fields you teach as well as all of the classes that are offered at your school. I teach science and I correct basic grammar 10 times a day on most days. And you could get put into a school where one of the other teachers is really bad and you might need to help students with math, or grammar, or history, or biology. My mom taught middle school english and I always was helping her learn math because the teachers in her school were so bad.

Parents don’t ask you questions very often, and very rarely will you get a parent that will try to test your knowledge. At least that’s how its been for me, but maybe that’s because my students know that I know my material as well as others so they don’t feel the need to.

Of course u have to be a very well informed person…with time u will identify which are the most frequently asked questions, so u will be able to focus in some subjects and become an expert on them

Still, I think the most important thing is how to reply whenever someone comes with a question which answer u dont know…think the best is smile and showing willingness to do some research and find out the truth.

And I would also say, try to read science and art magazines so u can be aware of the latest trends in any subject…to be aware of facts such as^Pluto not being a planet anymore…u see…just to be ready for anything

I learned more my first year of teaching than I did in all of college. You will not know everything when you start! I have been teaching for 15 years and I am constantly learning new things.

Your best bet with parents is to be upfront…if you don’t know an answer to their question, say you will find out and let them know…then ask a mentor or other teachers. I hope that helps you.

Absolutely not! It is important to know what you are teaching e.g., division, how clouds form, etc. but to know everything is impossible. I know from teaching experience students can ask great questions! If I do not know the answer, I simply say “You know I am not sure about that – Let’s find the answer together.” When it is time for computers we will research the question for a solid answer then discuss our findings. Never say “I don’t know” Students feel more comfortable when they know their teacher is human and not a walking encyclopedia.

My kids thought I knew everything:) The important thing is that if there is something that you don’t know, don’t pretend to know it. If th kids asked me a question that I didn’t know the answer to, I said that we would find the answer together possibly by looking on the Internet. I think that the students will respect you more if you don’t come off as a know-it-all.

Teachers need to know everything they teach. You don’t have to have the answers to every question a kid might ask you. It’s ok for a teacher to say “I don’t know.” I think most parents realize that you won’t have PhDs in every subject.

Teachers do not have to know everything. We are not walking exhaustive encyclopedias nor are we Internet word search engines. We are hired to teach (usually) one or two subjects.

Teachers should possess knowledge and understanding of the subject they teach plus the skills to relate that knowledge to students.

mbj

You should know everything that you’re teaching. If a parent or student asks you something you don’t know, just say something like: “I’m not sure, but I will look into it and give you an answer a.s.a.p.”

It is not possible.

You are expected to have a deep knowledge of your subject matter, but most discussions with parents are about how their students are doing in academics and in regards to behavior.