Can you give me some helpful suggestions for getting through my first year of teaching?

I am barely keeping my head above water as a first-year teacher in a fairly tough school environment. Colleagues are wonderful; I am blessed in that. My main problem is simply that I feel overwhelmed with students who have pretty much taken control, and, of course, all the paperwork, grading, etc. I am not an organized person. Plus, I like math, but I'm not passionate about it. I've started some terrific-looking books, like "Marvels of Math," in hopes of having some exciting stories/ideas to motivate the kids. I need to implement a reward (nontangible) system, but somehow, I've not gotten around to it! Any suggestions?

First year and pre-service teachers have specific questions about classroom management and curriculum. As the teacher quoted above states, it can be overwhelming. Discussing these topics with others can help ease the burden.

   T2T discussion about classroom management:

Classroom Openers
Daily routine
Homework teams & classroom groups
Setting up math groups
Support for a first-year teacher (math)

   T2T discussion about curriculum:

Calculator use
Dr. Math as an educative tool in an elementary class
Everyday Math Program

   T2T FAQ including discussions about the first day of school:

First Day of School

   T2T discussion about grades/homework:

Assigning Grades to Classwork-What does Zero mean?
Grading policy
HS math homework completion
Late Assignments
Length of quizzes

   T2T discussion about parental involvement:

Parent's involvement in their children's math education

   T2T discussion about preparing to be a teacher:

Elementary math teaching
Interviewing questions
New to teaching, however...older teacher
Salary and credential requirement of math teachers
Teaching Math at the High School Level

   T2T discussion about room environment:

Bulletin boards
Bulletin boards
Decorating my classroom

Books:

Elementary and Middle School Mathematics
by John Van de Walle

Ideas: NCTM Standards-Based Instruction, Grades K-4

Ideas: NCTM Standards-Based Instruction, Grades 5-8

Marvels of Math: Fascinating Reads and Awesome Activities
by Kendall Haven

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics - NCTM

Resources at the Math Forum:

Ask Dr. Math
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        FAQ  ||  Classic Problems  ||  Formulas

Internet Mathematics Library
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Math Forum Problems of the Week
The Math Forum's Problems of the Week Library includes engaging problems to develop problem-solving skills, mathematical communication, and topics from basic operations through calculus. [requires membership to access individual problems]

Teacher Exchange
The Teacher Exchange is a combination of our Web units and lessons organized by level and content and an opportunity for those wishing to contribute their own lessons to the Math Forum @ Drexel site.

T2T
Teacher2Teacher is a resource for teachers and parents who have questions about teaching mathematics. Special features include
        FAQ  ||  Ask a Question  ||  Teachers' Lounge

More Resources:

Where can I find information on Standards?
    Math Forum Internet Library: Standards

Where can I find a list of organizations?
    Math Forum Internet Library: Organizations: Prof. Assoc/Societies

Where can I find lesson plan ideas?
    Math Forum Internet Library: Lesson Plans/Activities

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