Tomorrow is back-to-work for teachers, and as I start my 2nd year of teaching, I've been very reflective about the things I wish I knew or could have told myself as a first year teacher.
Dear first year teacher,
I know right about now everyone is telling you not to be nervous, but I'll be honest- be nervous. It's a good thing, and starting your career is intimidating. It's ok to be nervous, but don't be intimidated. You're as prepared as you'll ever be. Don't let anyone intimidate you. A teacher on their 20th year is no better of a person than you are in your 1st.
Speak up in meetings. People are expecting you to sit back and absorb more than participate. Don't be that person. Don't try to impress people, either- no one likes a show off. However, you are just as qualified as the person sitting next to you. You both have degrees behind your name and your fresh opinion on certain areas is needed. Your year of student teaching counts as a year of teaching- use those experiences to your advantage.
The people you work with can make or break your job. Teaching is hard, no one can deny that, but if you're surrounded by people you enjoy being with, it makes it easier. Plus, you'll always know who has a secret stash of advil or chocolate- both necessary for surviving this first year. You'll sit in hours upon hours of professional development, meetings, conferences, etc. If you enjoy the people you're with, it won't make it so bad. The occasional dance party will help relieve the pressures of teaching.
Find positive people and hold them close. Like I just said, teaching is hard. There are countless issues in education, and it's easy to be negative. So easy. But, you won't get through the long days if you're with negative people and are negative yourself. Sure, you'll have bad days and need to gripe/complain, but those positive people will bring you back to reality and remind you of why you do this.
If a coworker invites you to grab food/a drink after work, go. You never know what friendship you will form, and nobody will understand you like another teacher (or former teacher).
Respect your administrators. It's easy to get caught up in the moment with a student, and sometimes you need a 3rd party opinion of someone who isn't directly involved before proceeding with discipline. At the same time, don't go to your administrator (or push the white button) every time a student acts out. Once an administrator is called, the situation is out of your hands. Consulting your administrator is different that asking them to take over. PS- it's never a good idea to talk poorly about the person who gave you your job. Stay classy.
Find a mentor. Most schools put you with a mentor, but in case it isn't a good fit, you need someone you can go to with even the most trivial issues. (Fortunately for you, you got a good one!)
BE HUMBLE. Just because you're given a correction/suggestion does not mean you're a bad teacher. Teaching is an art, and the world of education is constantly evolving. People won't correct you if they don't think you're worth it. Remember that. Plus, TAKE the suggestion. Don't just let it go in one ear and out the other. Most of the time, the people observing you and giving a correction know what they're saying.
Be observant and listen to your gut. If you notice a student never eats lunch, or only eats lunch every other day, say something to your counselor. If a student wears the same shirt every day or never is prepared for class, say something. If a student's behavior changes, say something. Oftentimes this is a cry for help, and some of these kids are just looking for someone to notice.
Love a kid despite how much they drive you crazy. They notice when you care. Even if you feel like a complete failure, they notice.
Don't take everything a parent says personally. Most of the time they're embarrassed that their child acted like an idiot in your class. Keep in mind that they're sending the best they have into your classroom. Be patient and KIND. Once a parent feels like you're their ally and are truly looking out for their child's best interests, they'll be on your side 90% of the time. Take time each week to send out 2 positive emails. Some parents only hear negative things.
The first 6 weeks of school and the last 3 weeks will be the hardest you've ever worked. I'm serious. Work hard. Be dedicated. It will not go unnoticed. People notice the teacher who stays later and comes in earlier. At the same time, teaching is your job, not your life. In the beginning and the end you'll spend long hours in your classroom, but your students will survive if you take 2 weeks to return an essay instead of 1. It's also fully acceptable to dance to Destiny's Child's "I'm a survivor" on the toughest days.
Find something for YOU. And this doesn't mean coming home and binge watching Netflix with a bowl of ice cream and a glass of wine. The occasional night is OK, but take it from me, your future self 10 lbs heavier will thank you for your hobby that doesn't include binging.
I hope this helps, but chances are, you'll probably have to learn this for yourself. Until next time,
Your second year teacher self.
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