This was the first day of my first year of teaching. This was a year and half ago and it seems like five minutes. Teaching is one of the most rewarding, exhausting, exciting, busy, and life changing careers in the world. It is something special to go to a job that you love, but it is a wonderful thing to go to a job that loves you back. So what have I learned in my journey so far?
1. You need time outside the classroom. My first year, I spent hours every night lesson planning, prepping science experiments, evaluating, finding the perfect worksheet, creating new activities, and trying to change the world. I was at school very early and would leave very late. The days all seemed to blur together and I was exhausted. There are too many teachers who leave the profession because of burnout. Don’t let it happen to you. It is okay to leave your work at school. Find a hobby, make new friends, get involved in something, volunteer, and do the things that make you happy.
2. It is okay to stray from the lesson plans. I have always been a teacher who teaches in the moment, so this one wasn’t too difficult for me. If I have learned anything in the last few years it’s that your plans will change. A student will cry, there will be a bee in the room, and there will be a fire drill all during that one lesson you spent hours working on and you know what? IT IS OKAY.
3. Enjoy every minute. Kids grow up fast and my first year of teaching went by in the blink of an eye. Take time to enjoy your class and get to know them. They are all special in their own ways and all have something to contribute to the class. When we get too busy we miss out on some of the best learning experiences with the kids.
4. Exercise and eat healthy. One thing I can guarantee about your first year teaching, is that you will get sick. That is just what happens when you have 25 little germ spreaders surrounding you for 6 hours a day. Sometimes we get too busy trying to take care of our students, we forget to take care of ourselves. Eat those veggies and get outside for a jog. You’ll thank me later.
5. Trust yourself. My first year of teaching I would second guess myself ALL THE TIME. You are educated and well trained. Don’t underestimate what you bring to your school. You have fresh ideas and new innovative strategies. On another note, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are other teachers at your school that have been doing this a long time. Find a mentor. It is nice to have a group of people to bounce ideas off of. I also have a small network of teachers I communicate with online. This helps me to see what other teachers in other parts of the country are doing.
2. It is okay to stray from the lesson plans. I have always been a teacher who teaches in the moment, so this one wasn’t too difficult for me. If I have learned anything in the last few years it’s that your plans will change. A student will cry, there will be a bee in the room, and there will be a fire drill all during that one lesson you spent hours working on and you know what? IT IS OKAY.
3. Enjoy every minute. Kids grow up fast and my first year of teaching went by in the blink of an eye. Take time to enjoy your class and get to know them. They are all special in their own ways and all have something to contribute to the class. When we get too busy we miss out on some of the best learning experiences with the kids.
4. Exercise and eat healthy. One thing I can guarantee about your first year teaching, is that you will get sick. That is just what happens when you have 25 little germ spreaders surrounding you for 6 hours a day. Sometimes we get too busy trying to take care of our students, we forget to take care of ourselves. Eat those veggies and get outside for a jog. You’ll thank me later.
5. Trust yourself. My first year of teaching I would second guess myself ALL THE TIME. You are educated and well trained. Don’t underestimate what you bring to your school. You have fresh ideas and new innovative strategies. On another note, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are other teachers at your school that have been doing this a long time. Find a mentor. It is nice to have a group of people to bounce ideas off of. I also have a small network of teachers I communicate with online. This helps me to see what other teachers in other parts of the country are doing.
