Wondering how you’re going to survive your first year of teaching?? I have compiled a list of the most important piece of advice for you to enter a mindset for your success as a first-year teacher!
My first year of teaching felt like COMPLETE chaos! Now, after several years of teaching I realize how much easier my life would have been if I had known the things I am about to share with you! Teaching involves so much documentation, paperwork, and responsibilities. It is overwhelming for even veteran teachers who may not be used to the constant changes in how things work.
My first year of teaching, I was pulling all nighters to make sure I got all of my intervention data, lesson plans, and all other documentation ready in time.
I was so afraid that my colleagues would get upset if I didn’t have everything together. After all, I started in December and everyone had their routines in place. I did NOT want to be the one to mess it up. I got ALL kinds of feedback and it mostly felt bad. I decided to be the best that I could be and work very hard to learn everything I could before the school year ended. While everyone absolutely LOVED me for it in the end, I wish I would have known these valuable tips.
1. Be gracious with yourself, even when others aren’t.
You may feel extreme pressure to adapt, but all adaption takes time. Be patient with yourself. Be the best you can be, but never compromise your mental health. Try as many strategies as you can.
2. Try different strategies.
Find what works! This applies to everything…your teaching style, behavior management, organization, building relationships with your students and their families, etc! Not every strategy will work, but eventually one will click! I remember researching strategies and immediately implementing them in my classroom. If they worked, GREAT! If not, I looked for another one.
3. Make classroom management one of your priorities in the classroom
You can make the most beautiful lesson plans, but if your class is a hot mess it will make you feel like you’re teaching to the wall. I am writing a separate blog post specifically for behavior management (so stay tuned!) but for now, you should understand the importance that this has on your first-year SURVIVAL!
4. Build relationships with your students.
Find a way to relate to them. Building relationships with your students can help eliminate negative behaviors and in turn, your school year will be more pleasant.
5. Make time for you.
Don’t pull all-nighters…you need sleep. Don’t skip lunch…you need nourishment. I am very guilty of this. But I wish I would have taken time for myself because my students need their teacher to be strong and healthy in all aspects–physically, mentally, and emotionally.
As you can see, I believe the most important things are focused on YOU. Your students need you. They need you to be the best you can be.
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