You’ve joined the workforce! Welcome to the most rewarding and challenging world of education! Your stomach is probably a bundle of nerves and anticipation! In today’s blog post, I’m going to share 7 truths to live by as you navigate going from preservice teacher (a.k.a student teacher) to first-year teacher. Let me join you at the start of your incredible career!
My passion and my purpose is to mentor and coach new teachers from their student teaching practicum (preservice) all the way through those first few pivotal years of teaching! Before you read on, be sure to grab your monthly guide here. Each week I’ll share strategies and tips. Every month you’ll also get the latest guides and support from me!
Embrace the Learning Curve
Expect a learning curve as you step into your first year. Every classroom is unique, and each student brings their own set of strengths and challenges. Don’t be too hard on yourself – it’s okay to make mistakes. Learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth. Whether it’s your first year or tenth year, your journey as a teacher is a continuous learning process. There will be your own areas of strengths and challenges. As you identify those, lean on the second truth I’m going to share with you!
Establish a Support System
Building a support system is crucial. Connect with fellow teachers, join online communities, and seek guidance from experienced educators. Your colleagues can provide valuable insights, share resources, and offer a helping hand when needed. Teaching is a collaborative effort, and having a supportive network makes a significant difference. When establishing that support system, don’t limit yourself to those on your grade or in your school. There are teachers in our space online that you can connect with and mentors like me, helping teachers like you every day!
Plan, but Be Flexible
Planning is essential, but flexibility is equally important. Your meticulously crafted lesson plans might need adjustments based on the dynamics of your classroom. There will be times when you will need to pause and take a few steps back to address misconceptions, fill in knowledge gaps, or take advantage of a teachable moment. There will be other times that the schedule has changed for a school-wide event, students will demonstrate mastery early on in a lesson, or an activity takes less time than expected. Stay adaptable and be open to changes. Embracing flexibility allows you to respond effectively to unexpected situations and ensures a more enjoyable teaching and learning experience.
Self-Care Matters
Teaching can be emotionally and physically demanding. Prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance. There will always be something to do. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and find activities that rejuvenate you outside of the classroom. A well-rested and mentally refreshed teacher is better equipped to handle the challenges of the profession.
Reflect Regularly
Reflection is a powerful tool for growth. Take time to reflect on your teaching practices regularly. What worked well? What could be improved? (Pro Tip: Make notes in your lesson plan book or a notebook so you can refer back to next year.) Honest self-reflection enables you to refine your teaching methods and enhance your effectiveness as an educator.
Emphasize Relationships
Building strong relationships with your students is key. Get to know them individually – their interests, strengths, and challenges. Show genuine care and interest in their well-being. Positive teacher-student relationships create a conducive learning environment and contribute to a more fulfilling teaching experience. Furthermore, they allow for improved classroom management and foster open communication between students and teachers about struggles.
Stay Passionate
Teaching is a passion-driven profession. Remember why you chose to become a teacher and hold onto that passion. Despite the challenges, the impact you have on your students’ lives is immeasurable. Let your passion drive you to overcome obstacles and inspire a love for learning in your classroom.
Please don’t ever forget that you don’t have to do this alone! There are fellow new educators out there experiencing what you are experiencing right now! And there are mentors here who have felt what you’re feeling! Venting, brainstorming, and collaborating can really support new teachers to grow and create clarity in the midst of an overwhelming plate.
If you’re looking for additional support and guidance throughout your first year of teaching, let’s chat! Throw time on my calendar. During this free chat, we’ll share a little about ourselves and then focus on your questions!
Take these 7 truths with you as you embark on the first year of teaching! Embrace the journey, seek support, prioritize self-care, and stay passionate about making a difference. You’ve got this! I mean it!
📣 Which of the seven truths resonated most with you? Let us know in the comments! 👇🏼
