Being a first year teacher can be both exciting and scary! I have been in education for a long time…more than 10 years, but less than 20. Some where years of extreme stress where I felt that I barely had a moment to breathe. Thankfully, most were years of comfort mixed with ebbs and flows of great, good, ok, and bad days…days of most jobs. With that said, the years of Covid 19 brought on more challenges. Navigating virtual and in person instruction at the same time, wearing masks, not wearing masks, sometimes wearing masks, losing masks, students losing masks, and emails about mass. It became a bit overwhelming. And while I can’t imagine what it must be like starting a new career in education during the pandemic, I can offer some advice on what I have learned during the is education career rollercoaster.
Keep Your Door Open
We tend to always have the door closed. Perhaps it is because we are so used to doing so because of secure mandates for student safety. It gets lonely and we tend to stay in our rooms and work, isolated in our classroom island. I have found that keeping my door open as much as possible has helped me stay grounded. Sometimes a colleague will stop by and say hello.
Sometimes a former student comes by to give me a hug and tell me what their plans are for the weekend. Sometimes I have a colleague confide in me and seek my professional and personal advice. Having my door open helps me feel connected and offer a friendly place for visitors to stop to spend a piece of their time with me.
Don’t Gossip
This is just best practices in any career. It may seem fun to catch up with the newest drama of staff members, but overall, it causes distractions and distrust within a school. Sharing ideas, creative resources, and daily “wins” are more effective way to spend the day. Plus, focusing on growth and positivity has been shown to increase levels of dopamine, the happiness feelings… gossip does not.-
Be Selective in What You Share
This one is so tricky because we want to be able to open and share personal experiences with our colleagues. Take time to get to know people and be selective on who you share personal information with and make sure you trust them in and outside of work. Unfortunately, there are some that enjoy the gossip more than building trusting relationships.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
I love being creative and trying new and innovative things in my lesson… arts integrated lessons are some of my favorites! In your first year, don’t try to make everything spectacular. Focus on one lesson a week/ month or one content area that you are passionate about and make that wonderful. You can build and add to your lessons as you continue your years of teaching. If you try to make everything amazing… you will burn out quickly
This Is A Job, Not Your Whole Life
Take time to prioritize a work/ life balance, mental health, physical health, relationships, passions, hobbies, or anything else important to you. The truth is…. we are all replaceable. Love the work that you do, but don’t take it home with you. Find passion and purpose in multiple areas of your life
Know That What You Do Does Have An Impact
Sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees and we are not so sure that we have impacted any student, much less all of them. Know this. It is worth it when a student reaches an educational or social emotional goal because of your help and support. It is worth it when student find you to share exciting news Lastly, it is worth it when students of pervious years come to say hi to you. It is worth it when as adults, your former students let you know how much knowing YOU has impacted their life!
First teacher, you are brave, resilient, creative, and fierce! You can do this!