So I am by no means a veteran teacher at this point in my profession (only going on year three), but I feel like in the past two years I have learned a great deal of lessons. And now I want to share some of that knowledge with those who may just be starting out on their teaching journey. So I have compiled a list of things to think about as a teacher starting his/her first year in the classroom.
- I highly recommend starting out on a positive note with all the parents with some kind of treat and special note to them on Meet the Teacher or Back to School Night. Providing them a business card magnet that has your contact information is a great way to show the parents that you want them to be able to reach you whenever they need to.
- I also encourage you to take time to make a positive call home within the first few weeks of school starting. I know it is a hectic time of year, but it really pays off in the long run to let parents know that you won't always be calling with bad news. They like to hear how wonderful their children are as often as possible. ;)
- Lastly, don't take yourself too seriously. Gage the type of parents you have at the first school events where parents attend, and make yourself as open and personable as possible. I failed at this my first year, because (a) I was nervous as all get out and (b) I thought I had to establish that I was a "professional" (because of me being a 21 year old teacher). And while it did help me with one parent that thought she could take over my classroom, I feel like I missed out on creating some wonderful relationships with some really great people.
- With it being your first year or so, you have PLENTY of reasons not to get caught up in the "hallway talk." You know what I'm talking about...teachers gathering together to complain or gossip about something or another. Everyone does it at some point, but don't let it become the norm. You can easily avoid it by saying you have some copies to make; you've got to get something done before you have to leave; you have an appointment, etc.
- The halls have eyes and ears...whether in the form of cameras or other teachers/administrators. Just remember that, and while it is nice to feel accepted and your opinion valued...do it behind closed doors or just don't do it! It's not worth it for someone to take your words and then misrepresent you to another faculty member or heaven forbid your principal. If you don't associate yourself with that then no one can ever accuse you of doing such. So keep your opinions to yourself and stay out of the gossip.
How to Do That:
- Make your plans [at least] two weeks in advance and have everything copied and filed ahead of time.
- Use what little planning time you have during school hours to do just that -- PLAN and GRADE. Not socialize and procrastinate.
- Don't let Pinterest get the best of you...yes, there are lots of great ideas...no, you will not get to them all in your first year.
- If you are blessed to have volunteers...USE THEM! Based on what they'd like to do to help, give them a pile of stuff and let them have at within their own time frame.
- Save your weekends for you. Seriously. Don't burn yourself out by thinking you have to be super teacher your first year. Have a life. Your kids will thank you on Monday morning when you're in a far better mood for it. ;)
How to Do That:
- Eat breakfast. Even if that means freezing breakfast burritos on the weekend and heating one up to eat on the way to school. EAT BREAKFAST. You'll stay full until lunch and won't be as tempted to snack throughout the morning.
- Drink water. I have a huge water bottle that I fill up at least two times throughout the day as I chug, chug, chug. Yes, that means I have to take quick restroom breaks throughout the day. But most of the time my children are so engaged in what they are doing they don't even notice my absence. It also helps I have an awesome teammate who is my "neighbor" and doesn't mind leaving her door open to listen out for my kids or popping in if need be (and it's an equal partnership).
- Pack healthy and light lunches packed with tons of protein and fiber. Again, fills you up and will keep you full until dinner. Those prepackaged "diet dinners" do not cut it. Don't waste your money. Invest some time each Sunday to pack all of your lunches for the week and then you won't be tempted to grab something quick and easy...or worse...cafeteria food...for lunch haha.
- Store healthy snacks in your classroom. Cereal, trail mix, granola bars, fruit, veggies, string cheese, yogurt, etc. There are tons of great ideas on Pinterest that will help for those days you either don't eat breakfast or don't have a great lunch...or have an after school meeting or conference.\
- Leave time to exercise! That's why it's important to leave school work at school. It becomes all too easy to make excuses for why you don't have time to exercise. I'm blessed to have a great group of ladies that like to work out at school and a wonderful woman who leads the group through various cross fit exercise stations. My husband and I have been doing p90x with our friends and I'm hoping that I'll be able to keep up with hour-long exercises once school starts. But you will definitely feel better for doing it and find that you have more energy in the long run.
- Don't stress. Easier said than done, right? But if you follow my previous four suggestions you are less likely to have a lot stress in your life. Yes, there will be times you will question if this is really the job for you. Yes, there will be hidden responsibilities that come out of the wood work and take you by surprise. Yes, you will be upset on more than one occasion for one reason or another, but say it with me..."IT WILL BE OKAY."
- The Lord will provide you with many opportunities for growth and not all of them are pleasant. But just remember to put your faith in Him and ask for His guidance and then...here's the important thing...TRUST HIM. He will lead you through. I would not have survived my first year of teaching if it had not been for my faith and steadfast prayer.
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