10 Things I Would Tell Myself As a First Year Teacher

Emily
August 3, 2013
23 Comments

Ten Things I Would Tell Myself as a First Year Teacher

If I could tell myself 10 things as a first year teacher, this would be it! As I embark on a new year in a new grade level at a new school, I keep thinking how grateful I am and how lucky I am to have the experiences I went through in just three fast years. Rewind three years in time. I was about to get my very first class. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into but had NO idea just how it would feel like to be run down and tired all the time. If I could go back in time, and give myself advice, this is what I would say…

1. You are not perfect. You will never be perfect. Do what you need to do to be effective and successful, especially at the beginning of the year. You are going to have to learn as fast as you are going to have to think. Many things are going to be hard the first time. Things are not going to be comfortable, so throw perfection out the window. You may get pretty darn close one day, just not anytime soon.

2. Be confident in your direction as a new teacher. Even if you don’t know what you want the kids to do, be sure you make it up as you go. Let your students know you may change your mind, and that is okay; it shows that even veteran teachers adapt and learn. Kids are resilient and they know when you don’t know what you are doing. If you are confident and assure them that even though the direction or procedures may change, you are still sure of yourself.

3. Know who’s who on the staff. This includes the tattle tales and the brown-nosers. Yep. I said it. Even if you think you are not doing or saying anything wrong. Every site has a different culture, and you don’t know what the “rules” are. Let everything settle and scope out the people you can trust.

4. Focus your attention on what is impactful for kids. Ask yourself, “Does the energy I am spending on this have a direct impact on kids?” If it does not, do what you need to do to follow policy, but do not loose sleep over it.

5. Youtube. Youtube anything you need help on. If it is engagement strategies, attention-getters, cooperative structures, etc. I still use Youtube to learn the latest and greatest tips for first year teachers on best teaching practices.

6. Be nice to the teachers on your team and do not flaunt the fact that you learned a lot in college. Although you did, take everything they have to say or give you. You will not be able to do it all. Listen to what they have to say. Do not reinvent the wheel; instead, seek advice for new teachers to build effective lesson plans. Take, borrow, beg, steal. They know what they are doing (most of the time). My supervising teacher gave this little tip to our small group, and I am so glad she did. It saved me a lot of damage-control.

7. Listen to the parents, stand your ground, and admit when you are wrong. You are going to have to grow some thick skin, because you are going to be questioned. Be open to what they have to say, apologize, and come up with a solution. This creates a relationship where it is okay to be honest and they are less likely to contact your administrator before calling you.

8. Be proactive, not reactive. You are going to be evaluated, and you are going to have things that you have to work on. Take this advice. It will only make things easier for you in the long run. Work on what they say, because it will make you a better teacher and help you in your first year of teaching. It is easy to get frustrated and react over negative feedback, but if you think about the lesson and how it looks from an outsider’s perspective, you may realize that you could improve based on the tips for first year teachers.

9. Get a mentor and do everything they do. Stick to the way they do things as much as you can. That way, when you have a problem with something such as the behavior system, or instructional approaches, they can better guide you on where you are going wrong. If you have a different system, they will have a harder time giving you tips for new teachers on how to implement and/or enforce it.

10. Breathe and enjoy your students. Don’t spend your entire weekend planning for the next week/quarter. You are going to burn out really fast if you don’t follow the best advice for managing your workload. Reserve some time to yourself each day and weekend and do not think or speak of school. Then take the rest of the time to do what you need to do. You want to be there for the kids, but if you can’t take care of yourself, you will never be able to take care of them. The kids are why you became a teacher. Don’t forget that.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you would like more ideas from me, be sure to follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook to stay posted with fabulous freebies and ideas!

Embarking on the journey of teaching is both exhilarating and daunting. As a first-year teacher, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and challenges that come with the role. Reflecting on my own experiences, here are ten pieces of advice I wish I could share with my first-year self, aimed at making the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Embrace Imperfection

First and foremost, understand that perfection is unattainable. You will encounter moments that challenge your expectations and reveal your limitations, which is common for new teachers in their first year. Accept that learning and growth come from mistakes. Focus on being effective rather than perfect, especially during your first year of teaching. This mindset will alleviate some of the pressure and allow you to adapt and improve over time.

2. Cultivate Confidence

Even when you feel uncertain in your first year teaching, project confidence. Your students will take cues from you. If you’re unsure about a lesson or procedure, communicate that it’s okay to adjust as needed. Children are remarkably resilient; they appreciate your honesty and will thrive under your guidance when they sense your confidence.

3. Build Relationships with Staff

Familiarize yourself with your colleagues. Knowing who to turn to for support and guidance can be invaluable. Every school has its own culture, and being aware of the dynamics among staff can help you navigate challenges. Build relationships based on trust and respect, which will serve you well throughout your career.

4. Focus on Impactful Actions

Prioritize your energy on activities that directly benefit your students. Ask yourself if the effort you’re putting in has a tangible impact on their learning. If it doesn’t, reassess your priorities. This focus will help you manage your time and resources more effectively, reducing unnecessary stress.

5. Utilize Online Resources

Don’t hesitate to turn to platforms like YouTube for helpful teaching strategies. Whether you’re looking for engagement techniques, classroom management tips, or creative lesson ideas, there’s a wealth of information available. Learning from experienced educators online can save you time and provide fresh inspiration.

6. Listen and Learn from Your Team

Your colleagues have invaluable experience that can guide you. Approach them with humility and a willingness to learn from experienced teachers. Share ideas and be receptive to feedback. By collaborating and sharing resources, you can create a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and camaraderie.

7. Communicate with Parents

Establishing a positive relationship with parents is crucial for new teachers navigating their first year of teaching. Be open to their feedback, and don’t shy away from admitting when you’re wrong. This transparency builds trust and encourages collaboration. If parents feel heard, they are less likely to escalate concerns to administration, creating a more harmonious classroom environment.

8. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Take charge of your professional development. Seek feedback actively and use it to improve your teaching practice. Being proactive about your growth will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to your students’ success throughout your teaching career. Embrace constructive criticism as a tool for improvement.

9. Find a Mentor

Connecting with a mentor can provide you with invaluable support. Observe their teaching methods and ask for advice on classroom management or instructional strategies. A mentor can help you navigate challenges and provide insights that will enhance your teaching practice, especially as a new teacher.

10. Prioritize Self-Care

Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Teaching can be all-consuming, but it’s essential to carve out time for your own well-being. Schedule breaks and engage in activities that help you recharge. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup; taking time for yourself ensures that you can be present and effective for your students.

Conclusion

Teaching is a rewarding yet challenging profession. By embracing imperfection, building relationships, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate your first year teaching with greater confidence and joy. Reflecting on these lessons will not only help you grow as an educator but also foster a positive learning environment for your students. As you embark on this incredible journey, remember to breathe, enjoy the little moments, and keep your passion for teaching at the forefront. Your students will thank you for it!

Welcome! I’m Emily, Founder of Education to the Core. We are all about helping K-2 teachers by providing unlimited access to affordable printables for every subject area.