10 Things I Would Have Told Myself as a First Year Teacher

1. It's okay that you're a little scared and it probably won't go away any time soon.
Those butterflies in your stomach are totally normal. I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure the moment you feel like you've mastered teaching 100% is the moment you need to move on a find a new career. That's why you're here, because no two days will ever be the same and there will always be more to learn. Life is more exciting when you're always experiencing new things.

2. Trust your gut instincts.
There is no mold for a perfect teacher. If there was, they wouldn't need you. So trust your gut instincts and do things your way. Just because it's not the same as what everyone else is doing, doesn't make it wrong. Breathe, you got this!

3. Don't let other people dull your sparkle.
 I think new teachers are like college freshmen. They give off that glow that shows they're all shiny and new and ready for all the wonder that is ahead. That's okay! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about being excited and ready to take on the world. You worked hard to get here, you are passionate about what you do, and you shouldn't have to tone down your happy.

4. You ARE prepared.
All those years of college and the time you spent in field experiences DID prepare you. You trained for this, studied for this, and you can do this! Don't let anxiety stop you from enjoying the ride that is your first year of teaching. You never get your first class back, so stop worrying and go enjoy your time with them!

5. Every kid in your class is someone's whole world.
The best advise my mother gave me about my career! Every child that walks into your class means the world to someone. The kid that always gives you attitude and causes trouble, love him. The child that no matter what you try doesn't do their work, love her too. Treat every child with the love and respect that you would want a teacher to give your own kids. Our students are human too and isn't it true that the days we're at our worst are when we need love the most? Love them!

6. Try not to take it personal.
I know, easier said than done. Kids will say things that hurt your feelings. In fact, so will parents, co-workers, and people who don't even really know you. It happens. Have your moment of being upset and then allow yourself to move on. If you internalize every negative thing, you'll miss out on the positive that is all around you.

7.  Be firm, but don't forget to be kind.
Learning the balance between the two can be difficult, but work at it. You can be a fun teacher without being a pushover and you can be firm without being mean. Adapt to your class and find classroom management that works for you. 

8. Learn to move on, you'll get 'em next time.
I saw this quote in another teacher's classroom and have had it hanging in mine ever since:

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

You're going to have bad days, that's life. So you can dwell on what went wrong, or you can promise to do better next time and move on. The latter is much better for your mental health and will undoubtedly allow you to sleep better at night- which you need to do for your sanity! 

9. Find a way to make all criticism constructive.
The second best piece of advise my mother gave me about my career.  Guilty as charged, I  have always taken things a little too personal. As a teacher, you have to learn to let that go. You will without a doubt be told you're doing something wrong or how to make it better. The key is to turn that into success for yourself  by making a positive change in your classroom or teaching practices. Even when the comments sting, learn to see the constructive before the criticism.


10. Make friends or at least be friendly. 
Fact, not everyone will like you. Will you make friends with every teacher, parent, and staff member you coming in contact with? Probably not, but that's life kid! Be prepared for personality clashes, but learn to move on quickly. When relationships don't go as you planned, don't be bitter, be friendly anyway!  Talk to EVERYONE. Parents like to know you're human and kids need to hear that you care. Other teachers are just as stressed as you are, so be the one who offers up a smile or a helping hand- we all need that every now and then! Plus don't forget that the janitors and secretaries are really neat people, so take a minute to chat.