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What I Wish I Could Tell My First-Year Teacher Self
Hey there, future superstar educator! Let’s chat about what I wish someone had told me when I was just starting out.
- Things will rarely unfold as neatly as you planned in your lesson outlines, but don’t skip making those plans. They’re still helpful!
- Your principal isn’t out to get you—she’s got a ton on her plate. Remember that!
- I know wearing grown-up clothes every day feels awful. You might be regretting dyeing your hair back to its natural color and taking out that cool tongue ring, but trust me, it’s for the best. And hey, Fridays mean jeans! Just skip the bell bottoms.
- Okay, maybe your principal can be a bit much. Keep your head down, do your job, and a little chocolate gift can go a long way!
- It’s totally okay to shed a few tears during recess. You’re not the first teacher to do it, and you won’t be the last.
- Find a buddy among the other teachers. You’ll lean on each other, and who knows, you might still be friends 14 years later!
- There will always be more work waiting for you at the end of the day. Staying until 10 p.m. won’t fix that. Focus on what needs to be done for tomorrow and head home. You’ll be a happier teacher.
- Make sure to carve out time for fun on weekends. No, cutting out 200 laminated ladybug wings isn’t fun. Do something you love to recharge—your future self will thank you!
- Your students have their own battles outside the classroom that you may never see. You are their anchor, so never forget the importance of your role.
- Expect to hear names thrown at you, get yelled at, or even get kicked. Remember, it’s not personal—it’s just part of the job!
- Parents will seek your advice about their kids. You might feel a bit out of your depth, especially since you don’t have kids of your own yet, but just give it your best shot. Throw in something about veggies; it always sounds good.
- That quirky teacher with the wild hair? Yeah, she’s the one swiping your Coke from the lounge. Get a mini fridge for your room—it’s a game changer!
- You’re going to mess up a lot, and that’s totally okay. It’s how you learn, plus it’s good practice for your future—you’ll be raising twins!
- When you slip up, don’t hesitate to apologize to your students. They’ll appreciate seeing you own up to your mistakes.
- You might even get thrown up on by a student. Karmic payback from that time you hurled on someone’s fancy shoes as a kid. Just roll with it, and try not to get anyone else in the splash zone!
- Oh, and watch out for the boys in line. They might be peeing on each other while you’re distracted up front. Try to walk in the middle to keep an eye on everyone!
- Those veteran teachers with the apple-themed jewelry? They really do know their stuff. Pop by their classrooms after school for some good advice and stories.
- Don’t hesitate to “steal” ideas from your colleagues. It’s not really stealing; it’s borrowing! And everyone’s happy to share.
- Keep a notebook handy for all the hilarious things your students say. You’ll want to remember those gems!
- As the new teacher, you might feel like you have a neon sign saying, “I’ll take any task thrown my way!” It’s totally fine to say no. You don’t have to join every committee right away; take your time to find your groove.
- All the acronyms in education? It’ll feel like a foreign language, but don’t stress. They’ll change soon enough!
- Believe it or not, you’re going to fall in love with these kids. They’ll challenge you, inspire you, and might even make you rethink your entire life before 9 a.m. It’s going to be one wild ride!
And if you want to dive deeper into topics like home insemination, check out this blog post or explore this helpful resource. If you’re looking for more information on the tools you might need, this site is a great authority on home insemination.
In essence, teaching is a journey filled with ups and downs, laughter, and plenty of lessons learned. Embrace every moment, and remember, you’re not alone in this!