Ah, the first year of teaching—a whirlwind of chaos and lessons learned! Here’s what I’d love to share with my newbie teacher self.
- Things will never go exactly as planned in your lesson outlines, but don’t skip making them anyway. They’re a great starting point!
- Your principal isn’t out to make your life miserable—she’s just juggling a ton of responsibilities.
- I know putting on professional clothes every day is a drag, especially having to dye your hair back to its natural color and remove that tongue ring. But trust me, it’s for the best. At least you get to wear jeans on Fridays—just steer clear of those bell-bottoms!
- Alright, maybe your principal is a bit harsh. Just keep your head down and do your work. A small gift of chocolate can go a long way!
- Crying during recess? Totally normal. You won’t be the last one to shed a tear, either.
- Find a buddy in the staff room; it’ll be a lifesaver. You’ll be each other’s support system for years to come!
- There’s always going to be more on your to-do list at the end of the day. Staying late won’t change that. Just tackle what you need for tomorrow and then head home—you’ll thank yourself later.
- Make sure to have some fun on weekends! No, cutting out 200 laminated ladybug wings for a science center isn’t fun. Do something to recharge, like a hobby you enjoyed before teaching. You can always send those ladybug wings home with that parent eager to help.
- Remember, your students face challenges outside the classroom that you may not see. You’re a constant in their lives, and that’s a powerful role.
- Expect to be called names, yelled at, and even possibly kicked or scratched—sometimes all in the same day. Don’t take it personally; it’s not about you.
- Parents will seek your advice about their kids. Even if you feel unqualified, just give it your best shot—maybe throw in something about eating more vegetables to sound wise.
- That quirky teacher with wild hair? She’s the one swiping your Coke from the lounge. Invest in a mini fridge for your room; you’ll love it!
- You’re going to mess up—often. But that’s how you learn, and it’s great practice for the future. Did I mention you’ll be a parent of twins someday?
- When you do mess up, it’s perfectly fine to apologize to your students. It shows you care enough to own up to your mistakes.
- Get ready—there’s a good chance you’ll experience a student throwing up on you. Just roll with it and try to avoid getting any on the other kids. It’s all part of the experience!
- And speaking of bodily fluids, keep an eye on those boys in the back of the line—they might be up to some mischief. Try walking in the middle for better supervision.
- Those veteran teachers wearing apple necklaces and broom skirts? They really know their stuff. Visit their classrooms after school for some wisdom and maybe a few laughs.
- Don’t be shy about “borrowing” ideas from your colleagues. If something looks good in their classroom, ask if you can use it—most of the time, they’ll be happy to share!
- Keep a record of your students’ funniest quotes. You’ll cherish those memories later!
- As a new teacher, you might feel like you have a sign around your neck that says, “I’ll volunteer for everything!” It’s okay to say no; you’ll have plenty of time to get involved once you find your footing.
- Those education acronyms might sound like a foreign language right now, but don’t worry—they’ll change soon enough.
- You’re going to fall in love with these kids. They’ll challenge you, inspire you, and push you to your limits—all before 9 a.m. It’s going to be an amazing journey!
Special thanks to my fellow educators Mia, Jason, and Rachel for their support along the way!
In summary, teaching for the first time is a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and joys. Embrace the chaos, learn from your mistakes, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way. For more insights on home insemination, check out our post on intracervical insemination and visit Make a Mom for expert guidance. Additionally, the March of Dimes offers fantastic resources for pregnancy and home insemination.