ALT-6 Surviving your first Year as a Teacher
Twenty-seven third graders all stared up at me at once. I had just been introduced as their new teacher, replacing an extremely popular teacher who had recently taken a maternity leave. My head spun and my throat felt dry. What was I thinking? Who on earth had convinced me that I could ever successfully manage a classroom and prepare tender minds for bright futures? I felt simultaneously petrified and challenged. "Here we go..." I thought.
What I learned that first year of teaching could have never been taught on a college campus or in any textbook. There is nothing that can replace the sheer experience of just jumping in with both feet. Mistakes will be made, for certain, but, fortunately, children are forgiving and chalk erases easily and one quarter always gives way to a new and better quarter.
Although no advice can totally prepare you for your first year of teaching, or prevent you from ever pushing too hard or demanding too little, saying too much or not enough, here are a few things that I learned my first year in the classroom that might give you a little insight and alot of hope:
Find a mentor, immediately. Your best resource will be that older, wiser, more experienced teacher who resides down the hall. Listen well, take notes, ask questions, be vulnerable.
Bring cookies to the secretary. You really want this gal as an ally. There is no one closer to the principal or more intimate with parents. She orders supplies, has the code to the copy machine and makes the morning coffee. She can make or break your career. Show her the respect that she deserves.
Learn to say, "I don't know....but I will find out". Students don't need you to be right every time or perfect, but human. They will feel safe when you are honest and real.
Ask for help. It is humbling to be the new kid on the block, but asking for help will save you lots of time and effort. Plus, teachers love to teach-even teaching other teachers gives them meaning. Your peers really do want to help. And the mere act of you asking shows your admiration and respect-a big kiss-up in the education field.
Sign up for free classes. Many school districts offer workshops and seminars on the latest teaching techniques or management strategies. Take as many as you can and soak up the value of years of experience from veteran teachers and administrators.
Get a subscription to a good teaching magazine. Don't reinvent the wheel. There are hundreds of great ideas ripe for the picking.
Finally, join a gym. After a full day in the classroom you will need a healthy outlet. So breathe hard, sweat, converse with adults....and build the stamina you need for a new day with the kiddos.
