Real Life Advice-What New Teachers Should Know

 

These past few years have been HARD as a teacher. I know many other professions, people, parents have struggled and I am not discounting that in any way, I  just happen to be a teacher myself so that is the lense that I've been looking at the world from.

Teaching fills my emotional and social cup. I smile, laugh, hug, love and learn every single day.  To be honest, I was born to be a teacher.  It's also the hardest, most taxing job that I have ever had at times.  

Here are some real life tips from one teacher to a new or aspiring one!

1.  Student teach and don't intern if you can avoid it. I know there are teacher shortages everywhere and it is so appealing to bypass the whole "working for free" part of student teaching, I get it, you want your own classroom, you will just figure it out and you've got this. I bet you will do fine.  There is something to be said for taking the pressure off and allowing your to fumble, learn, collaborate and ease into a challenging career.  I also had the best Mentor Teacher ever and I realize that is not always the case.  I have watched several intern teachers over the year (they've all been successful) and I just see the stress, uncertainty and frustrations that I just know could have been avoided had they had someone to take the burden off of them.  Just a thought, you'll never regret not having the pressure your first year!

2.  Leave work at work as much as possible. I understand there are goodie bags at times to assemble or little projects to prepare for that you will end up taking home. As much as possible leave lesson planning, prepping and all of the other good stuff at school.  I've shared resources with other teachers, split up the work load for upcoming projects and even stayed late at times to get things done.  I would rather stay a bit late once in a while than fill my dining room table with school supplies.  You need to separate your work and home life.  Once you get through your first couple of years of teaching, you need less time to prep.  Trust me, it does get easier!

3.  Invest in comfortable clothing. I was determined to wear my "office" attire for the first year of teaching.  I ended up getting sharpie on a favorite pair of pants and my fancy boots were scuffed irreparably from getting up and down off of the floor.  Once I switched my wardrobe to "teacher" clothes, I was more comfortable and was able to keep my nice clothes, nice!  Here is an example of a comfy teacher shirt, some of my favorite pants and a pair of practical shoes!

4.  Don't over volunteer for committees, clubs or extra activities.  Chances are you could really use the extra time to plan and learn the ropes in your first few years.  I know you want to prove yourself and show you are a team player.  There is time for that later. Right now, you probably feel tired, over extended and flustered.  Do your mental health a favor and get comfortable as a teacher before you add anything extra to your plate.  Trust me on this one!

5.  Utilize your village.  This may be your principal, office staff, co workers or parents.  Someone in that list is going to be an ally.  Get to know your families.  Chances are they would do anything for you! You are taking care of their child all day and parents don't mind helping. What I have found is they don't always know what to do or how to ask. I've learned that I don't need to run around the night before and gather materials for a project.  I can send a quick message to all of my families and chances are there is someone who won't mind picking up a few things.  Each week I include a wish list in my class newsletter. Sometimes I write the silliest things and then they magically show up the next Monday.  If you are overwhelmed or need help reach out to the people on your team or on your campus.  I have found that teachers tend to be the most generous, helpful and supportive people (I realize there are exceptions) and will totally understand you.  Don't feel silly saying, I need a holiday activity can you help?  I have borrowed and shared more than my fair share over the years! I never mind helping a new (or seasoned) teacher out, ever!

I hope someone, somewhere will find these tips to be helpful! I have never had a more fulfilling career but have also had many challenges with it.  I think it's important to talk about all of the wonderful parts of teaching but it is equally important to talk about the hard stuff too. The hard stuff is what makes us better teachers. The good news is, you don't have to do it alone!  

Take care!

Mckenzie