Dear First-Year Teachers,
You are about to embark on an exciting and important adventure—your first year of teaching! I know how you’re feeling because I have been in your shoes. Anxiously awaiting class lists to begin labeling everything, putting up the bulletin board with the hopefully not-so-crooked letters, and waking up from back-to-school nightmare thinking, “Boy, I’m glad that was just a dream!”
I always wanted to be a teacher. I was the little girl teaching her stuffed animals how to read when my little brother was too tired to be my student. It truly was a dream come true when I was hired to be a first-grade teacher and have my own classroom! Yet, as my first day of school approached, the butterflies in my stomach grew as I grappled with the mixture of pure excitement and sheer panic.
I remember getting the room all setup and realizing that even though the pencils were freshly sharpened and the bulletin boards were looking great and straight, I didn’t have a single lesson plan ready (don’t worry, I did get those done.) Since I can’t send you off to your first day with a warm cup of coffee or an emergency stash of chocolate, I wanted to share seven nuggets of truth I’ve picked up along the way and wish I had known as a first-year teacher.
Nugget #1: It’s hard, but worth it
Dear first-year teachers,
I won’t sugarcoat it: the first year of teaching can feel overwhelming, but please know you’ll make it! You’ll teach your students that they can do hard things, and remember, you can do hard things, too. They’ll learn to do this from watching you; the reward is sweet. Nothing is better than having the privilege of investing in a child’s life. You will have 180 days to learn, teach, and love your students. Some days will feel long, but your kids need you, and each one will hold a special place in your heart. Yes, even the challenging students.
Trust me, they go a little deeper into your heart. Your eyes will tear up when you see a child get it for the first time—it’s like a lightbulb goes off in their brain. You’ll become a little school family, and they’ll always be your kids, regardless of how much time passes. Hang in there because it’s worth it!
Nugget #2: You are not alone
Dear first-year teachers,
It might feel like it when you’re in your room with your students but know that we, your fellow teachers, are here for you. Please ask for help and allow others to help you. If you aren’t given a mentor teacher, seek one out. Go into other teacher’s rooms, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, take advantage of volunteers. Many students’ families will offer to help.
You can even send things like the cutting lamination home with volunteers to do. This is exactly why I created my Helping Hands Take Home Volunteer Bag and System! It was the easiest way for parents to be involved and help out, especially for those who worked full-time!
Teaching is not a solo act—we are better when we work together!
Nugget #3: You will make mistakes, and that is OK
Dear first-year teachers,
Say it again—it’s okay! Please give yourself grace and know that the beauty of mistakes is that we learn from them. Also, it’s okay for your kids to see you make mistakes, but remember to turn them around and use them as teachable moments. Learning is messy, but it’s so good!
Nugget #4: It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect
Dear first-year teachers,
Your classroom doesn’t always have to be Pinterest-worthy. Also, as you scroll through social media, please don’t let comparison pull you down. It’s wonderful to be inspired by others and look for great ideas, but don’t let it consume you or define you. As time passes, your teaching ideas will grow and expand. The first year is full of so many new things. Focus on loving your students and guiding them in their learning.
Nugget #5: Leave before dark
Dear first-year teachers,
Basically, if the custodian starts joking about you needing a cot in your classroom, you’re staying too long. How do I know this? Well, I stayed late almost every night during my first year. So, after that, I picked a time and aimed to be out of there because there will always be something to do, but you will be a better teacher if you refuel and refresh.
It is good to remember that there are seasons in teaching (like the beginning and end of year or report cards) that you might need to stay later, but don’t make it a habit. Or maybe pick one night a week you stay later but work hard to get home at a reasonable time.
Nugget #6: Take time to fill up your cup
Dear first-year teachers,
And I’m not talking about your coffee cup, either! I’m talking about your heart. Do something you love and know that sometimes the best thing to do is to leave the work at school! This is why setting a time to leave is a great habit. You do such important work pouring into your precious kids every day, but if you don’t refill your tank, it’ll leave you feeling empty and dry. Find things that fill your heart up and make time for them. You’ll be a better teacher if you do!
Nugget #7: You are the best teacher for your kids
Dear first-year teachers,
It’s true! Your students need you, and guess what? You need them too! Together, you will make mistakes, learn, and grow together. There is something so special about your first class! You’re going to learn so much this year, so please don’t ever stop learning. Can I let you in on another truth? Not only do your students need you, but our profession also needs you! We need your spark, excitement, tech-savvy skills, and learner’s heart. We learn so much from you! So, keep shining your light brightly, and have a great first year!
Love,
Becca Foxwell
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