... But we think about them anyway. (bonus points if you can name artist and song. hint: it's probably much older than you - ask your parents, or grandparents!)
Some of you started school this week, and others are gearing up for a first day after Labor Day. What an incredible time! Most first year teachers go through a bit of a cycle in their learning (and surviving) the first year. Right now, it's likely to say that you are rooted in the Anticipation Phase. You are deeply committed to the work ahead, excited about the possibilities, enthusiastic about the goals you have set for yourself. This high, which probably began in your student teaching experience, usually lasts several weeks, despite how exhausted you might be at the end of each day! If you're anything like me, there are moments each day where you walk into your classroom and you can't believe you're there, you're a teacher. It's pretty amazing, isn't it?
The thing that you realize quickly, though, is that every day has a huge learning curve. And the way to help yourself through these first few days and weeks is to remember to take deep breaths, reflect as much as possible in writing, and try not to sweat the small stuff. There will be mistakes, for sure, lessons that flop or classroom management ideas that bomb. But at the end of every day remember that there is a new day around the corner. A chance to try again. The kiddos in your classes are lucky to have dedicated, enthusiastic, smart teachers like yourselves. Remember that!
We'll talk a lot about how to overcome some of the most common concerns of first year teachers (classroom arrangement and management, curriculum planning and pacing, establishing a grading system that’s fair, parent conferences, work/life balance) in the coming weeks. Know that you're not alone, and we're here to help. Send me a comment or write me an email if you have ANY questions that we can help you with. Together, I hope, you'll not just survive, but thrive!
Reference: New Teacher Center (NTC)
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What has been your favorite "I'm a teacher!" moment so far?
Some of you started school this week, and others are gearing up for a first day after Labor Day. What an incredible time! Most first year teachers go through a bit of a cycle in their learning (and surviving) the first year. Right now, it's likely to say that you are rooted in the Anticipation Phase. You are deeply committed to the work ahead, excited about the possibilities, enthusiastic about the goals you have set for yourself. This high, which probably began in your student teaching experience, usually lasts several weeks, despite how exhausted you might be at the end of each day! If you're anything like me, there are moments each day where you walk into your classroom and you can't believe you're there, you're a teacher. It's pretty amazing, isn't it?
The thing that you realize quickly, though, is that every day has a huge learning curve. And the way to help yourself through these first few days and weeks is to remember to take deep breaths, reflect as much as possible in writing, and try not to sweat the small stuff. There will be mistakes, for sure, lessons that flop or classroom management ideas that bomb. But at the end of every day remember that there is a new day around the corner. A chance to try again. The kiddos in your classes are lucky to have dedicated, enthusiastic, smart teachers like yourselves. Remember that!
We'll talk a lot about how to overcome some of the most common concerns of first year teachers (classroom arrangement and management, curriculum planning and pacing, establishing a grading system that’s fair, parent conferences, work/life balance) in the coming weeks. Know that you're not alone, and we're here to help. Send me a comment or write me an email if you have ANY questions that we can help you with. Together, I hope, you'll not just survive, but thrive!
Reference: New Teacher Center (NTC)
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What has been your favorite "I'm a teacher!" moment so far?
Well, if no one else is going to bite...It's "Anticipation" by Carly Simon!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite I am a teacher moment--the look you get from a down in the dumps kid when you say "I believe in you!" You can't trade that for anything-EVER!
This is Angela by the way...I am supposed to respond to one of these for Dr. Kaback and it only lets me respond anonymously, even though I don't want to be anonymous!