4 Things I Learned In My First Year

missbradyart
Jul 30, 2018
3 min read

Whether its your first year of teaching all together, or your first year in a new school - this is for you.

Build Relationships With Your Colleagues

Participate in staff get-togethers and events. Reach out.

At the start of my first year at my current school, I made it a priority to get out and do as much as possible with my colleagues. Our school is small and the staff spends a lot of time together - going out to dinner, playing Bunco once a month, etc. So, when the first email went out about "Bunco Night!" I hopped on the opportunity. Was I nervous? Of course. I didn't really know these people, and they didn't really know me. But as the night went on, we all got to know each other and now I feel so comfortable around them. Honestly, I think of many of my coworkers as my friends first and foremost. If your school doesn't already have these types of things happening after school, maybe you could be the one to arrange it - it could be really awesome!

Don't Take Everything So Personally

Sh*t happens. They aren't out to get you. On the contrary, they're probably out to help you.

I struggled with this big time at the start of my first year. Any time another teacher corrected me or offered up a suggestion after I had a major newbie teacher fail, I would get upset and emotional (granted, I am a super emotional person anyway). I knew that what they were saying was meant to be helpful, not hurtful, but it still bothered me. And I also knew that I needed to get over that real quick. I think the hardest part for me was that I was taking their constructive criticism and advice as a jab at my teaching abilities when honestly, they truly did just want to see me succeed. Now, as I gain confidence in myself as an educator, I have an easier time not taking things personally when its not worth my worry.

Get A Little Uncomfortable

Bite off a teeny bit more than you think you can chew every once in a while.

When it comes to community outreach/school events, committees, art shows, you name it - give it a shot. Try it. Why not. Maybe it's as simple as when the principal passes the sign up sheet around for Family Reading Night or School Carnival, and you sign up for something that may seem a little out of your comfort zone. Or maybe its tackling something bigger, like volunteering to be the coordinator for your PLC. You may feel stressed at first or a little unsure, but you need to keep this in mind: You are creating new opportunities for yourself and opening new doors you didn't even know were there. "I've learned in my life that it's important to be able to step outside your comfort zone and be challenged with something you're not familiar or accustomed to. That challenge will allow you to see what you can do." - J. R. Martinez

Be Kind To Yourself

You're the only you you've got.

Seriously, though. If you don't take time for yourself, you will get burnt out. You will go crazy. You will start giving your pets the countdown from 5 only to get to 2 and realize they aren't your students.....Speaking from extremely personal experience here, guys. I mean it!! You need to be nice to yourself. So what the lesson went to hell in a hand basket?! The kids probably didn't even notice. And if they did, they've already forgotten about it. I had some lessons that literally crashed and burned right in front of my eyes and I would beat myself up about it for days. That ain't healthy. You gotta let it go. Better luck next time. For real. Give yourself a dang break! Also, when you find yourself only thinking about school, lessons, projects, and supplies when you're at home trying to binge watch OITNB (also speaking from personal experience), you need to do something about it. Schedule a massage. Go get a mani/pedi. Give yourself some much needed attention. TREAT YO SELF. You can't be the best you for them if you aren't even you in the first place.