Hang in there!

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Home : 2003 : January : 24

Hang in there!
By Martha

Unfortunately, you're experiencing a lot of the same feelings, insecurities, etc. that all of us in teaching went through the first year. I taught first grade my first year and spent most of the year worrying that I wasn't
doing the "right thing". . .it's scary to be totally responsible for teaching 22 kids without a mentor teacher guiding you, like in student teaching. Take heart...you are probably doing just fine. In our profession, "no news" is usually "good news" (i.e. if you're not hearing anything from administration or the parents, that's usually a good sign!) Just make certain that you're covering

your grade level "learner standards." Would there be an opportunity for your mentor teacher to come in and do an informal observation during your reading time, etc? Getting some feedback from her might help to put your mind at ease. Hang in there. . .just remember that you're a "rookie" and no one expects you to have all the answers. . .it's "normal" to feel awkward your first year. Next year will be a lot easier!