Support and advice

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2004 : January : 4

Support and advice
By Denise

Being a second year teacher, I have been there! I actually cried this time last year because the thought of going back made me sick. But I made it through! First, don't be so hard on yourself. Confidence will come! My
team of teachers last year must of thought I had zero education courses. I constantly asked questions. In fact, I don't think a day went by that I didn't ask the other 3 teachers at least 5-10 questions each! Your co-workers know how hard your job is! Lean on them or find someone at another grade level to help you feel less stressed.
Secondly, you are going to do some things wrong.

Teaching is a learning process. Learn from your mistakes. I did PLENTY of things wrong last year, whether it was file district papers incorrectly even after asking for help or completely leaving out important things on a study guide, I learned SO much! I am a much better teacher this year because of all of my mistakes last year.

Finally, make sure that you look at all of the great things that you do. Celebrate every little success. I made my husband take me out to dinner the day my entire class turned in their spelling assignments on time. Sixth grade is hard because the kids want to be fully independent but still need help. It's not that different from first grade behaviors, there are just different milestones. Celebrate the day that student who never has a pencil finally has one. Celebrate the day you got through the whole day's lesson plans.

If you ever need a pep talk email me and let me know! My first year was honestly awful, but as I said before I learned a lot! Enjoy teaching and enjoy your 6th graders! They're really neat once they open up!

Denise