you are right on track

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2004 : November : 26

you are right on track
By Rebecca

Yes, this IS how you feel the first year. It is very overwhelming trying to learn your school's procedures, do's and don'ts, organizing, getting down a system that works for you, etc. That second year WILL be better (but
don't expect it to totally change) and by the third year, you feel like you finally "got it!" The first year you find yourself trying to stick exactly to things, then the next year you feel a little more confident and will venture out "on your own" some, and then by the third year, you feel very confident in what you are doing. Things are starting to click!
My first year, I was

staying until 6-7 p.m. My husband always asked me "Do you have to stay that late?" Yes, I really did because I didn't have a grasp on things. The next year I was there until about 5 every day. By the third year, I was usually out of there atleast by 4 (and many times by 3:30--kids leave at 3:00). These days I am staying a little later learning all of these Reading First programs we are implementing but I don't feel the stress I did the first year. I am enjoying staying a little later working on my centers, etc. I ENJOY doing all that and I am still home before my husband. My youngest son is a teenager and drives himself to and from school so that helps.(I went back to college when my kids were in grades 6th and K).

I am going into my seventh year and I am still love, love, loving it! I am not saying that I don't still get stressed at times, because I totally do! Some parents are hard to deal with! Some of my students' situations are sad. And there have been a few co-workers that get to you at times. But you are going to have things like that in any job. I LOVE teaching and I am always on the hunt for new ideas, lessons, etc. I have NEVER had a day that I really dreaded going into work.

I think you will get to that point too! Just handg in there! It DOES get better. Just try to remember back to why you went into teaching. You will be fine.

1. Keep all your worksheets, activities, etc. on file
2. Jot yourself notes in your plan book (this lesson went well, next year add...., don't try this again, use _____ book for this lesson, etc.) That will help you on next year's planning.

I wish you luck! Hang in there!