Comparing Yourself to Others

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Home : 2004 : December : 16

Comparing Yourself to Others
By Been There, Too

I think comparing yourself to veteren teachers is quite common; it goes on more than new teachers will admit.

You are ahead of the game because you realize that you do it and should not. I understand because I did the
same thing. I worked in a pod, so I could hear and see what went on in other classrooms. I'd see neat projects going on, while I did the hum-drum things because I my creativity level was low because of learning everything as a new teacher.
How can you overcome comparing yourself to others? First, be aware that your thoughts of comparision are just thoughts. They are reality. Don't

take them seriously. And too, remind yourself that you are new and learning the ropes. Don't expect too much from yourself your first year. It's unfair to you.

One thing I did when I realized how detrimental it was to tell myself how much better everyone else taught was to really begin to take time each day and acknowledge what I did well.

You have to treat yourself how you'd treat a student who was brand new at some skill. Would you compare him or her to another student with experience?

Hope others can shed light on this subject for you. Been There, Too