I have been teaching for 18 years. Most of that time was in a private school. Three years ago, I was fortunate to get a first grade public school teaching position. Yes, it took me that long. Teaching positions in Massachusetts are hard to come by and I suspect that is the case in many states.
The transition from private to the public school sector was HUGE! It many ways to try to compare teaching in both settings would be like trying to compare apples to dogs. It really is THAT different.
It many ways, 3 years ago I felt like I new teacher. I was referred to as a new teacher by my district and colleagues and I felt almost exactly like I did my first year out of college. Terrified, excited, elated, overwhelmed, anxious, happy, sad- my emotions ran the gamut that first year and often times they ran that gamut in one day.
I love this linky from Teaching with Crayons and Curls and My Mommy Reads. We all can learn from one another whether we are in our first, 18th, or 30th year teaching.
1. Collaborate- I learn more from my colleagues than I ever did in college. From bulletin board ideas to our new teacher evaluation system, having the support of colleagues is so important. Be accepting of their support and guidance.
2. Ask for help when needed- Let's face it folks, teaching is a tough job. Please, please don't feel bad about asking questions. This is not a sign of weaknesses or stupidity. If anything, asking questions or asking for help shows you care about your practice.
3. Be as organized as possible- I say "as possible" because inevitably, all kinds of new things will be "thrown" your way this school year. Find a system that works for you. Whether it's a 3 inch binder, a cabinet full of files, or a simple notebook to keep yourself on track. Try not to let too many piles build up on your desk or around your classroom. It will make it hard to find things when you need them and it will make the classroom feel unorganized. For me, when my classroom feels like I mess, I feel like a mess. Like this:
1. Gossip- Just don't. It's not nice and it's not professional.
2. Isolate yourself- Try to make time to spend time outside of school with your co-workers. They can be a great support system and when the job gets tough-they know how it feels. Don't go it alone. You don't need to.
1. Be good to yourself. Take one day at a time. - That teacher down the hall whose classroom looks like the window of Saks 5th Avenue, that 3rd grade teacher who has been nominated for "Teacher of the Year" or that kindergarten teacher who never seems to ever be stressed out. Don't compare yourself to them or anyone else. Just do you. If a lesson went horrible, the bulletin board didn't come out as cute as you thought, or that parent just seems to have it in for you- try really hard to let it go. You'll get there. Not all at once- but you'll get there. Try not to worry. Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn't take you anywhere.
Just breathe and enjoy. Teaching is the very best job on earth. May you always feel this way! Be good to yourself and give yourself permission to rest and relax.
Have a great school year....because you can!
Don't forget to check out the other bloggers and their helpful hints too!

YES! I love the gossip one. That is one of the main reasons I avoid the staff room!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice :)
Sam
Fun With Firsties
Sam, I agree with you on the staff room! I try not to go into the lounge unless it is absolutely necessary!
DeleteYou girls are so good! I like the social aspect of the staff room and the break from the classroom. Luckily, there isn't much gossip in the lunch room. I notice it more in other places around the building.
DeleteI love your blog! So bright and colorful great design!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAll great pieces of advice for new and old teachers! Collaboration is key for teachers. Thank you for sharing!
Jill
Thank you so much, Jill. You are sweet. I hope you are enjoying your summer!
DeleteI am new to blogging (about school, at least), so these super cute blogs are stressing me out! Which is hilarious because I just blogged about "not comparing yourself to other teachers!" HAHA
ReplyDeleteYour advice is great! I bet it was quite the transition to go from private to public! It is encouraging to remember that everyone is a beginner at some point! :)
I will have to check our your TpT store for 1st grade ideas!
http://ferventfirstgradefrenzy.blogspot.com/
A fellow first grade teacher and beagle mom! :)
Oh Delaney please don't stress. I feel so bad to hear your say that because I was the same way when I first started. When I first started my blog was horrible. I mean....bad. I'll have to check out your blog. Are you on Instagram? I'd love to see pictures of your beagle. My beagle, Bentley gets featured on lot on my little blog and Insta. He's spoiled rotten! :)
DeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The advice is good for ALL teachers. I have the problem of making sure my room looks cute and then remember that there are kids coming and I need to get ready for that :)
Stacy
Made with Love
Ha! I hear you, Stacy! I have to keep reminding myself that they are 7 and it's not like my mother-in-law is coming to the classroom to visit. :)
DeleteOh my goodness, Julie! You have such wonderful advice. And, you are so right- this is for new teachers AND veteran teachers! It's so smart to not isolate yourself. I started at a new school once and did not have a team that I connected with, and I felt so alone at school- it wasn't fun at all! Also, your quote "Just do you." is absolutely amazing advice. It's so hard to not compare yourselves to others, but we are all rockstars in our OWN way!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up!
Chandra @ Teaching with Crayons and Curls
Sing it, sister! Rock on!
DeleteI enjoyed reading your advice...it is great!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Thank you, Andrea. I hope you are enjoying your summer!
DeleteLove love love. Asking for questions was one thing that took me a few months to do, and once I did I didn't stop!!! Your 'don'ts' are spot on! Never a good idea and can always lead to more misery than it is worth! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. A former colleague that I adored and who mentored me (unofficially) used to tease me for beginning each sentence with "I just have one question." We'd laugh because that usually meant there were at least 4 more to follow. :)
DeleteI love the "ask for help." I think that is hard for new and veteran teachers. But with things changing so much all the time, we all have to be a little more open to ask and answer! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteLyssa
www.mymommyreads.com