Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I am beyond anxious and I am so upset when I hear over and over again how I will "cry a lot in the first year," "have no life outside of school," and will "hate your first year."

I'm really trying my best to go into the year on a positive note, and I hate hearing this over and over again. I understand the need to hear some truths...and I don't want to be coddled, but can someone out there give me some POSITIVE things that happened to them in their first year??

Also, as far as curriculum goes, how much did you have pre-planned before the school year starts? Is 1 unit (1-1 1/2 months) enough?

I feel so lost, scared, unprepared, anxious, and vulnerable. My school is great, but everyone is extremely busy - so asking for help seems burdensome!

Thank you for any support/kind words...

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Good luck!!! What subject/ grade are you teaching?

I used to tell myself I just had to make it to Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Winter break etc. You will get through it and have a great year! There is nothing like your first group of kids. I hope you are starting at the same time as some other staff as that can be a great bond.

I think 1 unit is fine, some of your department members will share stuff and give you an idea of where you should be. Don't be afraid to ask for help and advice.

As for positive things you will be teaching young minds, sharing a subject you presumbaly love. It isn't an easy year, but it's really do-able. It will feel like the greatest accomplishment when it's over and you know what, you WILL look back on it fondly!

Good luck You can always post here for help too

ETA (in case this wasn't long enough ) Is there a mentoring program for new teachers at your school? I could not have gotten through my 1st year w/o my mentor answering questions and calming my nerves. To this day he remains one of my favorite co-workers. If you do't have a formal mentoring program, try to find an unofficial person to help you out

Message edited 8/21/2008 8:09:57 PM.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

The first year is without a doubt hard. And yes, you will be a slave to it. But you will survive and you will have fun!!!!! You will learn soooo much! You will learn what works and what doesn't. It is the biggest learning year. My advice...find a mentor or colleague who is also starting out and stick with them. Find a planning groove. At one point, I was planning every night for 2 hours just to get through the next day. Then I planned for a few days. Then I planned for a week. Now, I'm pretty much planning every 3 weeks or so. If you are lucky enough to have teachers guides, then you just have to create a schedule that works. I had to basically make my own lessons b/c Teachers College was the vaguest thing every. When you find your planning groove, you will breathe! Always have extra stuff, such as lessons, games, worksheets.

You have us! We will help you with whatever you need! Good luck!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Thank you ladies so much!! I loveeeeeee the positivity.

I'll be teaching 6th grade math.

I DO have a mentor...haven't talked to him much, but I ADORE him. I'm lucky he is my mentor. I know I'll be leaning on him a lot.

Right now its taking me 3+ hours to write 1 lesson. Yep - thats right. 3 hours. primarily because our school is pretty new (this is its 3rd year) and there really isn't a curriculum in place.

But be honest with me - how much SHOULD I have planned before the school year begins?

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I only have the first day planned so far and I'm moving into a new grade this year. I never plan more than a week in advance. It works for me, you'll find what works for you. The first year is hard, but having your own classroom is a great feeling. You will learn so much and next year you will be super confident. Good Luck!!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Posted by krooshe

I only have the first day planned so far and I'm moving into a new grade this year. I never plan more than a week in advance. It works for me, you'll find what works for you. The first year is hard, but having your own classroom is a great feeling. You will learn so much and next year you will be super confident. Good Luck!!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I only have the first 2 days planned
I think you'll be fine with a whole unit done.
My only advice is to have fun with it as much as you can, try not to take it all too seriously (I know it's easier said than done!), and be strict with them especially at first so they know who's boss.
It is true that the first year is very hard so be sure to make time for yourself to get your mind away from work.
Good luck!!!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

First off We have all been there and got through it and so will you.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Is the first year the hardest...yes! But don't freak out! I didn't cry at all my first year (in fact in 7 years I haven't cried at all because of teaching!) It definitely gets easier as the days go by.

I found that I always overplanned - and I actually prefer it that way because then there is always a little leftover for the next day or week to open the door to something else.

I remember when my husband started teaching I was allready into my 2nd year - I thought we would break up (he was my BF then) because I was trying to help him plan and it seemed impossible. Obviously as he became more confident in the classroom things got so much easier. He learned to collaborate with peers teaching the same levels and build confidence in what he was doing.

It's a challenge, but it gets better day by day. Rely on yourself and those around you who have done it before and you will be fine.

Good luck!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

My firt year was fine...take your time and realize that you will make mistakes and it is OK. Mistakes your first year are excused and a real learning process. I went into 4th grade knowing nothing and basically planned as I went along so the fact you have so much thought out is great.....but don't freak if most of it goes out the window....lots does because things always pop up.

Relax and enjoy...find other new teachers to go through the process with

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

You'll be fine! It's just going to be busy, but you will never forget your first students. For math (I teach 5th) I love the lessons online through the NCTM site, I think it's called illuminations? There are so many recsources out there for good math lessons!

It's good that you feel comfortable with your mentor. Lean on him, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Good luck and have fun!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I don't know who told you that you will hate your first year, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth for me. Now, I'm going to preface this by saying my first year I was 23, not married and did not have children. Because of that, I didn't actually mind that the entire first year I was devoted to my job because I LOVED IT!! It brought me so much satisfaction and pride to know that I was reaching those children. That is still, 8 years later, one of my favorite classes. We formed such a bond because I was sometimes just as clueless as they were, feeling my way around the room and curriculum. If there's one thing I wish I could go back and tell myself, it's that it's ok to feel that way. It's ok to not know what to do all the time, no one expects you to be a master teacher right away. Like pps have said, lean on that mentor, that's what he's there for!
Have so much fun this year! It's going to be soooooo great!!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Bon~

Yes, your first year is hard, BUT, to me that is when most of my nerdy "wow, I AM a good teacher" moments occurred. You will be amazed when that one kid FINALLY can solve an equation unassisted, or when another kid connects two topics on their own. Those times will sustain you as you are waiting for Columbus Day or Thanksgiving Day. You will make friends, maybe not in your department, but def with others that started at the same time as you.

As for me, I haven't planned the first day yet, but yes, I spent 3 hours on lessons AT FIRST. But then I got more comfortable, now it's about 1/2 hour or so. Also, save everything!! Get binders and get organized.
If you can have the week planned out, you will be fine!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Good luck to you. I am sure you will do fine. I have nothing planned so far. Just remember to relax and enjoy it.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I had a fantastic first year. My department was helpful and supportive. The parents we (mostly) happy that their child had an energetic young guidance counselor to help them through the college process. Yes, it was hard: I left late, came early, and there were days that I lived on coffee and M&Ms. I learned more in the frst week than I did in two years of grad school. But I was just fine, and so will you.

Good luck!!!!!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I havent BTDT, but I just wanted to wish you lots of luck, Im sure you will do great !

They did hire you for a reason ! Im sure they saw that you are more than qualified for the spot !

and this board is an overwhelmingly wonderful resource of awesome teachers!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

I looooved my first year. It was so exciting...yes I was nervous and unsure of myself but it was all new and fun. Just try to enjoy it as much as you can and don't listen to all the stupid negative comments! Good luck!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Ack, I wrote a whole post and got thrown out!

Anyway, as I was going to tell you before, I loved my first year, absolutely loved it. You'll learn so much, and kids tend to love young teachers and connect with them. Just be positive, and I can't imagine you won't enjoy yourself.

You have to remember to take time for yourself outside of school -- even if it seems like there's no time -- make time. Sometimes, the set of papers can wait.

Also, don't be afraid to admit when you're not sure of something. The kids will respect you even more if you do the legwork of looking up an answer for them. Sometimes they need to be reminded that we're not computers.

As far as planning goes? My first year, I was night-to-night. Second year, I was week-to-week. After that, I was unit-to-unit. If you're a WEEK ahead, I'd say you're in good shape.

Don't be afraid to ask for help in school and on here. There's a lot of support. And remember -- this is the greatest job in the world. You're going to be making a difference like you've never imagined.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

You just have to remember to take care of yourself, and have a life outside school.

Don't take home more work than you should reasonably do in one night.

You may be at an advatage teaching math- I know my school uses a program (Everyday Math maybe?) so you get the pacing- even if you need to modify, you have a framework.

Are you in NYC? If so your school should have a coach and maybe a lead teacher. It is their JOB to help you. If any higher-up criticizes you, ask them to come in and model a lesson for you. They will either leave you alone, or really help.

Cover your you-know-what in your dealings with parents and supervisors. Document everything. For example, this year, I am only going to call parents from my cell, so I have a record of the call. I am also going to put any requests for help to my AP or coach in writing. This may seem extreme, but you have to judge the climate of your school and protect yourself- it makes me sad to have to do this, but my school is going down the tubes and I have to be ready for finger pointing.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

You're going to be great. Plan ahead as much as you can, but just be open to altering things, I always planned to do too much in the beginning. (Write in pencil.)

Get a seating chart together for the first day, so you get to know names quickly. That will help classroom management as well. I always start out in alphabetical order (boring I know).

..and I didn't cry my first year.

Nope, it wasn't until my second year.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

Posted by nel

Ack, I wrote a whole post and got thrown out!

Anyway, as I was going to tell you before, I loved my first year, absolutely loved it. You'll learn so much, and kids tend to love young teachers and connect with them. Just be positive, and I can't imagine you won't enjoy yourself.

You have to remember to take time for yourself outside of school -- even if it seems like there's no time -- make time. Sometimes, the set of papers can wait.

Also, don't be afraid to admit when you're not sure of something. The kids will respect you even more if you do the legwork of looking up an answer for them. Sometimes they need to be reminded that we're not computers.

As far as planning goes? My first year, I was night-to-night. Second year, I was week-to-week. After that, I was unit-to-unit. If you're a WEEK ahead, I'd say you're in good shape.

Don't be afraid to ask for help in school and on here. There's a lot of support. And remember -- this is the greatest job in the world. You're going to be making a difference like you've never imagined.

Message edited 8/22/2008 9:22:04 PM.

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

You will be FINE! My first year was great! It definitely takes some getting used to but I certainly still had a life! I even went to the var for karaoke night Monday nights in September/October ! I'm now going into my 7th year teaching and I have survived! You may cry your first year...I still cried last year! It's a stressful job, but lots of fun and so worth it :) Don't stress out about planning too far in advance. Just try and do 2-3 weeks at a time and maybe have a broad outline of what you want to cover each month for the rest of the year. I'm sure your colleagues will help you and if they don't seem willing to offer you help, don't be afraid to ask questions! GOOD LUCK!

Re: Can someone calm this first year teacher's nerves?

It will be FINE. You will be fine. You are well prepared, and it sounds like you have a support system in place. Plus, I'm telling you, personality has more to do with how the kids respond to a teacher than any amount of training or experience, and you have a personality that the kids will really respond to. It's going to be ok.

Regarding lesson planning... if I were you, I'd stop now. You don't know yet how the kids are going to respond to your lessons. Maybe they need a lot of hands-on stuff. Maybe they're super fast and need a challenge. I can't even plan more than a WEEK ahead because I don't know how the kids are going to respond, or what kind of detour my lesson will take (although I think high school Spanish probably detours a lot more than middle school math!). But I'd hate to see you waste so much precious summer time planning lessons you're not going to be able to use. Oh, and if it makes you feel better, my first semester, each lesson took me about 90 minutes to write (including handouts, etc.) Now, they take me 10-20 minutes. Less, if I'm doing something I did last year.

Classroom management was my toughest obstacle my first year. Don't be shy about going to other teachers for ideas and suggestions. DON'T go to administration for ideas or suggestions, even if they seem really friendly. You don't want to give them an excuse to show up in your room to "see how things are going." Yuck.

It takes a lot of trial and error, and you will find it tough, and you will be up lesson planning until midnight some days, but it will get easier as time passes. You will not cry every day. You will have a social life. Every teacher in the building was a new teacher once, and you will have over 100 sympathetic ears in the building with you, trust me.

Now, go teach!

Message edited 8/22/2008 10:52:31 PM.