So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

UGH I don't understand why this year has been HELL for me!!! Am I alone in this? Last year was great...it was exciting, fun, new...and I almost felt like I knew what I was doing...at least for a first year teacher. This year, I feel the complete opposite. The passion is gone because I'm so frustrated with myself, I can't get organized, I can't get motivated and I feel like I have even less control of the kids.

Anyone have a similar experience or is it just me?

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

wow, Guess I'm alone in this one...

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

My first year was the hardest.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

My 2nd year was harder, but I had a much larger class. But it all just seemed to flow my first year, my 2nd year my mgmt was worse....I feel for ya.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

3rd year was just as hard if not harder than the 1st!!

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

first year was hardest by far.....

but the second year and now 3rd has its challenges too....

my second year was the year where i had to get a lot more intellectual about my teaching. my eneergy was not spent on the classroom mangagement piece and the just trying to get acclimated. the second year, i did a lot more personal assessment and analyzing... i knew more and could reflect better on what i taught well, what needed work, what wasn't necessary, what i needed to add... essentially, more work in trying to better my work.

Message edited 1/10/2008 7:03:49 PM.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

my first year I had zero experience, my kids were totally off the wall. I taught a second grade 12:1:1 and at the end of the year I thought I pretty much could handle anything.

My second year I had a kindergarten class , totally different behaviors, whereas my class before I could "reason" with a lot of my K kids were nonverbal, so there was so much structure needed and all that. Plus that was the year my old Principal decided she was going to become a gestapo.


They both had their ups and downs but at the end of both years I always felt so happy that I stuck with it.

Message edited 1/11/2008 6:48:09 AM.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

I think EVERY year has its challenges hehe.
The first year for me, I felt had more stamina and drive yet I was not confident in the subject matter and classroom management. As the years go on I have more control over everything, although each year it really depends on the type of students you have.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

I think I understand where you're coming from. During my first year, I was on such a high and had such a good time, and I think part of the problem with the second year is that there's no way to immediately replicate that feeling and the whole first-class-ness of it all. By the end of the second year, though, you realize, I think, that each year has its own special quality. At least that's the way it's been for me, and this is my eighth year. Each year stands out for a different reason, but the second year can only be compared to the first, and that one is special for so many reasons. (I hope that made sense. I think I was rambling. FM if you want, though. I do get it.)

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

Please dont tell me it can get any harder than this!

i am in my first year!

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

Im in my 12th year and its still hard.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

1st year was really hard, but I had more support.

2nd year was harder for me, but I also switched schools so it was hard to get used to a new administration/way of doing things, etc.

The beginning of this year (3rd year) was very difficult because of parents. The planning aspect has gotten a bit easier.

HTH.

Re: So tell me...what was harder for you- first year or second year teaching?

My first year was a complete nighmare. My second year I really focused on management and felt like I really had incredible control in my classroom. My 3rd year I improved my instruction to the point where I felt completely comfortable in my profession. In my 4th year I felt lost and incometent. It wasn't just me though, the entire grade (8th at the time) had fallen apart. I couldn't get this class to stand in a straight line let alone sit through a 90 min. block and produce any work, let alone quality. I was completely depressed and didn't know what to do. At the end of the year I decided I needed a change and went to another school. Three years later I am teaching in high school, and I have found my passion for teaching again. Sometimes it's not you, it's the environment you're in. That was the case for me. Don't give up.