Being a new teacher is really hard, y'all. and intimidating. and stressful. and slightly terrifying. There have been many days when I leave school in a complete daze - my husband wants to know how my day went, and typically all I can muster is a few mumbles about accommodations and data collection. Again, IT'S HARD.
What is incredibly easy, however, is to dwell on all the things you don't understand, all your short comings, or how you weren't able to get through to that kid in your third period. Today, I'm choosing to focus on the good. Here are some positive things that have happened to me in my first month of teaching:
1. I'm working with some incredible people who have welcomed me into their circle from the moment I met them. Morale is HIGH at my school; how many teachers can say that?
2. Some kids like me enough to high five me in the hallways. BAM.
3. I got through my first walk through without passing out, and even better, was rated proficient!
4. I've been able to "get through" to kids who are sometimes unreachable, both academically and emotionally.
5. THE KIDS ARE GETTING SO CLOSE TO SAYING MY LAST NAME RIGHT. Yes, all caps was necessary.
6. I've strengthened my ability to work and communicate with others. I'm an introvert through and through, so this is big for me!
7. I have learned something new every single day.
8. I have successfully taught math lessons (the 12 year old version of myself is in awe at this turn of events).
9. I am learning to put the needs of others before my own.
10. As a teacher, I am serving an invaluable purpose in these kids' lives!
If I could give any advice to all the new teachers out there, it would be this: focus on the little victories. You are doing better than you think!
