You’ve put a lot of hard work into reaching this point where you have your own classroom and students. The possibilities are overflowing, and the relationships will be rich. Isn’t it fun?!
Many days when the final bell has rung, I relax at my desk for a breath and reflection. Usually, my own kid, a colleague or two, and maybe a student who needs some help join me. That’s when I ask the question: What was your high, and what was your low today?
Dear new teacher, every day will have those highs and lows. Most incredibly rewarding experiences in life are also incredibly hard. I think about the student who would swear at me and refuse to look at me for the first half of the year. On the last day of school, he asked for a hug goodbye. I think about reading a thousand essays a year and also hearing from former students that college writing assignments are going well.
So, intentionally celebrate and rest in the highs and never be surprised at the lows. Instead, be steady. For me, steadiness looks like this:
- Get curious, not furious.
- See difficulties as puzzles, not problems.
- Rather than hitting a literal or figurative Reply All, talk only with a mentor or a trusted friend with whom you share your most vulnerable lows and your most ego-boosting highs. Don’t start a wildfire when you could extinguish a campfire.
- Decide which battles you will claim and which ones you’ll leave for others to claim. You cannot be everything to everyone.
- Be discerning when you select who to go to when it’s time to ask for help. Sometimes the answer is your instructional coach. Other times it may be a colleague or administrator. Think about both the person’s wisdom and also his/her access in that particular situation.
Teaching is hard work. Children can be impulsive. They can be short-sighted. They are learning how to regulate emotions and navigate relationships while their brains aren’t yet fully developed. Every day will have its highs and its lows. That is normal. The work isn’t easy, but it is worth it.
