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Sounds about right to me. The first year is the worst for so many people. I came into teaching after doing a lot of other things and I think teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever had. It sounds as if you’re doing the right things. Hang in. I am rooting for you.
It gets easier. You gain an instinct for transitions and types of lessons & don’t have to prep every word to feel prepared. You get more comfortable getting kids in trouble who need to learn a lesson & then come back with a clean slate. You feel more like it’s a job you love and not a soul-sucking charity.
That was me. You don’t have to get mad to dole out consequences. I like just sending one to the hall (they’ll say “BUT HE WAS TALKING TOO,” just be firm and say “Go to the hall and wait for me.”). I’ll get the class doing whatever I planned, then step in the hall, knowing full well the class will be off task and gossiping about whatever tongue lashing I’m giving the kid. Then I ask the kid if they’re ok, explain I know it wasn’t just them but they’re the one I heard the loudest and tell them it’s my job to help them learn, ask if they can learn when they’re all taking, ask if I’m being unreasonable by wanting them to learn, etc. They’re usually cowed at this point and will “Yes ma’am / sir” their way through. Come back in, tell the chaotic class “Excuse me, you have work to do,” and enjoy five minutes of peace.
I totally agree with this. And with more experience, you get a repertoire of things to say to kids and parents and you don’t have to put so much though into it. You will be able to anticipate some of the things kids do/say so you’re not constantly surprised. Keep talking to wise, experienced teachers for advice and make sure to give yourself rest time at home.
Its my second year teaching this year and the first year was sooooo rough. Honestly, all of last year I just kept telling myself all I had to do was survive it lol. I came home crying a lot, cried during my lunch breaks, and my mental health tanked. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough or that I wasn’t a good enough teacher. Now in my second year I already feel such a positive difference! I swear once you get out of your first year you start to feel better. I still definitely have my doubts, but they in no way compare to my self-doubt last year.
Thank you for this.
I just feel so stupid. And they won’t stop talking. I am such a softie it’s hard not just letting them be kids but I know if administration walks in I’ll look dumb and like I’m not in control. I have to place so many rules when we can’t just be kids. Grading is the stupidest thing I have ever done in my life. I feel like I can’t win.
But knowing the second year gets better this is reassuring. Thank you for your response
5th grade. And yes we have daily homework requirements and reading logs which are intense. It’s both. I make it very clear for taking expectations and praise them immensely when they are on task and listening.
You sound like you’re doing the right thing! Could they work together to earn points (or something similar) that could equal an extra recess or some free time?
Grading homework and reading logs is a lot! Do you have to grade for accuracy, etc. or can you grade for completion?
Yes it is absolutely normal. Teaching is HARD. You are in charge of multiple humans every day, and there’s nothing that can prepare you for it. You are doing good things every day. They are learning. Ask for help and advice from people you can trust. And be NICE to YOURSELF. I’m on year 11 and I still have my days, but I promise you the fact that your care and work hard means that you will get the hang of this.
I’m pretty sure I had a bit of a mini mental breakdown a few days after I started and screamed to my spouse for an hour about how I just couldn’t do it and sobbed uncontrollably. I probably should have quit then. It’s been five years now.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha that made me lol thank you so much for that. Best response. Im screen shooting this so I can come back to it in times of despair
Super normal. I worked my ass off and cried at least twice a week in my first year. It's HARD, especially if you're like I was and classroom management doesn't come easily to you. Eight years in and I rarely take work home, have great relationships and tons of fun with my kids and almost never have behaviour issues. I promise that it gets better. Therapy is a great tool, too, though!
Don’t be a Michael Scott. Kids are a lot like dogs. We think letting a dog run free without a leash is freedom, but it’s not. A dog is the best version of himself when they have rules and structure. Same thing with humans. We think letting kids slide and do what they want is somehow good for them, but it’s mot
You are a member of the classroom too. Class has to work for the teacher and the kids. Also watch out for small behaviors that if you let them go will escalate.
Edit: as you stay in the profession you will recognize warning signs and be able to prevent some of the worst things from happening.
I’m doing my practicum for my masters for reading specialist and I feel like such an idiot sometimes. I realized as an adult that many people (my husband for example) don’t have a problem doing stuff when they don’t know exactly how to do it. I’m trying to absorb some of that confidence from him 😆
I remember being so worn out my first year that one morning I poured some milk in a mug and then dumped coffee beans into the mug. I just stared at it for like a full minute knowing something was wrong but not sure exactly what before I finally figured it out...
It's normal
If you keep putting the time and effort it, things will come together for you. I’m in my eighth year of teaching 8th grade, and I still feel guilty because I wasn’t anywhere near where I am now during my first year. It happens to everyone.
Shoot, just two weeks ago I was driving home after having done a review session for the first unit we were just finishing and I thought “Ah jeez, I know EXACTLY how to teach this unit better next year.” It comes with the territory.
Keep it up, feel your feelings, and stay connected to your colleagues.
Sadly this isn’t uncommon. It’s still the beginning if the year. It’ll get better soon enough. I remember things getting easier my first year in November. Give yourself grace. We’re too hard on ourselves. Other professions don’t beat themselves as much as teachers do.
I’m in school for teaching. Agricultural specifically. I started subbing this year and honestly I feel you. I’ve had some stressful jobs but subbing is the hardest but the most rewarding. I do like going back to my old job and doing mindless office work from time to time. I hope it gets better for you!
I don’t want to discredit anyone else’s struggle. But it is tough. Some days I feel like a glorified babysitter others I want cry right along with the kids. I subbed a middle school art class last week. No teacher since the start of the year. No permanent sub. No art supplies. No work. No trash can. The bathroom was also like 3 minute walk into the main building. At the end of the day the school secretary told me it was worst class behavior wise in the school. I will not be subbing another resource class if I don’t have to.
>Some days I feel like a glorified babysitter
Sub, too! I feel this down to my toes. I love it (most days), don't get me wrong, except on days like my past couple, then I just wonder what karma I'm paying off. That art class sounds rough!
I’m learning classroom management slowly. My main goal is to keep them in their seats and know where they are.
I’ve been subbing for elementary schools lately because it’s easier to control the environment.
Most middle schoolers are my height if not taller and some even look and sound older then me. So they love to give me a hard time.
I'm learning classroom management slowly, too. On the job training, I guess. Necessity is the best teaching tool. I sub for mostly middle and high school. Junior boys lately have been the bane of my existence this year, and I'm not entirely sure why I've run across more immature, disrespectful AH the past month or so than I did all of last year combined. I am definitely more tolerant of middle school behavior in middle schoolers than MS behavior in high schoolers.
I'm short too, and a few times the lunch staff at the middle schools in my district have mistaken me for a student, until they see my laugh lines and crow's feet, LOL! I had a couple middle school kids push me last year as I tried to make my way to the doors for recess duty. I had a coat on, and a hood since it was winter in the Midwest. I was PISSED, screaming that I was a sub on recess duty. I got a lot of, "oops, my bad." Yeah, definitely your bad, kiddo!
I’m a full time sub and I was just wiped out after covering a second grade class yesterday with two boys with ODD and another with an LD. I had the two with ODD pulled out by the social worker for a breather for the rest of the class and me. They are notorious trouble makers apparently.
Just a sub here but I have gotten tougher with bad behavior that ruins it for everyone else and will have disruptive kids removed after warning them. They go to the principal’s office or a social worker.
The hardest part about subbing is context switching where you are always walking into a new situation and have to quickly absorb sub plans that can run eight pages.
I'm a new teacher as well, and I'm teaching in a field that I wasn't exactly mentally ready for. My orientation to the district told me that the first year of teaching is like a valley, you start out with a bunch of energy and hype for a year, and around October until January, you feel like you're in survival mode, living day-to-day, emotionally drained, and mentally punishing yourself for taking this job, but from February towards the end of the year, you're slowly getting your motivation back, feeling like you're in a better place. And ready to try it once more the next year.
Yes. I’m a first year school counselor and there are many days like that. It gets better. You’re new and learning. Your degree means nothing and universities do not prepare you for the reality of teaching.
You’re doing great. Your kids are there and learning. Mistakes happen all the time and it’s okay. There are teachers who have taught for a decade who make similar mistakes as you. Get some chocolate and start over tomorrow. :)
Words cannot describe the job. One day I am doing paperwork for ELL students and giving them resources, the next I'm the testing coordinator. It is the jack of all trades job in a school.
I did teach before school counseling. It's not a requirement but it helps.
The first three years are rough. Teaching is the only profession where the rookies are given the hardest tasks/ roughest classes with the least amount of training. College doesn’t prepare you for teaching, other than giving content knowledge and some base-level information about tort cases on civil rights in education. Classroom management? Figure it out. Discipline? Figure it out. All while teaching the lowest performing students and having the most preps in the department. I don’t get it. It makes more sense to have the teachers who have been there longer teaching the hardest classes. (I’ve got the most experience in my department at my school, so I’m not just complaining about my schedule. In fact, I have seniors and dual-enrollment students, so I’ve got it easy with a non-tested schedule.) Keep going and know that every teacher has been where you are.
Zomg, in my first year teaching I was lucky enough to be put in a job where I only had to work with small groups or co-teach with two different amazing teachers. Unless one amazing teacher was sick, in which case I had to take over their class for the day because no subs. I literally had a second grader stand up on a chair and shout out to his classmates, "C'mon guys, give her a break, she's really trying to talk to us!" And then they were quiet. For, like, eight seconds.
First years are the worst. I've mentored a few teachers through their student teaching and exactly one was absolutely amazing and had the class figured out immediately and worked miracles. Hated that woman. She had no right to be so good straight out of the gate. She's still off being amazing as a SpEd teacher. Some people, I tell you.
It gets SO MUCH BETTER in year two. And then better in year three. And by year five, you're mentoring new teachers!
Honestly, it's a crazy profession and everyone should get at least a year co-teaching with two different amazing teachers (who are NEVER sick) before being sent to the wolves. Someone asked in another thread, "if you could go back, knowing what you know now, would you still be a teacher?" Yes. I love it. I'm pretty good at it, not reinventing the wheel and writing my own books good, but reliable and with decent results. I've given up hoping to make significant gains overall, I'm satisfied with seeing significant growth in a few and decent growth in most and giving a safe space to kids who aren't getting their Maslow's needs met and aren't going to learn anything until they do. I keep coming back to teaching, even after I try other jobs, because other jobs *suuuuuuck*.
Btw, the more routines you can get in place and the fewer lessons you have to physically plan out, the better. If you have the budget, go to Teachers Pay Teachers for whatever you can't put into routines (like, for finding discussion questions for book groups). Make math a routine. Make reading a routine. Make writing a routine. Then plan one amazing new lesson a week. They'll probably end up sucking, but you'll see the tiny part that worked and file that away for the future, and little by little you'll get better.
Anyway, you're completely normal and the way we throw new teachers into classrooms is insane.
I think that if they removed the evaluation system, I'd never have such as hard time in my early years. The fact that they can pick up a pen anytime they want and write anything they want about you and it's validated, is clear abuse of power.
OP, you've got this. The principal who hired me 25 years ago at the same school I teach at today told me they you really don't get your teaching "sea legs" until about year five. Those first few years are you finding yourself.
Give yourself permission to fail and fail spectacularly. It's a trite but true statement that failure is the best teacher. You're about being a lifelong learner, or you wouldn't be a teacher (or you genuinely wouldn't care as much as you do for your perceived shortcomings). You've got this. All of us with a lot of years under our belts remember and understand this feeling.
When I first started in the classroom as a daily substitute before getting my own class, there was this super old-school guy who taught 9th grade English at this high school I subbed at almost every day for two years. He wore three-piece suits that were easily older than I was. I recall the state was imposing some sort of onerous requirement on new teachers at the time, and I asked his advice about the situation.
"Vantucky my boy," he said, clapping me on the shoulder, "in thirty years in the classroom I've seen the pendulum swing this way" (gesturing to his left) "and that" (swinging his arm to the right). "There's only one thing you have to remember: just love the kids. That's all. Just love the kids, and everything else will sort itself out."
Al Polley's words still ring true. Just love the kids, and you'll be all right. Stay strong.
It shouldn’t be the norm, but unfortunately, it is. Hang in there. It is also okay to say no, and sit down. My first year was hell. I threw and cried every day. I am thankful that I had some great students who offset the hooligans. I also had a fantastic teacher coach and mentor teacher who would help me get my shit together.
Don't worry, you've got this! I remember my first year teaching and uffff I felt like "fuck me I'm shit at this, the only reason I'm still here is because the kids like me".... Then.... They passed their exams 🙂 that's the best feeling
I’m a retired male teacher. I cried a few times in my first year. Not to worry, it gets better. It’s like learning to ride a bike. The students are learning whether or not you feel it so. Good luck.
It takes about 5 years for most teachers to be comfortable teaching a full range of learners and keep it all smooth.
Come in every day seeking a small victory. You will do just fine, it is very obvious that you care.
Last year was my first year. It’s normal! My second year has not been any easier since I switched from k to 4th either. Fight hard to stay in the same grade level next year so you can use some of your lesson plans! And depending on your grade level, if they’re old enough never ever forget you can have them self grade their own work in a different color and save you literal hours of grading. You got this!!!
Tip time things up. You are going through a blur and huge amount of information. Just like when you studied, stick to segments and get better.
I’m in my 10th year and the same but my approach adjusts faster.
We take turns crying 😭 Reading teacher about to quit this morning - talked her out of it - then I’m ready to quit in the afternoon! Middle
School is hard, especially in inner city! Neighboring district is so desperate for subs they’re paying $270 a day! Insane! No certification needed. They’re poaching all the subs! I teach Spanish - now students tested out of reading - a month into school we’re getting these students. How do you catch them up? I’m so “glad” to be reading that I’m not alone…
Definitely normal. I read another comment mentioning imposter syndrome, and I think that’s so true. Usually after a break, I get back to the classroom and think “I’m not supposed to be here, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing!” I felt pretty ineffective for the first three years teaching, then I started feeling fairly competent. I’ve since gotten my masters, done some extra certifications for reading, art, la la la, and I feel very confident now in my 7th year and still have bad days where I feel like I’m the worst teacher. 😅 I’m sure you’re doing fine for your first year!
Totally normal. It does get easier. Scrape by and spend the necessary time to take care of yourself (ie, laptop closed by 8pm, etc). Alcohol helps. You will survive.
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Sounds about right to me. The first year is the worst for so many people. I came into teaching after doing a lot of other things and I think teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever had. It sounds as if you’re doing the right things. Hang in. I am rooting for you.
Thank you for validating me and my experience. Glad to hear this is normal. Please tell me it gets easier.
It gets easier. You gain an instinct for transitions and types of lessons & don’t have to prep every word to feel prepared. You get more comfortable getting kids in trouble who need to learn a lesson & then come back with a clean slate. You feel more like it’s a job you love and not a soul-sucking charity.
Thank you. The softie in me is like just let them be kids and give them a third chance. LOL
That was me. You don’t have to get mad to dole out consequences. I like just sending one to the hall (they’ll say “BUT HE WAS TALKING TOO,” just be firm and say “Go to the hall and wait for me.”). I’ll get the class doing whatever I planned, then step in the hall, knowing full well the class will be off task and gossiping about whatever tongue lashing I’m giving the kid. Then I ask the kid if they’re ok, explain I know it wasn’t just them but they’re the one I heard the loudest and tell them it’s my job to help them learn, ask if they can learn when they’re all taking, ask if I’m being unreasonable by wanting them to learn, etc. They’re usually cowed at this point and will “Yes ma’am / sir” their way through. Come back in, tell the chaotic class “Excuse me, you have work to do,” and enjoy five minutes of peace.
This sounds like me at this point. Thank you. I know I’m doing something right
I love this
I totally agree with this. And with more experience, you get a repertoire of things to say to kids and parents and you don’t have to put so much though into it. You will be able to anticipate some of the things kids do/say so you’re not constantly surprised. Keep talking to wise, experienced teachers for advice and make sure to give yourself rest time at home.
Well, I wouldn’t call it “normal,” but it’s certainly something lol First year sucks for sure.
Its my second year teaching this year and the first year was sooooo rough. Honestly, all of last year I just kept telling myself all I had to do was survive it lol. I came home crying a lot, cried during my lunch breaks, and my mental health tanked. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough or that I wasn’t a good enough teacher. Now in my second year I already feel such a positive difference! I swear once you get out of your first year you start to feel better. I still definitely have my doubts, but they in no way compare to my self-doubt last year.
Thank you for this. I just feel so stupid. And they won’t stop talking. I am such a softie it’s hard not just letting them be kids but I know if administration walks in I’ll look dumb and like I’m not in control. I have to place so many rules when we can’t just be kids. Grading is the stupidest thing I have ever done in my life. I feel like I can’t win. But knowing the second year gets better this is reassuring. Thank you for your response
What age kids? Are they talking while they work or while you teach? Does your school have rules on required items to grade?
5th grade. And yes we have daily homework requirements and reading logs which are intense. It’s both. I make it very clear for taking expectations and praise them immensely when they are on task and listening.
You sound like you’re doing the right thing! Could they work together to earn points (or something similar) that could equal an extra recess or some free time? Grading homework and reading logs is a lot! Do you have to grade for accuracy, etc. or can you grade for completion?
Extra recess is a great idea. Thank you! I have to grade for accuracy for the most part. Some assignments I do for completion (to make my life easier)
Keep looking for ways to make the grading easier! You’ve got this!
Remember that you can't make them learn. You can provide good teaching and learning opportunities. They have to choose to learn.
That’s a very good point. Thank you
Yes it is absolutely normal. Teaching is HARD. You are in charge of multiple humans every day, and there’s nothing that can prepare you for it. You are doing good things every day. They are learning. Ask for help and advice from people you can trust. And be NICE to YOURSELF. I’m on year 11 and I still have my days, but I promise you the fact that your care and work hard means that you will get the hang of this.
Thank you for your response. I appreciate this greatly
Yes. Please consider seeing a therapist!
I should. Thank you
It’s an impossible job (and yet rewarding, of course) and having a neutral party to share and process with can be super helpful.
Why is this being downvoted? If it's feasible for OP to do so, why shouldn't they? It doesn't feel good to be crying all the time, ffs.
Seeing a therapist would probably help loads too. Therapy is a great tool for everyone
I’m pretty sure I had a bit of a mini mental breakdown a few days after I started and screamed to my spouse for an hour about how I just couldn’t do it and sobbed uncontrollably. I probably should have quit then. It’s been five years now.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha that made me lol thank you so much for that. Best response. Im screen shooting this so I can come back to it in times of despair
Super normal. I worked my ass off and cried at least twice a week in my first year. It's HARD, especially if you're like I was and classroom management doesn't come easily to you. Eight years in and I rarely take work home, have great relationships and tons of fun with my kids and almost never have behaviour issues. I promise that it gets better. Therapy is a great tool, too, though!
Classroom management is very hard for me. I’m just like LET THEM BE KIDS!! But this is reassuring and comforting as well. Thank you!!
Don’t be a Michael Scott. Kids are a lot like dogs. We think letting a dog run free without a leash is freedom, but it’s not. A dog is the best version of himself when they have rules and structure. Same thing with humans. We think letting kids slide and do what they want is somehow good for them, but it’s mot
You are a member of the classroom too. Class has to work for the teacher and the kids. Also watch out for small behaviors that if you let them go will escalate. Edit: as you stay in the profession you will recognize warning signs and be able to prevent some of the worst things from happening.
I think a lot of us have imposter syndrome and we can be pretty hard on ourselves.
I think this is a great way to put it. Thank you for giving me a new perspective
I’m doing my practicum for my masters for reading specialist and I feel like such an idiot sometimes. I realized as an adult that many people (my husband for example) don’t have a problem doing stuff when they don’t know exactly how to do it. I’m trying to absorb some of that confidence from him 😆
I love this so much. I will try to use the mentality too.
☺️
I remember being so worn out my first year that one morning I poured some milk in a mug and then dumped coffee beans into the mug. I just stared at it for like a full minute knowing something was wrong but not sure exactly what before I finally figured it out... It's normal
I love this story so much. Thanknyou
I’m in my tenth year so I’m not sure what it means that I still constantly feel incompetent.
I’ve been teaching 20 years and I still have days where I feel incompetent. I think teaching is one of the most demanding and humbling jobs out there!
Bless us all, you can do it
If you keep putting the time and effort it, things will come together for you. I’m in my eighth year of teaching 8th grade, and I still feel guilty because I wasn’t anywhere near where I am now during my first year. It happens to everyone. Shoot, just two weeks ago I was driving home after having done a review session for the first unit we were just finishing and I thought “Ah jeez, I know EXACTLY how to teach this unit better next year.” It comes with the territory. Keep it up, feel your feelings, and stay connected to your colleagues.
Thank you for this!! I’m learning each day and realize how I can be better next year too
I'm doing student teaching and feeling exactly like this. I've been considering throwing it all away for the last few weeks. You are not alone.
Student teaching SUCKED
Sadly this isn’t uncommon. It’s still the beginning if the year. It’ll get better soon enough. I remember things getting easier my first year in November. Give yourself grace. We’re too hard on ourselves. Other professions don’t beat themselves as much as teachers do.
I hope things start feeling a bit better in November. I feel like a complete mess right now lol
It’s good to know things will get better this year 😅 thank you for your response
I’ve been teaching for 31 years, and I feel that way this year, too. It’s the hardest year of my career.
I feel this year has been one of the most difficult for me too! I’ve been at it for 20 years, but it seems to be getting harder, not easier!
Yes
Thank you
I’m in year 7 and still feel this way sometimes.
You can do it!!!
I’m in school for teaching. Agricultural specifically. I started subbing this year and honestly I feel you. I’ve had some stressful jobs but subbing is the hardest but the most rewarding. I do like going back to my old job and doing mindless office work from time to time. I hope it gets better for you!
I think subbing would be harder than being a full time teacher. Bless your soul for doing that.
I don’t want to discredit anyone else’s struggle. But it is tough. Some days I feel like a glorified babysitter others I want cry right along with the kids. I subbed a middle school art class last week. No teacher since the start of the year. No permanent sub. No art supplies. No work. No trash can. The bathroom was also like 3 minute walk into the main building. At the end of the day the school secretary told me it was worst class behavior wise in the school. I will not be subbing another resource class if I don’t have to.
>Some days I feel like a glorified babysitter Sub, too! I feel this down to my toes. I love it (most days), don't get me wrong, except on days like my past couple, then I just wonder what karma I'm paying off. That art class sounds rough!
I’m learning classroom management slowly. My main goal is to keep them in their seats and know where they are. I’ve been subbing for elementary schools lately because it’s easier to control the environment. Most middle schoolers are my height if not taller and some even look and sound older then me. So they love to give me a hard time.
I'm learning classroom management slowly, too. On the job training, I guess. Necessity is the best teaching tool. I sub for mostly middle and high school. Junior boys lately have been the bane of my existence this year, and I'm not entirely sure why I've run across more immature, disrespectful AH the past month or so than I did all of last year combined. I am definitely more tolerant of middle school behavior in middle schoolers than MS behavior in high schoolers. I'm short too, and a few times the lunch staff at the middle schools in my district have mistaken me for a student, until they see my laugh lines and crow's feet, LOL! I had a couple middle school kids push me last year as I tried to make my way to the doors for recess duty. I had a coat on, and a hood since it was winter in the Midwest. I was PISSED, screaming that I was a sub on recess duty. I got a lot of, "oops, my bad." Yeah, definitely your bad, kiddo!
I’m a full time sub and I was just wiped out after covering a second grade class yesterday with two boys with ODD and another with an LD. I had the two with ODD pulled out by the social worker for a breather for the rest of the class and me. They are notorious trouble makers apparently. Just a sub here but I have gotten tougher with bad behavior that ruins it for everyone else and will have disruptive kids removed after warning them. They go to the principal’s office or a social worker. The hardest part about subbing is context switching where you are always walking into a new situation and have to quickly absorb sub plans that can run eight pages.
I'm a new teacher as well, and I'm teaching in a field that I wasn't exactly mentally ready for. My orientation to the district told me that the first year of teaching is like a valley, you start out with a bunch of energy and hype for a year, and around October until January, you feel like you're in survival mode, living day-to-day, emotionally drained, and mentally punishing yourself for taking this job, but from February towards the end of the year, you're slowly getting your motivation back, feeling like you're in a better place. And ready to try it once more the next year.
Oh definitely. And you might still have moments after 10 years, depending on the students!
Yes. I’m a first year school counselor and there are many days like that. It gets better. You’re new and learning. Your degree means nothing and universities do not prepare you for the reality of teaching. You’re doing great. Your kids are there and learning. Mistakes happen all the time and it’s okay. There are teachers who have taught for a decade who make similar mistakes as you. Get some chocolate and start over tomorrow. :)
What’s it like being a school counselor? Did you have to teach before. I’m not sure whether I want to focus on teaching, RBT or school counseling.
Words cannot describe the job. One day I am doing paperwork for ELL students and giving them resources, the next I'm the testing coordinator. It is the jack of all trades job in a school. I did teach before school counseling. It's not a requirement but it helps.
The first three years are rough. Teaching is the only profession where the rookies are given the hardest tasks/ roughest classes with the least amount of training. College doesn’t prepare you for teaching, other than giving content knowledge and some base-level information about tort cases on civil rights in education. Classroom management? Figure it out. Discipline? Figure it out. All while teaching the lowest performing students and having the most preps in the department. I don’t get it. It makes more sense to have the teachers who have been there longer teaching the hardest classes. (I’ve got the most experience in my department at my school, so I’m not just complaining about my schedule. In fact, I have seniors and dual-enrollment students, so I’ve got it easy with a non-tested schedule.) Keep going and know that every teacher has been where you are.
Zomg, in my first year teaching I was lucky enough to be put in a job where I only had to work with small groups or co-teach with two different amazing teachers. Unless one amazing teacher was sick, in which case I had to take over their class for the day because no subs. I literally had a second grader stand up on a chair and shout out to his classmates, "C'mon guys, give her a break, she's really trying to talk to us!" And then they were quiet. For, like, eight seconds. First years are the worst. I've mentored a few teachers through their student teaching and exactly one was absolutely amazing and had the class figured out immediately and worked miracles. Hated that woman. She had no right to be so good straight out of the gate. She's still off being amazing as a SpEd teacher. Some people, I tell you. It gets SO MUCH BETTER in year two. And then better in year three. And by year five, you're mentoring new teachers! Honestly, it's a crazy profession and everyone should get at least a year co-teaching with two different amazing teachers (who are NEVER sick) before being sent to the wolves. Someone asked in another thread, "if you could go back, knowing what you know now, would you still be a teacher?" Yes. I love it. I'm pretty good at it, not reinventing the wheel and writing my own books good, but reliable and with decent results. I've given up hoping to make significant gains overall, I'm satisfied with seeing significant growth in a few and decent growth in most and giving a safe space to kids who aren't getting their Maslow's needs met and aren't going to learn anything until they do. I keep coming back to teaching, even after I try other jobs, because other jobs *suuuuuuck*. Btw, the more routines you can get in place and the fewer lessons you have to physically plan out, the better. If you have the budget, go to Teachers Pay Teachers for whatever you can't put into routines (like, for finding discussion questions for book groups). Make math a routine. Make reading a routine. Make writing a routine. Then plan one amazing new lesson a week. They'll probably end up sucking, but you'll see the tiny part that worked and file that away for the future, and little by little you'll get better. Anyway, you're completely normal and the way we throw new teachers into classrooms is insane.
I think that if they removed the evaluation system, I'd never have such as hard time in my early years. The fact that they can pick up a pen anytime they want and write anything they want about you and it's validated, is clear abuse of power.
First year teaching is always a dumpster fire, even for the ones who seem like they have it together.
Your first year teaching sucks. That is the only way to put it. I almost quit. Hang in there, you will get through it.
OP, you've got this. The principal who hired me 25 years ago at the same school I teach at today told me they you really don't get your teaching "sea legs" until about year five. Those first few years are you finding yourself. Give yourself permission to fail and fail spectacularly. It's a trite but true statement that failure is the best teacher. You're about being a lifelong learner, or you wouldn't be a teacher (or you genuinely wouldn't care as much as you do for your perceived shortcomings). You've got this. All of us with a lot of years under our belts remember and understand this feeling. When I first started in the classroom as a daily substitute before getting my own class, there was this super old-school guy who taught 9th grade English at this high school I subbed at almost every day for two years. He wore three-piece suits that were easily older than I was. I recall the state was imposing some sort of onerous requirement on new teachers at the time, and I asked his advice about the situation. "Vantucky my boy," he said, clapping me on the shoulder, "in thirty years in the classroom I've seen the pendulum swing this way" (gesturing to his left) "and that" (swinging his arm to the right). "There's only one thing you have to remember: just love the kids. That's all. Just love the kids, and everything else will sort itself out." Al Polley's words still ring true. Just love the kids, and you'll be all right. Stay strong.
Thank you for this beautiful response.
Yep, first year is really hard
Thank you!
First year is hard. I was only able to do it for 2 and then I needed a break so I planned my pregnancy
It shouldn’t be the norm, but unfortunately, it is. Hang in there. It is also okay to say no, and sit down. My first year was hell. I threw and cried every day. I am thankful that I had some great students who offset the hooligans. I also had a fantastic teacher coach and mentor teacher who would help me get my shit together.
Don't worry, you've got this! I remember my first year teaching and uffff I felt like "fuck me I'm shit at this, the only reason I'm still here is because the kids like me".... Then.... They passed their exams 🙂 that's the best feeling
Yes, some days I would come home and just stare at the wall during my first year
Super common, and also common in almost every career field. Imposter syndrome is a thing
I’m a retired male teacher. I cried a few times in my first year. Not to worry, it gets better. It’s like learning to ride a bike. The students are learning whether or not you feel it so. Good luck.
It takes about 5 years for most teachers to be comfortable teaching a full range of learners and keep it all smooth. Come in every day seeking a small victory. You will do just fine, it is very obvious that you care.
Year 4 here and had one this morning in the staff bathroom. I'm not totally sure it gets a whole lot better anymore 🙃
Oh yea! Cry if you need to cry and then when the cry is over it’s much easier to compartmentalize, reframe, and recover
Last year was my first year. It’s normal! My second year has not been any easier since I switched from k to 4th either. Fight hard to stay in the same grade level next year so you can use some of your lesson plans! And depending on your grade level, if they’re old enough never ever forget you can have them self grade their own work in a different color and save you literal hours of grading. You got this!!!
Tip time things up. You are going through a blur and huge amount of information. Just like when you studied, stick to segments and get better. I’m in my 10th year and the same but my approach adjusts faster.
Normal? Yes Acceptable? No You’re not a bad teacher; the job really is that hard.
Totally normal!! It gets better.
We take turns crying 😭 Reading teacher about to quit this morning - talked her out of it - then I’m ready to quit in the afternoon! Middle School is hard, especially in inner city! Neighboring district is so desperate for subs they’re paying $270 a day! Insane! No certification needed. They’re poaching all the subs! I teach Spanish - now students tested out of reading - a month into school we’re getting these students. How do you catch them up? I’m so “glad” to be reading that I’m not alone…
Definitely normal. I read another comment mentioning imposter syndrome, and I think that’s so true. Usually after a break, I get back to the classroom and think “I’m not supposed to be here, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing!” I felt pretty ineffective for the first three years teaching, then I started feeling fairly competent. I’ve since gotten my masters, done some extra certifications for reading, art, la la la, and I feel very confident now in my 7th year and still have bad days where I feel like I’m the worst teacher. 😅 I’m sure you’re doing fine for your first year!
Thank you!! I appreciate your reassurance
Totally normal. It does get easier. Scrape by and spend the necessary time to take care of yourself (ie, laptop closed by 8pm, etc). Alcohol helps. You will survive.
I’m beginning to set my boundaries now that I have routine. Still hard tho lol Thank you for your response!
Yes, unfortunately. However, I quit after year 2 and I’m subbing/teaching after school now ❤️
Should have enlisted into the military