Letter to a First Year Teacher

Dear First Year Teacher,

Teaching is the most rewarding, stressful, incredible job you can have. Every single day you will make an impact. You will be shaping the lives of truly amazing young humans. But some days will be tough.

To help you survive (and even enjoy) your first year, here are some tips shared by teachers who have been right where you are:

• You can’t change the world in your first year and that’s okay.

• Trust yourself, you know what you are doing.

• Stick to the basics. Don’t rush to change everything at once.

• Start small. Master it. Next term or year, try another idea or change.

• Try to enjoy the small moments. They are often the ones that matter the most.

• Find a good mentor. Someone you can laugh with, cry with, and learn from.

• Some days will feel impossible. These days are not a reflection of your ability.

• You can be a brilliant teacher without letting the job consume your entire life.

• The list will never be finished, no matter how many hours you work and that’s normal.

• Permanency isn’t everything.

• Travel if you can.

• Do relief teaching. Try different schools, go country and/or remote. It builds resilience and experience.

• You won’t get through it all. And the kids? They’ll be just fine.

• Set some boundaries for yourself.

• If the lesson falls apart, abandon! Go outside for a game and try again tomorrow.

• Put sunscreen on. You spend a lot of time outdoors on duty.

• Use realistic, manageable planning templates.

• Amazing learning happens in the spontaneous moments.

• Laugh often!

• Above all, building a relationship with your students is the most important. Be the person they can trust and the person who will advocate for them.

Remember: you are doing enough. You are enough. Be kind to yourself, because you’re already changing lives in ways you can’t always see.

You’ve got this. We are right there cheering you on.

From,

Teachers who’ve been there!