Seems a little strange that I have so much to say about teaching now that I’m not actually in it anymore. I don’t think I had the space and perspective to reflect and think about it all while I was in the thick of it, and I had never really planned to start a blog about food or teaching or anything. Funny how these things happen.
When I resigned, one thing I feared was that I would forget so many good things I learned, if and when I return to the profession. There were all sorts of habits and procedures and tricks I had picked up, and some I’d already forgotten. It would be so unfortunate if I went back to teaching and couldn’t remember them all! I think that’s part of why I spend so much time writing about it here on this blog. As much as it is to share information with others, it is also to preserve my experiences for myself, so someday I might go back and remember what my classroom was like and what made things run well.
I don’t want to return to the job and feel like a new teacher all over again– that was an overwhelming experience. There are some things I do wish I could tell myself, though. So here is a letter to younger me. New teachers, please feel free to peer over her shoulder.
————–
Dear Younger JoEllen,
It’s me– older you. In case you’re wondering, you look about the same as you do now, you love Ben even more than you used to, and HEY! You have a babygirl! It’s great. Anyway, welcome to teaching. You really are going to love it as much as you’ve always hoped to– even more, actually. But it’s true– teaching can be really hard. Here are some things I want you to keep in mind as you start out. Future you (i.e. me) will be ever so grateful if you would take these into consideration!
1. You don’t have to be super strict to get the kids to respect you. You do, however, have to work hard to be consistent about reinforcing your behavioral expectations. If you have time, which I know you don’t, give this piece about consequences and this post about consistency a read. It will save you from a lot of unhappiness.
2. Get yourself onto a supportive grade level team. A cohesive, supportive team really makes a difference. It might even be worth switching grade levels to join one if you have the chance!
3. Get more sleep.
Now that you’re in your twenties, you don’t run on 5 hours of sleep as well as you used to. Accept that truth and try to sleep a little earlier, especially on Sunday nights. The kids don’t deserve a tired (i.e. grumpy) version of you all week.
4. Make a folder in your email called “Encouragements” or something, and save heartwarming messages and warm fuzzies from parents, co-workers, and students there. If the warm fuzzy comes in the form of a conversation, send yourself a quick email writing down what you remember from the conversation. For some reason, encouragement like that is uplifting for the day, but easily forgotten. However, criticism and discouragement settle into your heart for longer.
If you have this folder prepared, then you can come back to it on those tough days or weeks and remember and be encouraged. In the hard days/weeks/years, it will make a difference in your attitude and outlook and give you some perspective. I really wish you had started this years ago, because I remember having huge warm fuzzies all the time, but I can’t remember who gave them or what they said anymore. I took so many conversations and letters and emails for granted, and when I needed them to carry me through tougher times, I could only fall back on the handful that Ben or I could remember. That’s sad, because those are the rewards of teaching that money can’t buy– treasure them!
5. Make an Amazon wishlist for school supplies. It’s like a back-to-school registry! You and Ben are about to shell out some serious cash to set up that classroom, but newsflash: people really DO like to support teachers, and this is a great way to let them know what you need for your classroom! It’s easy for your friends to support, since Amazon will ship stuff wherever, and Amazon has competitive prices.
There’s probably more. You know me– I always have something to say. But you’ll have to check back in later for that.
In the meantime, gear up. Life has got a LOT headin’ your way in the next decade…
:),
2014 JoEllen
2 responses to “5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching”
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YES! These are all wonderful. I made mistake #1—it’s less about appearing strict and more about empowering the kids through structure. I love the wishlist idea too 🙂
Thanks, Heather! I also made mistake #1 =P Hope the new year is going well for you!