It’s about to get real. You’ve planned and prepped, listened and learned, decorated and dreamed. In a few short days, students will stream through the door. Names on rosters will become faces in your room. Whether you teach precious little pre-k’s, almost-grown high schoolers, or any age in between, they are coming to you for connection, caring, and academic content.
You have stepped into a rewarding, exhausting, impactful, consuming, inspiring, life-changing, and challenging calling. You will experience the thrill of the aha moment as a child’s face lights up. You will smile with your students when success comes from struggle. You will see that school is the only safety and stability for some. You will experience teacher tired. You will see surprise on students’ faces when they see you in a restaurant or the grocery store. You’re going to love this job, and you’re going to be overwhelmed. The second year is easier than the first. Each day has delight and difficulty, so be careful where you put your focus.
Some advice from a veteran who loves this job:
- Ask for help. Look for the teachers who enjoy what they’re doing.
- Get some sleep.
- Avoid negativity—walk away, it’s contagious.
- It’s ok to make mistakes— that’s how we learn.
- Make friends with the office staff, the custodians, the food-service workers, and the maintenance crew.
- At the end of a rough day, think of a few students who did a really good job. Email or call those parents. It will change your mindset and make your evening so much better!
- Start each day with a clean slate—for students and coworkers.
- Pray for your students, coworkers, and administrators
Heavenly Father bless our new teachers as they enter this vital profession. Guide them as they impact and influence their students. Give them stamina and wisdom, peace and rest. Help us as coworkers to remember to support and encourage them. May you be glorified in all that we do. Amen
Happy New School Year!