So you’re a first year teacher.  You’ve done all the decorating, you’ve met your students.  All the hard work you put in has finally paid off and your dream of having your own class has finally come true.  And then reality slams you in your face!  That first week is behind you and you are feeling completely overwhelmed.  People warned you how hard it was going to be but nothing could have prepared your for this.  So what do you do now?  How to you handle the stress and the feelings of always feeling one step behind?  

Well I do not have all the answers but I can share a little advice that just might help you get through these difficult days. 

1. Take a Breath

First, stop and take a breath.  Sit down in a quiet place and take some time to focus on all you have already done so far.  Make a list of the accomplishments you have already had.  Did you get all your kids home safely the first day of school?  Have you already calmed down and made an anxious student feel better?  Have you begun to teach them expectations and procedures?  Even if it is something as simple as I got them all to lunch on time or I put my attendance in on time at least one day? (LOL!) No accomplishment is too small because those small accomplishments will keep on growing into larger ones.  Once you put these things down on paper, you will realize you have done so much more than you ever thought already. 

2. Make a List and Prioritize Task

As a teacher, there will always be more things on your to-do list than there is time to accomplish those things.  It is just a reality of the job.  But you have to find a way to prioritize  those things you need to accomplish everyday or you will quickly be overwhelmed by it all.  

Making list and learning what is most important takes time, but if you start the habit now of doing this, it will help you so much.  It took me several years to learn this, but it has so changed my life and my teaching. 

If you want to learn more about how to do this then check out Angela Watson’s  blog post 7 Ways to Prioritize Teaching Task When Everything Feels Urgent.  She offers some great advice on how to get started with this. 

3. You Can't Do It All and That's OK

I know I said this in an earlier post, but feel it must be said again.  You can’t do it all!  I know you have seen all the amazing ideas on Pinterest and all over the Internet.  So many fun amazing ideas you want to try.  But right now is not the time to overwhelm yourself.  Pick a couple of these ideas to implement throughtout the year and then just file away those others for another time.  There will come a time when you will feel better prepared to implement some of these ideas that take much more prep time, but your first year may not be the time. Take time now to work on learning your content and working on your classroom management.  

Now is also the time to learn to say “No” to things as well.  I even have to work on that still.  Just recently an opportunity arose that I could have taken a part in.  My first thought was “yes, I think I will do that ” but then I stopped myself.  I thought about what I am already a part of this year.  Those areas I have already to chosen to be a part in are where I want my time and energy to go.  If I say yes to something else, I will not be able to put the time needed into the things I have already committed to.  So, the answer had to be no, not at this time.  And that is completely OK. 

4. Take Time for Yourself

This is probably one of the hardest things of all for teachers.  With all the things we feel we need to do, we find ourselves either working on all the school things or thinking about all the school things.  You have got to learn to seperate yourself from your job and turn off the teacher brain.  Take time to do things that have nothing to do with your job.  Go out with friends and family. Read a book (that has nothing to do with teaching!) Go for a walk or exercise.  Bake something.  Go do whatever it is that you enjoy that has nothing to do with teacher.  Trust me- it will actually make you a much better teacher because if you do this, when you do come back to work on your ‘teachery things” you will be able to face them from a much calmer and happier place. 

5. Take it One Day at a Time

Everyday is a new day.  So maybe today felt like a total disaster.  Nothing went right and the kids just about drove you crazy.  It is Ok.  Take a moment to reflect on what went wrong,  Make a plan on how you can things differently tomorrow. Then move on. Don’t dwell on it.  Even veteran teachers have days where it all falls apart.  It’s life.  Remember tomorrow is a new day to try again. 

I hope you have found some encouragement to help you through those difficult first few months of teaching.  Remember- you are not alone.  Surround yourself with those who wll build you up, let you cry on their shoulders and vent, and help keep you going.  And one day you will be the one helping that new teacher as he or she is trying to make it through that first year!

Until Next Time,