Being overwhelmed as a new teacher isn’t unusual – in fact, we hear it A LOT from the early career teachers we support and mentor inside Transform Your First Years.
However, feeling like you are drowning is not a rite of passage for a new teacher. We know there is so much to think about and get your head around, but like anything, the art of teaching develops with experience and time.
You are probably doing a much better job than you think.
Here are 6 guidelines to help you succeed (side note: you are probably already implementing some of them, which means you are doing an awesome job:
Don’t start from scratch
You probably hear teachers say over and over, “don’t reinvent the wheel”, but it is true! There is no need to start everything from scratch or develop new ideas. Just use what (and who) you already have access to!
You are making a difference
There may be some students you cannot connect with, but this doesn’t mean you’re not making a difference. Keep doing your best! Teachers change lives (even when they don’t know it).
Take your sick days
If you are sick (that includes being super tired or starting to feel burned out) – take a day off! Everything will carry on without you, and you are doing your students a favour by choosing to be rested and healthy when you are teaching them.
Reconsider taking work home
If you’re constantly taking work home, it can lead to burnout and fatigue. It’s important to set boundaries and give yourself time to rest and recharge so you can come to school each day with renewed energy and focus. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as your work!
(Psst: We have a blog post about ways to leave work on time. Check it out here).
Make connections
Students will remember YOU – not the lessons you teach.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
The best PD is the teacher down the hall
The best professional learning is often in the classroom next door. Ask your colleagues questions, share units of work and exchange ideas. Schools are full of experienced teachers that can offer valuable insights.
Teaching takes time, and even the most experienced teachers can feel overwhelmed at times.
Take these ideas on board, but more importantly, remember you are showing up each day and trying your best – your students are lucky to have you!
One more thing before you go…
Do you wonder how experienced teachers do ‘All the Things?”
You can too with…
TRANSFORM YOUR FIRST YEARS
Discover the Secret to Actually Staying On Top of Everything in the Classroom, including Lesson Planning, Behaviour and Time Management—Without Overwhelm or Confusion.
In Transform Your First Years, we provide you with everything you need to know (from templates, checklists, to resources)—so you can finally stay on top of the teaching workload using a proven approach that works!
We only open the doors twice a year – click here to jump on the waitlist so you don’t miss out!
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