As I was driving home the other day, I was reflecting on my first ten years of teaching. In part, my career is what I expected: I knew I would teach English, knew I would pursue advanced degrees, and knew I would struggle along the way. Others parts of my career have been unexpected: Moore English, for example, was not part of the original plan. So often when we think of our past, we go back to the beginning. As I was driving home, I wondered what advice I wish I would have heard as a new teacher.
There is plenty of internet advice for new teachers. Heck, I’ve even written a couple posts about being a new teacher:
- 10 Tips for New Teachers
- 2 Tough Truths for New Teachers
- 11 Solutions for New Teacher Struggles
- How to Know if Teaching is the Career for You
And while I stand by everything I’ve shared for new teachers, I think the amount of information thrown at new teachers is overwhelming. So today I want to boil my advice down to two words: “relationships” and “sustainable.” These are two words every new teacher should wear on their sleeves, and learning them will make that first year a little better.
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Dear New Teacher: Build Relationships
This one is a cliche for a reason. But schools and classrooms run on relationships. Yes, it is important to build relationships with your students. But it is also important to build relationships with parents, co-workers, librarians, administrators, and support staff. Especially support staff.
The first year of teaching is unique and difficult and special and exhausting. Sometimes you’re going to need a pep talk, a pick-me-up, a reminder, a mentor, a sounding board, and a handyman. Find these people in your building and invest in those relationships.
Working with these people will help fill your bucket. Keeping your bucket full is how you help your students fill their buckets. As a teacher, it’s sometimes easier to build relationships with students rather than with adults. But, trust me, the adult community is what you need. Your students will eventually graduate and move on, but you will continually need the other adults in your building.
Dear New Teacher: Keep it Sustainable
More than anything, this is what I needed to hear as a new teacher. Because the first year of teaching is so exciting, you (like me) might want to try everything, join ever committee, coach every team, plan each community event, attend every professional development session. Keep that enthusiasm!
However, remember that teaching is a marathon, so remember to approach your actions with sustainability in mind. It is not sustainable to martyr yourself or to constantly burn the candle at both ends. Instead, learn when to say yes and how to say no, thanks.
Think about your classroom. The procedures you choose have to be sustainable otherwise they will not work. The same is true with every facet of your career. The relationships you build are important, but they have to be sustainable. Setting boundaries is crucial, but they have to be sustainable. Instructional excellence is always the aspiration, but your work-life balance also has to be protected.
Because this is something I’m working on, I have a few adages or words of wisdom that help me say sustainable:
- “Not my pig, not my farm.” If you see an injustice occurring, please speak up. However, if something is just not to your liking but still works, it’s okay to walk away.
- “Satisficing.” This one was a game changer for me. Not every lesson can be Pinterest-perfect, but each one can satisfice to meet your ultimate goal.
- “Progress over perfection.” We tell students this all the time, but it’s true for teachers, too!
- “Thanks for thinking of me, but my plate is as full as I’d like.” I saw this on Instagram from @themollygalbraith, and I cannot stop thinking about it!
What other words would you offer to new teachers?
