January 2nd, 2015 marks the end of my first year of teaching. What a year, filled with ups and downs, tears and smiles and most influential, lessons learned. I was fortunate to see two groups of young scholars grow as readers, writers, thinkers and leaders during my first year. Nothing ignites my passion for education more than seeing scholars fall in love with reading, thinking, learning, and leading.
This first year of teaching has been the most challenging of my life, in so many ways. Those challenges pushed me to what I thought were my limits countless times, then I learned I had new limits.
The challenges of my first year of teaching, not only pushed me, but taught me so much.
You're going to make mistakes. I spent the majority of my first year attempting to avoid any possible mistake I might make. I spent endless hours thinking what could go wrong to avoid it happening. It was exhausting. This year I've learned to trust myself and my decision making.
You can over-plan. This year I've spent countless hours on Sundays planning out my week step by step - to avoid any mistakes. I can't get back the time I should have been spending with my husband or taking care of myself in other ways.
Don't forget to pee. That's self explanatory. Teachers, we have the strongest bladders of anyone out there.
Take care of yourself. This a big one. When you're a perfectionist, trying to avoid mistakes, and putting all you having into your job, YOU get lost. While the job is demanding, I learned I need to take time for myself to do something I love, besides teach! Am I perfect at this now? No way, but I try my hardest. If you don't take care of yourself, you're useless to those you need to take care of.
A deep breath can go a long way. I like to think that breathing changed my life. In college I suffered from an anxiety disorder. When I sought help, I wasn't told to take medication, I was taught how to breathe and how to meditate. This one goes along with taking care of yourself, just breathe.
Put your family first. My husband is my number one supporter. I never want to experience the regret of missing time with my husband and our future children.
Finding a balance that works is hard, but worth it.
Guess what 2nd year of teaching?
Push me, challenge me - I'm ready for you!
I'd love to hear from you - what lessons did you learn your first year of teaching?
